UNDP Jobs - 9204- Consultant: International Consultant for Environme

Consultant: International Consultant for Environment Programme Evaluation

Location :

Vientiane, LAO PDR

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

27-Apr-2009

Application Deadline :

27-Mar-09 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

Duration of Initial Contract :

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

22-25 days

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

Within the framework of the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) and in line with UNDP Strategic Plan and Country Programme Action Plan (CPAP) Outcome 1: Improved and equitable access to land, markets and social and economic services, environmentally sustainable utilization of natural resources, UNDP has provided supported the Government of Lao PDR to, firstly, to enhance knowledge and management capacity and strengthen the role of biodiversity, agrobiodiversity, land management and environment in livelihood improvements and poverty reduction (output 1.2); and secondly, to enhance the capacity of the Government in meeting its international environmental obligations through strengthened implementation of MEAs and related national policies and legislation (output 1.3).Project activities implemented have included supporting the establishment of an issue-based approach to multilateral environmental agreements (MEA) implementation, developing the National Capacity Needs Self Assessment (NCSA) for Global Environment Management, and developing the National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA) to Climate Change. With project activities currently in their closing phase and an anticipated expansion of UNDP support to the environment, UNDP is currently looking for a qualified professional consultant to realize an independent evaluation, who will be supported by one Lao National Consultant.

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of Evaluation: the scope of the independent evaluation is fourfold:

Evaluate the support of UNDP Lao PDR CO to environment;
Evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness, and technical and administrative soundness, of UNDP Lao PDR CO?s support to environment (NCSA, NAPA and MEA projects);
Identify and prioritize the key components of a continued programme of support to CPAP Outcome 1 (output 1.2 and 1.3) in the area of environmental governance by the UNDP/UNEP Environment Unit; and
Review and assess the relevance and effectiveness of donor support to sound environmental management.

Expected outputs:

inception report;
Draft Report;
Final Report in English with summary in Lao and English

Competencies

Proven and extensive international experience in leading and managing environment and development assistance
Experience in UNDP/GEF project assessment/evaluation and project formulation/design
Strong drafting and analytical skills
Thorough knowledge of - and experience with - M&E
Strong background in development support with a special focus on implementation and management in transitional environments

Required Skills and Experience

Environmental governance technical resource person with appropriate post-graduate qualifications and at least 8 years relevant experience
Strong background in development support with a special focus on implementation and management in transitional environments
Knowledge of and familiarity with impact and performance assessment methodologies
Excellent in English report writing and communication skills