Antecedentes

The GEF Coastal Forest project document was endorsed in March 2010. The inception period started with negotiations on implementation arrangement culminating to the signing of MOU between MNRT, DCCFF and WWF on 9^th April 2010 followed by recruitment of project staff including the appointment of the National Project Manager. Due to anticipated changes as a result of General elections in October 2010, it was agreed to delay official project launching until early 2011. Separate launching events were conducted in the Mainland on 25^th May 2011 and Zanzibar31^st May 2011. The project started its effective implementation from January 2011.

In accordance with UNDP and GEF M&E policies and procedures, all full and medium-sized UNDP supported GEF financed projects are required to undergo a midterm evaluation at approximately half way through the project implementation phase.

The objectives for Project Evaluation at the Mid-Term level are:

• To monitor and evaluate results and any early indication of impact from project implementation;
• To strengthen the adaptive management and monitoring functions of the project, so as to provide a basis for decision making on necessary amendments and improvements;
• To ensure accountability of resource use; and
• To document, provide feedback on, and disseminate lessons learned, so as to enhance organizational and development learning around the project.

Deberes y responsabilidades

The National Consultant will report to both MTE Team Leader and UNDP Deputy Country Director (Programme) through the Programme Specialist - Environment and Natural Resources. 

The environment team at UNDP CO will provide support to the development of the evaluation work plan in consultation with key project partners

 The project team (PMU) will serve as the reference group for the evaluation and ensure the monitoring of satisfactory completion of evaluation deliverables. UNDP will provide office space and access to office services such as, internet and printing. Evaluators should provide their own computer and communications equipment.

An assessment of project performance will be carried out, based against expectations set out in the Project Logical Framework/Results Framework, which provides performance and impact indicators for project implementation along with their corresponding means of verification. The evaluation will at a minimum cover the criteria of: relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability and impact.

The Evaluation team will assess the key financial aspects of the project, including the extent of co-financing planned and realized. Project cost and funding data will be required, including annual expenditures. Variances between planned and actual expenditures will need to be assessed and explained.

The evaluators will assess the extent to which the project is achieving impacts or progressing towards the achievement of impacts. Key findings that should be brought out in the evaluations include whether the project has demonstrated: a) verifiable improvements in ecological status, b) verifiable reductions in stress on ecological systems, and/or c) demonstrated progress towards these impact achievements.

In consultation with the Evaluation Team Leader and as requested, the PMU personnel will make available all relevant documentation and provide contact information to key project partners and stakeholders, and facilitate contact where needed. The team will also assist in organizing any briefing de-briefing meetings including coordination of stakeholders input in the evaluation draft report.

Competencias

• Strong research and analysis skills
• Proven ability to plan, organize and effectively implement activities.
• Ability to coordinate and work in teams, as well as in complex environments.
• Proven experience in participatory processes, and in facilitating dialogue between Government, Development partners, private sector and civil society.
• Strong communication and advocacy skills.
• Understanding of UNDP/GEF functioning and reporting procedures.
• Prior involvement in evaluation of UNDP/GEF funded projects in the region would be an advantage.

Habilidades y experiencia requeridas

• Demonstrated experience and strong knowledge in REDD+ and related areas in Tanzania, such as general forest management, MARV, Participatory Forest Management (PFM), Payment for Environmental Services (PES);
• Experience in the evaluation of development assistance programmes and projects, preferably in the climate change area;
• Broad knowledge of climate change mitigation and/or adaptation in Tanzania;
• Broad knowledge of political and economic development in Tanzania and how REDD+ fits in with that;
• Excellent organizational skills;

Education:

• At least a Masters’ Degree in a Social Science or other relevant area.

• Minimum 8 year’s work experience in the forestry and natural resources management;
• Familiarity with project implementation in complex multi donor-funded projects.

• Fluency in the English language and excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Fluent written and spoken English and Kiswahili.