Evaluation Consultant (SDG15)

Overview

Assess FAO's contributions towards achieving SDG15 effectively.

You have:

• University degree in sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, environmental management, or other relevant areas.
• At least 5 years of relevant evaluation experience, preferably with international development organizations.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English and Portuguese, and limited knowledge (level B) of one of the other FAO languages.

Organizational Setting

The evaluation is part of the Indicative Rolling work plan for evaluations endorsed by the FAO Programme Committee at its 132nd session. In accordance with the workplan, the evaluation of FAO’s support to life on land (SDG 15), is to be presented to the Programme Committee at its Spring session in 2023. The main purpose of this evaluation is to provide FAO management and governing bodies with an objective assessment of the contributions made by FAO towards achieving the SDG15. The evaluation analysis will include country-based studies to be performed by local evaluation consultants. The FAO Office of Evaluation (OED) will identify suitable evaluation consultants with the support of FAO country representation offices in selected countries.

Reporting Lines

The evaluation consultant would perform his/her duties under the direct supervision of the Evaluation Manager and the Senior Evaluation Officer of the FAO Office of Evaluation.

Technical Focus

The overall objective of the evaluation of FAO’s contributions towards SDG15 is to assess the extent to which FAO is adopting a coherent, transformative and collaborative approach in support of SDG2. This would include:

• Assessing the relevance and effectiveness of FAO’s past and present work in SDG15-related areas and identify good practices that could be expanded and/or potential areas for improvement.
• Assessing the FAO’s role and its comparative strengths and weaknesses in delivering support to Member Nations in achieving the SDG15, and the institutional capacities, processes and programming of FAO that effectively contribute towards achievement of SDG15 targets;
• Provide relevant and timely input into the decision-making on formulation of the FAO’s programmes and delivery mechanisms towards enhancing FAO’s capacity to plan, deliver, track and communicate its support to SDG 15;
• Exploring potential areas for collaboration in order to forge inclusive and innovative partnerships in support of SDG 15, including with private sector and civil society actors.

The evaluation will rely on multiple sources for data collection and mixed-methods for analysis, validation and triangulation of evidence against the evaluation questions. This would include: a) review of documents produced by FAO and partners; b) synthesis of evidence from prior evaluations on SDG 15-related areas; c) semi-structured interviews with FAO staff and external stakeholders; d) survey with FAO staff and external stakeholders; e) in-depth country case studies; and f) workshops for data analysis and validation.

Tasks and responsibilities

The consultant selected will undertake the following tasks:

• Review key documentation and scientific literature related to FAO contributions towards SDG 15;
• Develop the methodological approach, based on the evaluation Terms of Reference;
• Develop evaluation tools, including questionnaires, check-lists and interview protocols;
• Lead country-level data collection and analysis and undertake visits to relevant project sites;
• Author country case study and relevant parts of the evaluation report in their respective areas of expertise; and
• Support the Evaluation Manager in finalizing the evaluation report.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, environmental management, sustainable management of natural resources (land, forests, ecosystems), agricultural research, innovation in agriculture, or other relevant areas;
• At least 5 years of relevant evaluation experience, preferably with international development organizations;
• Working knowledge (level C) of English and Portuguese, and limited knowledge (level B) of one of the other FAO languages.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Substantial understanding of the 2030 Agenda and of the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Significant experience in SDG15-related thematic areas, including, but not limited to conservation of biodiversity; sustainable use of ecosystems; sustainable forest and land management; environmental protection and climate change adaptation; sustainable food and agriculture, fisheries, and livestock production; gender, youth and social inclusion issues;
• Proven ability for holistic thinking, capacity to balance specialized expertise with generalist skills, and an understanding of trade-offs and synergies between equity, sustainability, social and economic development.
• Previous experience in conducting or participating in thematic and strategic evaluations.
• Effective communication and team working skills, i.e. active listening, ability to speak and write in a clear and concise manner, reliability in meeting commitments.
• Familiarity and prior experience in relevant thematic areas, including, but not limited to conservation of biodiversity, including all aspects of biodiversity, (e.g. biodiversity and agriculture, crop and livestock genetic diversity, etc.); sustainable use of ecosystems; sustainable forest and land management; environmental protection and climate change adaptation; sustainable food and agriculture, fisheries, and livestock production; gender, youth and social inclusion issues;

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Potential interview questions

Added 4 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: fao.org