Strategic External Reviewer

Result of ServiceThe Strategic External Review (SER) will take stock, review and assess the achievements and shortcomings of the Alliance and its resources and operations since its creation, within the scope of the GACERE Concept Note as well as within the broader evolving global policy and political landscape. Drawing from those, the SER will formulate strategic recommendations on the Alliance’s future focus, its member engagement modalities, funding and operational aspects. The SER would comprise for example: - Mapping of existing government-led circular economy networks/alliances/coalitions; - Quality and relevance of GACERE knowledge creation and dissemination; - Quality and relevance GACERE engagement in multilateral and political fora; - Relevance of GACERE working areas; - Functioning and operating modalities of the Alliance; - Engagement and role of the strategic partners; - Main successes and emerging challenges; - Documentation of both perceived and expected added-value of GACERE; - Any need for corrective action, improvements or reorientation. The consultant will prepare an Inception Report, a Preliminary Findings Note, a Draft and Final Review Report and a Table of Recommendations. Work LocationHome based Expected duration3 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environment authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Within the Industry and Economy Division, the Resources and Markets Branch is focused on resource efficiency, inclusive green economy, and circularity. The aim of this consultancy is to conduct an external review of the achievements and functioning of the Global Alliance on Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency (GACERE) initiative. GACERE is an alliance of governments at the global level willing to work together on and advocate for a global just circular economy transition and more sustainable management of natural resources at the political level and in multilateral fora. GACERE was launched in February 2021, in the margins of the first segment of fifth United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.1). GACERE operations are supported by UNEP and UNIDO. The overall objective of this external strategic review is to improve the impact of the Alliance by enhancing the outreach of GACERE work, through an improved and targeted presence of the Alliance at political level in relevant regional and sectoral discussions and pro-active engagement of its members to disseminate GACERE knowledge and experience. The is is part-time, home-based position. Under the supervision of the Programme Officer managing the GACERE initiative in UNEP (hereafter Programme Officer), the incumbent will have the following responsibilities: 1. Draft Inception Report and submit to the Programme Officer for review and approval 2. Online interviews and other consultations with stakeholders, surveys etc. 3. PowerPoint presentation on preliminary findings and recommendations. The sharing of preliminary findings is intended to support the participation of the UNEP project team, act as a means to ensure all information sources have been accessed and provide an opportunity to verify emerging findings. 4. Draft External Review report submitted to the Programme Officer. 5. Draft Report incorporating the Programme Officer comments shared with the wider group of stakeholders 6. Consolidated draft Review Report incorporating feedback provided by relevant stakeholders shared with the Programme Officer. 7. Final Main Review Report shared with all relevant stakeholders. The consultant will liaise with the Programme Officer on any procedural and methodological matters related to the External Review. It is, however, the consultant's individual responsibility (where applicable) to arrange for their travel, visa, obtain documentary evidence, identify relevant stakeholders (with assistance from the UNEP team), plan meetings, organize online surveys, and any other logistical matters related to the assignment. The Programme Officer in charge and project team will, where possible, provide support (introductions with relevant stakeholders, suggestions of data sources etc.) allowing the External Review Consultant to conduct the review as efficiently and independently as possible. The Strategic External Review will use a participatory approach whereby key stakeholders are kept informed and consulted throughout the review process. Both quantitative and qualitative review methods will be used as appropriate to determine initiative achievements against the expected outputs, outcomes and impacts. Qualifications/special skillsEducation Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental management, international development, management, business administration, or other relevant political or social sciences area is required. Work Experience - A minimum of 7 years of programme evaluation experience is required, preferably including evaluating large, regional or global programmes and using a Theory of Change approach. - An excellent understanding of resource efficiency and/or circular economy policy development is desired. - Experience in evaluating intergovernmental initiatives is an added advantage. Please describe how you meet the required 7 years of programme evaluation experience, preferably evaluating intergovernmental initiatives. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of Spanish is an advantage. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.