International Evaluation Consultant - Climate Change - GHOUTA, Syria

Result of ServiceThe evaluation objective is to assess, as systematically and objectively as possible the relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, sustainability, impact outlook and coherence of the project. The sharing of evaluation results from this evaluation will inform UN-Habitat, UNDP, FAO, Adaptation Fund Board, Ministry of Local Administration and Environment (MOLAE) and other stakeholders on what worked well, what did not work well and why. Work LocationHome-based Expected duration1.5 Months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe United Nations Human Settlements Program, UN-Habitat, is the United Nations agency for human settlements. It is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable communities, towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. It supports Member States in the development of sustainable cities and human settlements through its normative and operational work at global, regional, national and local levels. By working at all levels and with relevant stakeholders and partners, UN-Habitat contributes to linking policy development and capacity-building activities with a view to promoting cohesive and mutually reinforcing social, economic and environmental policies and programs in human settlements in conformity with international practices and covenants. UN-Habitat also leads and coordinates the monitoring of and reporting on global progress in the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 of making cities and human settlements inclusive, safer, resilient and sustainable. Other global agreements support UN-Habitat’s work including the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. The Conference of the Parties (COP) of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) established and launched the Adaptation Fund in 2007. The fund is to finance concrete adoption projects and programmes in developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to adverse effects of climate change. The fund’s projects and activities aim at building national and local adaptation capacities while reaching and engaging with the most vulnerable groups. The Syrian Arab Republic is highly vulnerable to the effects of global warming and climate change in its various dimensions. This is manifested in various climatic phenomena, but alarming are the increasing temperatures and droughts, already in the short term, and projected reduction of precipitation, mainly in the long term. The effects of these climatic phenomena impact all social and economic sectors and represent a threat to livelihoods, agricultural productivity, water availability and community health. The crisis has exacerbated these threats since it led to a weak and deteriorating adaptive capacity resulting from damaged infrastructure, limited institutional capacity, the rapid resettlement of displaced people, returnees and the high level of poverty. Given the above context, the proposed Adaptation Fund (AF) project aims to reduce vulnerabilities to water availability challenges in one of the most vulnerable areas in Syria: Eastern Ghouta. To manage water and land resources efficiently, also considering future climate change risks and population trends in this area, an integrated natural resource management strategy will be developed. These Terms of Reference (TOR) form the basis and provide direction for final evaluation of increasing the climate change resilience of communities in Eastern Ghouta in Rural Damascus to water scarcity challenges through integrated natural resource management and immediate adaptation interventions project. The project is funded by Adaptation Fund with a total budget of US$ 9,997,156. The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is the main implementing entity working in collaboration with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) as executing entities. The project started in July 2021 and will end in April 2025. The evaluation is in accordance with Adaptation Fund M&E guidelines and UN-Habitat Evaluation Framework and was specified in the project document. Under the supervision of the Chief, Independent Evaluation Unit, the consultant will perform these tasks: (i) Assess the performance of the project in terms of achievement of the results at objective, expected accomplishment (outcome) and output levels; (ii) Assess the relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, sustainability, impact and coherence of the project in improving conditions of the target communities; (iii) Assess project management modalities, appropriateness of partnerships, working arrangements, adequacy of resources and how these may have impacted on the effectiveness of the project; (iv) Assess how cross-cutting issues such as gender equality, youth and human rights were integrated in the project; (v) Identify lessons learned and make strategic, programmatic and management recommendations on what further needs to be done to effectively promote and increased climate resilience of communities in Eastern Ghouta in Rural Damascus. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced academic degree in political sciences, communication, information technology, sociology or another relevant field is required. In lieue of an advanced degree, a related Bachelors degree with additional 2 years work experience would be considered. At least 7 years knowledgeable about Adaptation Fund operations and strategy, and about its relevance in the UN system and its accountability framework. Extensive evaluation experience with ability to present credible findings derived from evidence and putting conclusions and recommendations supported by evidence of findings. Knowledge in climate change issues; Having evaluated Adaption Fund project would be an added advantage and is desirable. Knowledge and understanding of UN-Habitat mandate and its operations is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in written and oral English is required. 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.