Technical Reporting & Review Consultant

Summary

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global authority on environmental issues, driving international efforts toward sustainable development. It coordinates environmental policies, monitors global trends, and raises awareness of emerging challenges to inspire action. Within UNEP, the Ecosystems Division works with global and national partners to provide technical assistance, build capacity, and improve environmental management, particularly in developing and transitioning economies.

The GEF Biodiversity and Land Degradation Unit within the Biodiversity and Land Branch serves as UNEP's implementing agency for Global Environment Facility (GEF)-funded projects. Managing over 200 projects worldwide, the unit focuses on biodiversity conservation, land degradation prevention, and environmental sustainability.

As part of GEF-8's replenishment commitments, the GEF Secretariat (GEFSEC) conducts annual bilateral exchanges with UNEP to review project progress, challenges, and risks. These discussions help identify projects requiring adaptive management or corrective actions to maximize GEF investments. Key priorities include accelerating operational processes, enhancing portfolio management, and ensuring projects meet performance targets. The exchanges also focus on improving disbursement efficiency, strengthening monitoring and evaluation, and facilitating timely project closure.

According to the GEF Scorecard, approximately 50 projects require Mid-Term Reviews, Terminal Reviews, and Terminal Evaluations, including the submission of final reports to the portal. To ensure project effectiveness, GEF projects undergo internal reviews at key stages. A Mid-Term Review assesses progress and recommends necessary adjustments, while a Terminal Review at project completion evaluates outcomes and lessons learned.

Objective of the Consultancy

The GEF Biodiversity and Land Degradation Unit is therefore seeking to recruit a Technical Reporting and Review Consultant to facilitate the timely implementation of Mid-Term Reviews, Terminal Reviews, and Terminal Evaluations.

Key Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include conducting technical reporting, research, and data analysis, drafting Terms of Reference, and uploading relevant Review and Evaluation reports to the GEF portal. This role aims to improve portfolio compliance with GEF Scorecard metrics and facilitate the timely closure of Enabling Activities projects.

Specific Responsibilities

Data Analysis & Portfolio Review

• Assess existing databases and portfolio records to ensure the accuracy and completeness of scorecard data.
• Collaborate with project task managers to verify relevant data, categorize projects by thematic focus, and identify key lessons learned.
• Recommend process improvements to streamline reporting and establish clear timelines for report submissions.

Action Plan Development

• Develop a comprehensive action plan outlining necessary steps for each project, including timelines, responsible stakeholders, and corrective actions.
• Define specific tasks for key stakeholders, such as task managers and other counterparts.

Terms of Reference Development

• Draft Terms of Reference for Mid-Term Reviews and Terminal Reviews based on project documents and technical materials.
• Consult with the Senior Programme Assistant to ensure alignment with UNEP evaluation requirements, facilitating consultant recruitment and review completion.

Review Process Oversight & Reporting

• Provide regular updates on the drafting process, identify challenges, and collaborate with the team to implement solutions.
• Upload finalized Mid-Term Reviews, Terminal Reviews, and Terminal Evaluation reports to the GEF portal.

Finalization & Submission of Reports

• Conduct a final verification of reports before Portfolio Manager approval and upload them to the GEF portal.
• Update the tracking system as required and share the relevant data with the Knowledge Management team to upload their recommendations to the online Reviews and Evaluations system.

Progress Monitoring & Reporting

• Prepare monthly reports for the Portfolio Manager and team, summarizing progress, challenges, and recommendations.
• Develop brief presentations to update the portfolio team and seek guidance as needed.

Process Optimization & Future Strategy Development

• Identify and implement strategies to resolve outstanding issues in project reporting and closure.

Final Review Process Report

• Upon assignment completion, produce a report summarizing the review process and recommend a structured approach for streamlining future reviews.

Reporting & Work Arrangement

• The consultant will collaborate closely with Task Managers and Programme Assistants under the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Assistant and the overall guidance of the Portfolio Manager of the GEF Biodiversity and Land Degradation Unit in Nairobi.

Qualifications / special skills

Education Qualifications:

• A minimum Master’s Degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Ecology, Project Management, or a related field is required.
• Alternatively, a bachelor’s degree combined with two years of additional professional and academic experience may be accepted in place of the advanced degree.

Work Experience:

• A minimum of three years of experience in technical report drafting, with expertise in project management, analysis, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation of environmental programs, is required.
• Experience with GEF, UNEP, or other multilateral environmental project reporting is an asset.
• Strong skills in technical writing, drafting, data interpretation, and reporting are highly desirable.

NO FEE

THE 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.

Skills Required:

• Environmental / Natural / Resource
• Social / Science / Project / Management / Development