A Mid-term Review report of the SIP.
Home-Based
26 September 2022 to 25 April 2023
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental 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. The Minamata Convention on Mercury is a global treaty to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of mercury. The Convention was adopted in Kumamoto, Japan in 2013 and came into effect in 2017. The Secretariat functions of the Convention are performed by the UNEP. This post is located in the Secretariat of the Minamata Convention in Geneva.
Article 13 of the Minamata Convention on Mercury defines a mechanism for the provision of adequate, predictable and timely financial resources to support developing-country parties and parties with economies in transition in implementing their obligations under the Convention. The mechanism is comprised of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) trust fund and the Specific International Programme (SIP) to support capacity-building and technical assistance. The SIP is administered by UNEP through the Secretariat of the Minamata Convention on Mercury under the oversight of the SIP Governing Board which implements its guidance, including decision-making on projects and project management.
In decision MC-1/6, the Conference of the Parties established guidance on the operations of and duration of the SIP and establishment of its Terms of Reference and Governing Board. Its Rules of Procedure were adopted by the Governing Board at its first meeting in 2018 and completed at its third meeting. The Specific Trust Fund was established in January 2018 and is open to receive contributions from governments, the private sector, foundations, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, academia, and civil society organizations. Applications for support can be accepted for a period of 10 years, until 2028, which the Conference of the Parties could decide to extend for a period not exceeding an additional seven years.
The SIP is mandated to ensure complementarity and avoid duplication with other existing arrangements to provide capacity-building and technical support, in particular GEF and the Special Programme to support institutional strengthening at the national level for implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions, the Minamata Convention and the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management, as well as other existing assistance frameworks, and be consistent with the integrated approach to financing the sound management of chemicals and waste.
The purpose of this consultancy is to undertake a mid-term Review of the SIP.
Under the overall supervision of the Programme Management Officer for Capacity Building and Technical Assistance of the Minamata Convention Secretariat, the consultant will prepare:
• Inception Report: this will be in the form of a PowerPoint presentation and supporting documentation, to be presented to the SIP Governing Board. It will contain the review framework, procedures, and tentative review schedule.
• Draft and final survey instruments: three instruments as described above, unless mutually agreed otherwise by the Secretariat and the consultant.
• Preliminary Findings Note: typically, in the form of a PowerPoint presentation. This will be presented to the Secretariat, in draft form, and to the SIP Governing Board in final form. It provides an opportunity for early comments and feedback with respect to preliminary findings before preparation of a formal draft report.
• Draft and Final Review Report: containing an executive summary that can act as a stand-alone document; synthesized analysis of the review findings organised by review criteria and supported with evidence; lessons learned and recommendations. The report will be no longer than 30 pages, excluding the executive summary and annexes, and will be to the point and written in plain English. It will explain the purpose of the review, the methodology used, and evidence-based and balanced findings covering the review criteria set forth in “Objectives and Scope” above, consequent conclusions, lessons learned and recommendations. The report will be presented in a way that makes the information accessible and comprehensible.
Academic Qualifications: Advanced university degree in environmental sciences, international development or other relevant political or social sciences area.
The consultant certifies that he/she has not been associated with the design and implementation of the SIP in any way which may jeopardize their independence and impartiality towards achievements and performance. In addition, he/she will not have any future interests (within six months after completion of the contract) with the work of the SIP.
The consultant agrees not to disclose information from non-public applications and reports to third parties beyond information required for, and included in, the evaluations and review.
Experience: A minimum of 10 years of technical / evaluation experience, including of evaluating large, regional or global programmes and using a Theory of Change approach; a broad understanding of issues relating to international chemicals management. Knowledge of the UN system, specifically of the work of UN Environment Programme, is helpful.
Language: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, proficiency in English, along with excellent writing skills in English is required.
Mid Term Review Terms of Reference (See Section 3 of ST/AI/2013/4; use additional pages if necessary)
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.