Result of ServiceThe report will assess the project’s progress toward achieving its intended outcomes, identify key strengths and areas for improvement, and offer practical, actionable recommendations to enhance project performance for the remainder of the implementation period. The findings will inform strategic decision-making by UNEP and stakeholders, support adaptive management, ensure accountability to the GEF and project partners, and contribute to broader learning for similar energy efficiency and sustainable cooling interventions. The final deliverables, including the MTR report, stakeholder presentation slides, and other supporting materials, will contribute to improving the effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of project implementation in line with UNEP’s Programme of Work. Work LocationRemote Expected duration6 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesUN Environment Programme (UNEP) leads the United for Efficiency (U4E) initiative, which was launched in 2014 to help developing and emerging markets quickly and comprehensively transition to energy-efficient lighting, room air conditioners, household refrigerators, electric motors and transformers. A well-designed set of policies can help transform these markets by enabling them to leapfrog past outdated technologies to superior, cost-effective alternatives. The initiative is funded by various multilateral funds, overseas development aid programmes and the philanthropic community with in-kind support from partners, including industry, international organizations and civil society. In national and regional projects around the world, U4E promotes an Integrated Policy Approach that includes minimum energy performance standards (MEPS); product labelling and communications; financial mechanisms; market monitoring, verification of product performance and enforcement of regulations (MVE); and environmentally sound management (ESM) and safe handling of products. Neighboring countries are encouraged to align policies and collaborate whenever practicable. When working together, countries can lower administrative and compliance costs by minimizing duplicative testing, coordinating inspection of products as they cross borders, requiring the same information on product labels, and so on. U4E has a diverse and growing portfolio of activities around the world. U4E is seeking to recruit a Mid-Term Review Consultant to support the management-led review of the U4E global project: \"Accelerating the Global Shift to Energy-Efficient and Climate-Friendly Appliances and Equipment\". This review is part of UNEP’s 2022–2025 Programme of Work under the Climate Change Sub-programme, specifically contributing to Output 2.4.1: “Number of countries supported to implement policies, regulations or standards for low-emission energy technologies and energy efficiency.” This review is part of UNEP’s evaluation and project management procedures and is aimed at assessing the project’s progress towards its expected outputs and outcomes. The mid-term review will serve as a key learning and accountability tool to assess the project's implementation progress, identify challenges and risks, evaluate the project’s relevance and performance against its objectives, and provide actionable recommendations to improve its impact in the second half of its implementation cycle. The review is also an internal UNEP requirement and will inform strategic and operational decision-making. The review is designed to ensure accountability and inform operational learning and adaptation. It will assess the project’s relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, likelihood of impact, and sustainability, while also capturing early results, identifying challenges, and gathering lessons learned for UNEP and partners, including implementing governments and regional stakeholders. Furthermore, the consultant will be responsible for the following specific tasks: • Conduct a review and analysis of the Project Document, logical framework, annual work plans, progress reports, PIRs, budget and expenditure reports, and any relevant evaluation reports or partner documents. • Develop an Inception Report, outlining a detailed methodology, work plan, reconstructed Theory of Change, and a stakeholder engagement plan. • Plan and conduct stakeholder consultations to gather evidence and perspectives, including virtual interviews with UNEP personnel (staff, consultants and contractors), implementing and executing partners, national counterparts, and regional stakeholders involved in project implementation. • Assess project progress and performance against the criteria of relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and likelihood of impact, based on UNEP’s evaluation framework. • Identify and analyze risks, bottlenecks, and good practices affecting project implementation, form recommendations for adjustments in implementation and results delivery. • Prepare a Draft Mid-Term Review (MTR) Report in English, including findings, ratings, lessons learned, and practical recommendations to enhance implementation for the remainder of the project whilst maximize the project’s sustainability. • Organize and facilitate a virtual stakeholder validation session to present key findings, discuss preliminary findings and recommendations to U4E team, compiling feedback to finalize the report. • Submit a Final MTR Report in English, incorporating feedback from U4E along with summary brief highlighting the key findings and proposed recommendation together with presentation for internal disseminations. Qualifications/special skills• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in environmental sciences, engineering, public policy, international development, economics, energy, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with additional qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. • At least 5 years of professional experience in project evaluation, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), international development, or environmental/energy policy is required, with demonstrated experience in conducting or supporting mid-term or final reviews of international projects. • Strong knowledge of energy efficiency, cooling technologies, appliance standards and sustainable development goals (SDGs) is highly desirable. • Familiarity with UN project management, evaluation methodologies, and results-based management is a strong asset. • Proven analytical, writing, and communication skills, with experience producing high-quality reports and presenting findings to stakeholders. • Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and deliver results within tight deadlines. • Prior experience working with UNEP, the United Nations system, or other international organizations is an advantage. Languages• Fluency in English is required; knowledge of other UN languages is an asset. 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.