WWF is seeking an independent consultant to undertake a Midterm Evaluation (MTE) of the Project “Connectivity Corridors in two priority landscapes of the Ecuadorian Amazon Region.”

The scope of the MTE will cover the WWF GEF financed components.

The objective of this evaluation is to examine the extent, magnitude, sustainability and potential for project impacts to date; identify any project design problems; assess progress towards project outcomes and outputs; and draw lessons learned that can improve the project effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability of project benefits. Based on this assessment, it is expected that the evaluator will provide feasible recommendations that could be applied for the remaining duration of the project.

The evaluation will adhere to the relevant guidance, rules and procedures established by WWF and align with guidance from the GEF Terminal Evaluation and Ethical Guidelines. The evaluation must provide evidence-based information that is independent, participatory, transparent, and ethical.

Job Responsibilities

The Evaluation process will include the following:

• Kickoff meeting.

• Desk review consisting of Project Document and CEO Endorsement Letter; safeguards documents; Annual Work Plans and Budgets; Project Progress Reports; GEF Agency reports; financial documents; meeting minutes; and other relevant documents.

• Inception Workshop to agree on approach and methods used.

• Inception report (draft and final version) outlining evaluation methodology, data sources, stakeholders to be contacted, revised timeline, survey tools or questionnaires, and Evaluation Matrix.

• Site visits with PMU and project partners, including participation in project annual reflection workshop.

• Interviews, discussions and consultations at local, national and international levels.

• Post-field visit debrief and/or presentation of initial findings.

• Draft evaluation report not to exceed 50 pages (excluding annexes).

• Final evaluation report incorporating feedback and comments, including feedback log.

The Midterm Evaluation report will include:

• Assessment of Relevance.

• Assessment of Effectiveness and rating of project objective and outcomes.

• Assessment and rating of risks to Sustainability of project outcomes.

• Assessment of Monitoring and Evaluation design and implementation.

• Assessment of knowledge management approach.

• Assessment of replication and catalytic effects.

• Assessment of stakeholder engagement and gender-responsive measures.

• Assessment of environmental and social impacts and safeguards.

• Assessment of Efficiency and financial management.

• Assessment of Implementation and Execution.

• GEF ratings with justification.

• Key lessons and recommendations.

Job Requirements

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum 8 years of relevant professional experience.

• Previous experience with evaluation methodologies.

• Excellent written and oral communication in English.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience

• Recent experience conducting evaluations (for GEF financed projects is an advantage).

• Technical knowledge in Biodiversity and Land Degradation Focal Areas, ecological connectivity/corridors, protected area management.

• Knowledge of GEF Monitoring and Evaluation Policy.

• Experience with WWF Project and Program Management Standards or Conservation Standards.

• Experience with social assessments, participatory techniques, and gender mainstreaming.

• Knowledge and experience in implementing or reviewing application of social and environmental safeguards policies in GEF (or similar) projects.

• Fluent Spanish preferred.

• Country experience an asset.