CONSULTANCY – SOFF Independent External Evaluation consultant

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Background

The Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) is a UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund established by WMO, UNDP, and UNEP. It supports developing countries, particularly Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), in generating and internationally exchanging basic weather and climate observations to achieve compliance with the Global Basic Observing Network (GBON).

As SOFF prepares for the Expansion and Sustaining Period, an independent external evaluation has been mandated to assess performance to date, support accountability and learning, and provide decision-oriented recommendations for scale-up and sustainability.

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Objectives

The evaluation will assess SOFF’s value proposition, business model, and operating model, focusing on issues relevant to scale-up and sustainability as detailed in the ToR for the SOFF Independent External Evaluation.

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Duties and Responsibilities

The Senior Consultant will serve as the lead evaluator and perform the following duties:

• Framework & Methodology: Prepare the evaluation framework, methodology, workplan, and stakeholder mapping.
• Fund-Level Evaluation: Conduct the evaluation applying OECD-DAC criteria, UNEG Norms, and Standards.
• Phase Assessment: Assess the Readiness and Investment phases (evidence from Nov 2021 to June 2026) and the planned Compliance Phase via a theory-based approach.
• Strategic Analysis: Analyze the SOFF value proposition, business model, and operating model regarding scale-up and sustainability.
• Evidence Collection: Review documents, conduct key informant interviews, surveys, validation workshops, and perform 3–6 selective country case studies.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with the SOFF Evaluation Reference Group and incorporate feedback.
• Reporting: Produce preliminary findings, draft/final reports, and a decision-oriented synthesis for the 16th Steering Committee.

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Main Deliverables

| Deliverable | Timeline | Description | | --- | --- | --- | | Inception Report | May – June 2026 | Framework, methodology, workplan, and stakeholder mapping. | | Data Collection/Analysis | June – Oct 2026 | Desk review, interviews, portfolio, and financial analysis. | | Preliminary Findings | October 2026 | Synthesis of emerging findings for sense-checking with the Reference Group. | | Draft Evaluation Report | November 2026 | Full analytical report incorporating initial feedback. | | Final Evaluation Report | January 2027 | Revised report reflecting final written comments. | | Executive Summary | January 2027 | Decision/action-oriented synthesis for the Steering Committee. | | SC Presentation | February 2027 | Final presentation to the 16th Steering Committee. |

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Requirements

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Evaluation, Research Methods, Public Policy, Management, Economics, or a related field.

Experience

• At least 7 years of demonstrated experience in fund-level or global programme evaluations.
• Strong asset: Experience with UN agencies, multi-partner trust funds, or international climate/development funds.
• Proven ability to work independently and impartially with no conflicts of interest.

Skills & Competencies

• Expertise in OECD-DAC and UNEG evaluation standards.
• Excellent drafting and presentation skills for senior management and governing bodies.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills across diverse geographic contexts.
• Managerial-level proficiency in communication, decision-making, and digital agility.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge of English (oral and written) is essential. Knowledge of another UN language is an asset.

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Additional Information

• Salary/Payband: Payband D.
• Duration: 80 days over 11 months.
• Focal Point: Ms. Olga Miltcheva (soffsecretariat@wmo.int).
• Probation: Initial period of one year with possibility of extension.

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How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the: WMO e-recruitment system.

Note: WMO no longer accepts applications via post or email. Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit for a written test and/or an interview.

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Statements & Ethics

• Diversity: WMO is committed to a balanced workforce and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, including those with disabilities.
• Zero Tolerance: WMO does not tolerate harassment, sexual exploitation, or abuse of authority.
• Scam Alert: WMO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process and will never ask for bank account information.

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