CONSULTANCY - SOFF Independent External Evaluation consultant

The Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) is a UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund established by WMO, UNDP and UNEP and supports countries through Readiness, Investment, and Compliance phases. The purpose of SOFF is to effectively support developing countries, in particular Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States, in generating and internationally exchanging basic weather and climate observations to achieve compliance with the Global Basic Observing Network (GBON). The SOFF Secretariat is administratively hosted by WMO. 

The Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) was established in 2021 to close critical gaps in weather and climate observations and support sustained compliance with GBON. 

As SOFF prepares for decisions on scaling in the Expansion and Sustaining Period, an independent external evaluation was mandated by the 13th Steering Committee to assess performance to date, support accountability and learning, and provide decision-oriented recommendations.

The evaluation will assess SOFF’s value proposition, business model, and operating model, with particular attention to issues relevant to scale-up and sustainability as detailed in the Decision 13.4 – Terms of Reference for SOFF Independent External Evaluation.

• →Prepare the evaluation framework, methodology, workplan, and stakeholder mapping.
• →Conduct a fund-level evaluation applying OECD-DAC criteria, UNEG Norms and Standards, and UN MPTF evaluation guidance.
• →Assess the Readiness and Investment phases using evidence from November 2021 to 30 June 2026 and assess the planned Compliance Phase through a theory-based approach.
• →Analyze SOFF value proposition, business model, and operating model, including issues relevant to scale-up and sustainability.
• →Collect and analyze evidence through document review, key informant interviews, surveys, validation workshops/focus groups, portfolio and financial analysis, benchmarking, and three to six selective country case studies.
• →Engage with the SOFF Evaluation Reference Group and incorporate feedback as appropriate.
• →Produce preliminary findings, draft and final reports, an executive summary/decision-oriented synthesis, and a presentation for the 16th Steering Committee.

• •    Inception Report – end of May 2026-early June
  Evaluation framework, methodology, workplan, and stakeholder mapping.
  •    Data collection and analysis – June - October 2026
  Desk review, interviews, portfolio and financial analysis.
  •    Preliminary Findings Brief / Presentation – October 2026
  Synthesis of emerging findings discussed with the Reference Group to sense-check interpretations.
  •    Draft Evaluation Report – November 2026
  Full analytical report incorporating feedback from the preliminary findings’ discussion.
  •    Final Evaluation Report – January 2027
  Revised report reflecting written comments.
  •    Executive Summary and decision/action-oriented synthesis – January 2027
  Finalized alongside the report for Steering Committee use.
  •    Presentation to the 16th Steering Committee – February 2027

The Executive Summary will present a coherent narrative highlighting SOFF’s value, achievements, strengths, critical conditions for success, and future potential, with a clear focus on implications for scaling in the Expansion and Sustaining Period.

Recommendations will focus on enablers and conditions for success, rather than as corrective actions alone, and will be grouped, as appropriate, into:

• Priorities requiring immediate adjustment
• Focus areas to be addressed prior to scaling
• Areas to monitor and optimize over time

The evaluation will be subject to appropriate quality assurance processes consistent with OECD-DAC and UNEG standards. 

An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Evaluation, Research Methods, Public Policy, Management, Development Studies, Economics, or a related field is required.

• At least 7 years of experience of demonstrated experience in fund-level or global programme evaluations is essential. 
• Experience conducting independent evaluations for UN agencies, multi-partner trust funds, or comparable international climate or development funds is a strong asset. 
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and impartially, with no conflicts of interest related to SOFF or its implementing partners.
• Excellent drafting and presentation skills, with a proven track record of producing high-quality evaluation reports for senior management and governing bodies.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills, including conducting interviews and consultations across diverse institutional and geographic contexts.
• Familiarity with UN evaluation norms, standards, and ethical guidelines, including transparency, confidentiality, and informed consent.
• Ability to work under tight timelines and manage deliverables efficiently.

Proficient use of Microsoft programs, good communication skills both oral and verbal.

The Senior Consultant must demonstrate managerial-level proficiency in the following competencies: 

• Communication & Influence
• Collaboration & Team Dynamics
• Inclusive Mindset & Cultural Awareness
• Decision Making & Problem Solving
• Integrity & Accountability
• Innovation & Digital Agility
• Stakeholder Understanding & Engagement

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

(Note: the official languages of the Organization are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.) 

Possibility of renewal subject to the availability of funds and pending satisfactory performance after an initial probationary period of one year which can be extended up to a maximum of two years.

Applications should be made online through the WMO e-recruitment system.

Do not send your application via multiple routes. WMO no longer accepts applications via post or email. Only applicants for whom WMO has a further interest will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit a written test and/or an interview.

WMO is committed to achieving diversity and a balanced workforce. Applications are welcome from qualified women and men, including those with disabilities. The statutory retirement age is 65. Pursuant to WMO Standing Instructions, the minimum age to be eligible for consideration for vacant positions is 18, and the maximum age must enable the candidate to serve for at least the term of the contract before reaching mandatory age of separation.

WMO does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

WMO does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). WMO will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.