Consultant - Independent Evaluation and Strategic Review of the Food, Agriculture, and Commodity Trade (FACT) Dialogue (2021 – 2026)

Duties and responsibilities

• The evaluation team will be required to conduct an externally-led, summative evaluative and strategic review of the FACT-Dialogue (2021-2026). The evaluation will examine the extent to which FACT effectively achieved its outcomes as well as determine and assess factors, enabling conditions, and lessons learnt in achieving these goals (cf. supra).
• The evaluation shall include, but not be limited to, the following four phases: planning, data collection, analysis and reporting. In the section below is an outline of the specific responsibilities of the evaluation team in each phase. These 4 phases break into two large blocks:
• Inception block (planning of the evaluation). The review team will work independently to design an evaluation plan, data collection tools and analytic frameworks, and present it to FACT-Secretariat (CIFOR, RA), the FACT-Dialogue co-chairs (UK, Malaysia [tbc]) for feedback before its finalization (inception phase).?
• Review block (data collection, analysis and reporting). The review team will be required to collect and synthesize existing information against the key evaluation questions, assess the need for then further remote or face-to-face data collection to address information gaps as needed before compiling the evaluation report, as well as generate a learning process based on sharing preliminary findings and obtaining feedback from others. CIFOR’s project team, members of CIFOR’s Quality for Impact team (Q4I) and core partners will support the evaluation team to understand the structure of the FACT-Dialogue and assist with the collection of all data needed. It is expected that key representatives of FACT member countries will be interviewed by the evaluation team.

Education, knowledge and experience

• Educational background:
• A Master’s degree minimum in fields such as International Development, Public Policy, Environmental Studies, Forestry, Environmental Science, Climate, Trade, Biodiversity Conservation, or related disciplines.

Evaluation and strategic review expertise:

• At least 10 years of proven experience leading and conducting strategic reviews and evaluations of complex international development, environmental conservation, trade, and/or climate-related programs.
• Demonstrated capacity to apply theory-based and participatory evaluation approaches, ensuring strategic alignment of findings with broader organizational goals.
• Experience assessing multi-phase, interdisciplinary initiatives, with a focus on sustainability, impact, and future strategic directions.
• Sector-specific knowledge and experience:
• In-depth understanding of the thematic areas relevant to FACT, including forestry, climate adaptation and mitigation, trade-related environmental issues, biodiversity conservation, and gender-inclusive approaches to environmental management.
• Familiarity with the policy and operational landscape within which FACT operates, including key stakeholders, beneficiaries, and governance structures.
• Proven track record of integrating nature-based solutions, climate governance considerations, and community-level insights into strategic evaluations.

Analytical and communication skills:

• Strong analytical capabilities, including the ability to handle complex, multi-source data sets and synthesize insights into actionable recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to engage effectively with high-level stakeholders, present findings clearly and concisely, and produce high-quality, coherent reports.
• Advanced proficiency in English (required), with French, Spanish and/or Portuguese language skills considered an asset.