Director of the Independent Evaluation Office

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is a leading UN agency established to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA's mission is to ensure that every individual has the right to make informed choices about their reproductive health and to promote gender equality and women's empowerment. The organization operates in over 150 countries and territories, working with governments, civil society, and other partners to achieve its goals. UNFPA was established in 1969 and has since grown to employ thousands of staff worldwide, dedicated to improving the lives of people through comprehensive reproductive health services and advocacy for population and development issues.

Job Overview:
The Director of the Independent Evaluation Office at UNFPA plays a crucial role in leading and managing the evaluation functions of the organization. This position is responsible for ensuring that evaluations are conducted impartially and objectively, adhering to the principles of independence, transparency, and ethical conduct. The Director will oversee the development and implementation of a multi-year costed evaluation plan, which includes corporate evaluations and thematic assessments. This role requires a strategic vision to enhance UNFPA's development effectiveness through rigorous evaluations that contribute to organizational learning and accountability. The Director will also provide methodological guidance and technical assistance to improve evaluation practices across the organization, ensuring that evaluations are integrated into UNFPA's strategic planning and performance management processes. Furthermore, the Director will represent UNFPA in various international and inter-agency forums, advocating for best practices in evaluation and fostering partnerships with other organizations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Director of the Independent Evaluation Office is tasked with a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Providing leadership and overall management of the Independent Evaluation Office, ensuring alignment with UNFPA's strategic priorities.
• Developing the biennial budgeted evaluation plan, consulting with stakeholders to ensure comprehensive input.
• Conducting corporate evaluations in accordance with the approved evaluation plan, ensuring high-quality outputs.
• Leading the development of evaluation methodologies and providing technical assistance to enhance evaluation capacity within UNFPA.
• Promoting a collaborative and ethical work environment that encourages innovation and performance.
• Advising senior management on evaluation findings and their implications for UNFPA's strategic positioning.
• Representing UNFPA in international evaluation networks and forums, advocating for the organization's interests and sharing best practices.
• Ensuring the dissemination of evaluation findings and integrating them into UNFPA's knowledge management systems.
• Maintaining a publicly accessible repository of evaluation reports and management responses to enhance transparency and accountability.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Director position must possess a robust set of qualifications, including:

• An advanced university degree (equivalent to a Master's) in fields related to population, management, economics, public administration, or social sciences.
• A minimum of 15 years of professional experience in evaluation work, with at least 8 years at the international level.
• Proven expertise in evaluation design, data collection methodologies, and reporting, with a strong understanding of quantitative and qualitative analysis.
• Excellent leadership skills, with experience managing diverse teams and achieving results in complex environments.
• Strong technical knowledge of emerging global issues and trends in evaluation, including ethical considerations and the responsible use of AI.
• Proficiency in software applications relevant to evaluation and data analysis, such as Access and Excel.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master's level or equivalent) in one or more of the following fields: Management, Economics, Public Administration, Population/Demography, or Social Science disciplines. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of evaluation in the context of international development and humanitarian settings.

Experience:
The position requires extensive experience, specifically a minimum of 15 years in evaluation work, with a significant portion (at least 8 years) at the international level. Candidates should have a proven track record of leading evaluation initiatives, managing teams, and delivering high-quality results in diverse and challenging environments. Experience in international development and humanitarian contexts is highly valued, as is familiarity with the UN system and its evaluation practices.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary working language of UNFPA. Additionally, a working knowledge of another official UN language (such as French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian) is highly desirable, as it enhances communication and collaboration within the international context of the organization.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term appointment for five years, with the possibility of renewal for one additional term. The Director is barred from future employment with UNFPA after their term ends. The role is full-time and based at UNFPA's Nairobi Headquarters. The compensation package includes a competitive net salary, cost of living adjustment, housing allowance, health insurance, and other benefits. UNFPA is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds, including women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and underrepresented groups. The organization emphasizes a healthy work-life balance and gender parity in its hiring practices.