Evaluation Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Established in 1972, UNEP has a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices and to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of approximately 1,000 employees. The Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol (MLF), established in 1991, supports projects aimed at reversing the deterioration of the Earth's stratospheric ozone layer and reducing the consumption of high global warming hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). The MLF is managed by an Executive Committee with equal representation from industrialized and developing countries, and its Secretariat is located in Montreal, Canada, administered by UNEP. The MLF plays a crucial role in assisting developing countries in complying with their obligations under the Montreal Protocol, ensuring that environmental sustainability is prioritized globally.

Job Overview:
The Evaluation Officer will be responsible for leading and managing the evaluation function within the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol. This role involves overseeing the evaluation unit, organizing and supervising evaluations, and ensuring that evaluations are conducted in accordance with international standards. The incumbent will prepare terms of reference for evaluations, select consultants, and follow up on the implementation of evaluation recommendations. The Evaluation Officer will also prepare the biennial work programme and budget for the evaluation function, review evaluation policies, and ensure that the evaluation function aligns with the latest developments in the evaluation profession. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including implementing agencies, to promote a culture of evaluation and facilitate the use of evaluation products. The Evaluation Officer will also be responsible for reporting on the performance of projects approved under the Multilateral Fund and leading efforts to collect and analyze data to inform decision-making.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Strategic Management of the Evaluation Function: Manage the evaluation unit, organize and supervise evaluations, prepare terms of reference, select consultants, and oversee the implementation of evaluation recommendations. Prepare the biennial work programme and budget for the evaluation function and report on their implementation. Review the evaluation policy every five years to keep it updated with the latest developments in the evaluation profession.
• Coordination, Collaboration, and Knowledge Sharing: Spearhead collaboration with evaluation offices of implementing agencies, prepare guidelines for thematic and programmatic evaluations, and develop the evaluation content of the Multilateral Fund’s knowledge management system. Disseminate information on best practices and lessons learned to stakeholders.
• Evaluation Implementation, Reporting and Follow-up: Evaluate the efficiency of processes, present evaluation reports to the Executive Committee, prepare recommendations for consideration, and report on the performance of projects. Lead efforts to collect and analyze data for informed decision-making.
• Undertake any additional tasks assigned by the Executive Committee.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of international standards and practices in evaluation, including evaluation methodologies. They should be able to propose strategic approaches to evaluations and have a solid understanding of the United Nations system evaluation standards. The ability to evaluate policies, programs, and projects, as well as produce accurate reports, is essential. Candidates should demonstrate analytical skills, the ability to identify and resolve issues, and a commitment to professional integrity and efficiency.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Masters' degree or equivalent) in Social or Natural Sciences, Programme Evaluation, Public Administration, Engineering, or related fields is required. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is desirable.

Experience:
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in the evaluation of international projects, programs, and policies is required. Candidates should have experience managing evaluations in international organizations and knowledge of evaluation methods. Experience in leading evaluation teams and oversight, strategic planning, or results-based management is desirable. Familiarity with the Montreal Protocol and its Multilateral Fund, as well as experience in data analytics or related areas, is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (reading, writing, speaking, understanding), while knowledge is defined as 'confident' in two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
The appointment against this position is for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension. The selected external candidate will be granted a fixed-term appointment limited in accordance with administrative instructions. Renewal of the appointment is contingent upon the continued existence of the mandate and availability of funding. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.