Expert in Policy Evaluation and Regulatory Impact Assessment

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, was established in 1945 with the mission to contribute to peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security by promoting international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms. With a workforce of over 2,000 employees, UNESCO operates in more than 190 countries, focusing on building peace in the minds of men and women. The organization is dedicated to fostering sustainable development through education, the sciences, culture, communication, and information, and it aims to promote freedom of expression and access to information as fundamental human rights.

Job Overview:
The position of Expert in Policy Evaluation and Regulatory Impact Assessment is crucial in addressing the challenges faced by public administrations in adapting to fast-changing global conditions such as pandemics, climate change, and digital transformations. The expert will play a significant role in supporting six Member States—Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Greece, and Latvia—in developing their internal consulting capacities. This role involves designing and implementing training programs tailored to the specific needs of each country, focusing on policy evaluation and regulatory impact assessment (RIA). The expert will work closely with government officials to enhance their skills and knowledge, ensuring that they can effectively evaluate policies and assess their impacts. The position requires a proactive approach to capacity building, with an emphasis on practical application and the development of sustainable internal consulting frameworks within the participating Member States.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The expert will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including:

• Designing and developing country-specific training materials that reflect the unique institutional contexts of each participating Member State, integrating advanced methodologies and international best practices.
• Organizing and delivering six structured capacity-building training programs, one for each Member State, aimed at core teams of in-government consultancies and relevant experts.
• Providing five tailored on-the-job support sessions per Member State, collaborating directly with beneficiary authorities to reinforce learning and address specific challenges.
• Drafting six country-specific reports in collaboration with UNESCO experts, summarizing training activities, support provided, lessons learned, and recommendations for institutionalizing internal consulting capacity.
• Ensuring quality assurance of all deliverables through iterative revisions based on feedback from UNESCO and national counterparts.
• Contributing to cross-country learning by identifying transferable practices and challenges that can inform UNESCO's broader programs.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate proven expertise in policy evaluation and regulatory impact assessment, showcasing the ability to apply systematic, evidence-based methodologies. The expert should possess a deep understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of these fields and be capable of translating complex concepts into actionable tools for government decision-making. Additionally, candidates should have a strong background in training government officials on these topics, ensuring that they can effectively convey knowledge and skills to enhance public administration capabilities.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as economics, public administration, governance, public policy, or evidence-based policy making is required. A PhD in a related area would be considered an asset, reflecting a higher level of expertise and research capability.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in policy evaluation, regulatory impact assessments, and public administration. This experience should include a proven track record of conducting stakeholder trainings and capacity-building exercises, as well as providing tailored technical support to public administrations. Experience working within public administration is highly desirable, as it provides valuable insights into the operational challenges faced by government entities.

Languages:
Excellent writing skills in English are mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages, particularly those relevant to the participating Member States, would be considered advantageous, enhancing communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is between 7 to 11 months, with a focus on full-time engagement. The recruitment is open to both internal and external candidates, reflecting UNESCO's commitment to diversity and inclusion. Interested candidates are required to submit a comprehensive application, including a personal CV, a cover letter, and a technical and financial proposal. The application process emphasizes the importance of providing complete and accurate information, as candidates will be evaluated based on the criteria outlined in the vacancy notice. UNESCO maintains a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and is dedicated to achieving equitable and diverse geographical distribution among its staff.