Evaluation Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO's mission is to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. The organization operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 12,000 employees. FAO's work encompasses a wide range of areas including agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and rural development, with a strong emphasis on sustainable practices and climate resilience.

Job Overview:
The Evaluation Specialist will play a crucial role in the interim evaluation of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) funded 'Quémé Basin Climate-Resilience Initiative (OCRI) Benin' project. This project aims to enhance the climate resilience of communities in the Quémé Basin through various interconnected components, including the implementation of adaptation technologies, strengthening value chains, and establishing an enabling environment for integrated climate-resilient management. The evaluation will assess the progress made at the midpoint of the project, identify areas for improvement, and provide evidence-based recommendations to enhance project performance and impact. The role requires collaboration with a team of national and international consultants, focusing on evaluation methodologies, data collection, and analysis of project interventions in climate-resilient agriculture and water management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Evaluation Specialist will have a range of responsibilities, including leading the design of the evaluation methodology and data collection tools, reviewing project documentation and relevant national policies, conducting field visits and interviews with stakeholders, and assessing the relevance, effectiveness, and efficiency of the project's interventions. The Specialist will also analyze results against the project's Theory of Change and GCF objectives, ensuring that cross-cutting issues such as gender equality and climate resilience are integrated into the evaluation process. Additionally, the Specialist will prepare a comprehensive evaluation report that reflects the findings and recommendations based on the evaluation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Agricultural Economics, Water Management, Environmental Sciences, Public Policy, or Social Sciences from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. For those with a bachelor's degree, two additional years of relevant professional experience are required. A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in areas relevant to integrated water management, climate-resilient agriculture, or institutional development is essential, along with demonstrated experience in conducting evaluations in international development interventions. Proficiency in both English and French is mandatory.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in fields such as Agricultural Economics, Water Management, Environmental Sciences, Public Policy, or Social Sciences. Candidates with a bachelor's degree must have additional professional experience to qualify. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of climate resilience and integrated management practices.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of professional experience relevant to the specific technical focus areas sought, including integrated water management, climate-resilient agriculture, rural finance, or institutional development. Experience in conducting evaluations of international development interventions is also required, demonstrating a strong understanding of the evaluation process and methodologies.

Languages:
Full proficiency in English and French is mandatory for this position. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in both languages, as the evaluation will involve stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and regions. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, but English and French are essential for the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. The evaluation will involve collaboration with various stakeholders, including government ministries, local communities, and private sector partners in West Africa. The role may require field visits to the Quémé Basin, depending on the evaluation methodology and data collection needs. Candidates will be assessed based on their relevance and depth of experience, technical expertise, and ability to integrate cross-cutting issues into evaluations. The evaluation aims to provide actionable recommendations to improve project performance and maximize impact.