Evaluation Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 194

• Its primary mission is to provide assistance and protection to approximately 5.8 million registered Palestine refugees across Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. UNRWA aims to help these refugees achieve their full potential in human development while awaiting a just resolution to their situation. The agency operates the largest UN operation in the Middle East, employing over 30,000 staff members. UNRWA is primarily funded through voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations, and individual donors. The organization is dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of one of the world's most vulnerable communities, and it welcomes applications from individuals who share this commitment.

Job Overview:
The Evaluation Officer position is integral to the Evaluation Division of UNRWA, reporting directly to the Chief Evaluation Division. The role involves participating in, coordinating, or conducting evaluations that are impartial, independent, and credible, adhering to professional standards. The Evaluation Officer will engage in the evaluation of various projects, programs, and policies, assisting in supervising evaluations conducted by external consultants. The position requires the application of high professional standards in line with UN evaluation norms, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis tools. The Evaluation Officer will also promote the usefulness of evaluations, ensuring that findings and recommendations are communicated effectively to management and that they inform the ongoing implementation of projects and the design of new initiatives. This role is crucial for fostering a culture of evaluation within the agency and ensuring that evaluation results are integrated into decision-making processes.

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

• Participating in and coordinating evaluations that meet UN standards for impartiality and credibility.
• Assisting in the supervision of evaluations conducted by external consultants, ensuring adherence to professional evaluation standards.
• Applying various evaluation methodologies and data collection techniques to gather and analyze qualitative and quantitative data.
• Reporting evaluation findings and recommendations to management and facilitating discussions to promote dialogue on evaluation results.
• Ensuring that evaluation results are utilized in the ongoing implementation of projects and in the design of new initiatives.
• Reviewing evaluation reports for quality control and providing guidance and support to UNRWA staff in conducting decentralized evaluations.
• Contributing to the development and review of policies, guidance, and tools related to evaluation practices within the agency.
• Planning evaluations and preparing budgets for individual evaluations, managing resources effectively and efficiently.
• Selecting and supervising evaluation consultants based on project requirements.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in qualitative and quantitative research, evaluation, program planning, or program cycle management. A strong background in international relations and knowledge of current development issues is desirable. Experience related to UNRWA's mandate and activities is also preferred. Familiarity with various research methodologies and software packages is advantageous. Candidates must declare any current or past affiliations with organizations that could impact their neutrality and objectivity in their role with UNRWA.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) from an accredited institution in social sciences, economics, development studies, international relations, public/business administration, management, or related fields is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to perform effectively in the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience, which should include progressively responsible roles in qualitative and quantitative research, evaluation, program planning, or program cycle management. Candidates should demonstrate a solid understanding of the evaluation process and have experience in applying various research methodologies. Experience in the context of international relations and development issues is highly desirable, as is familiarity with the specific challenges faced by Palestine refugees.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English and Arabic is required, with a minimum level of proficiency at UN Level III for reading, writing, listening, and speaking. While English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, the specific requirement for this role emphasizes the need for fluency in Arabic to effectively communicate and engage with the target population and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is a Fixed Term Appointment for one year, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability. The position is classified at Grade 17, with a monthly basic salary of JD 1156.60, plus a special occupational allowance of 69.9% of the basic salary. Additional benefits include a monthly Provident Fund contribution, compulsory medical insurance, 30 days of annual leave, and various family-related leave provisions. The vacancy is open to both internal and external candidates, but only those residing in Amman and authorized to work in Jordan at the time of application are eligible. The agency will not facilitate work permits, and candidates may be required to travel within the agency's operational areas. Preference will be given to registered Palestine refugees and candidates who support the agency's commitment to gender parity. Applications must be submitted through UNRWA's online recruitment system, and only fully completed applications will be considered. The agency emphasizes the importance of integrity and neutrality in its hiring process and will disqualify candidates with a history of misconduct or violations of law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law.