Senior Evaluation Officer (Impact Evaluations)

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is a specialized agency that leads international efforts to combat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has grown to include 195 members, comprising 194 countries and the European Union. The organization operates in over 130 countries worldwide, focusing on achieving security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensuring that people have regular access to sufficient high-quality food for active, healthy lives. FAO implements a diverse portfolio of projects and initiatives across various sectors, including animal production, fisheries, food systems, forestry, and social protection, among others. The organization also emphasizes the importance of evaluation through its independent Office of Evaluation (OED), which assesses the effectiveness of FAO's strategies and programs, providing valuable insights to inform decision-making and enhance accountability to member nations and stakeholders.

Job Overview:
The Senior Evaluation Officer (Impact Evaluations) plays a crucial role within the Office of Evaluation at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. This position involves providing technical leadership in the design and execution of evaluations, particularly focusing on impact evaluations that assess the outcomes and effectiveness of FAO's projects and programs. The officer will be responsible for ensuring the quality of evaluations, mentoring junior staff, and serving as a liaison with donors and member nations. The role requires a strong analytical mindset and the ability to apply rigorous evaluation methodologies to generate credible evidence that supports FAO's mission of ending hunger. The officer will also engage in multidisciplinary teams and contribute to the dissemination of evaluation findings to enhance learning and accountability within FAO and among its partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Evaluation Officer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Leading the design and execution of rigorous evaluations, particularly impact evaluations, ensuring that they align with FAO's strategic objectives.
• Applying advanced analytical techniques to conduct qualitative and quantitative analyses, preparing dissemination materials such as reports, journal articles, and presentations.
• Actively participating in multidisciplinary evaluation teams, collaborating with internal and external partners to enhance the evaluation process.
• Providing substantive leadership in specific areas of FAO's work, such as agriculture, climate change, and nutrition, while also addressing cross-cutting themes like private sector engagement and data technologies.
• Serving as a liaison officer, representing the Office of Evaluation to donors and member nations, and promoting the use of evaluation findings to inform policy and practice.
• Conducting quality assurance reviews of evaluation outputs, providing detailed feedback, and maintaining technical leadership in evaluation methodologies.
• Staying updated on methodological advancements in evaluation and performing other duties as required to support the Office of Evaluation's objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant social science field, such as economics, sociology, or psychology, with a strong focus on research and evaluation methods. A minimum of ten years of experience in conducting rigorous evaluations, particularly impact evaluations, is essential. Additionally, candidates should have at least three publications in peer-reviewed journals, demonstrating their expertise in the field. Proficiency in English (level C) is required, along with intermediate knowledge (level B) of another official FAO language, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. Candidates should also exhibit competencies in results focus, strong communication skills, and strategic thinking.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a social science discipline, with a specific emphasis on research and evaluation methodologies. A Ph.D. is highly desirable, as it indicates a deeper level of expertise and commitment to the field of evaluation. Candidates should have a solid foundation in social science research principles and practices, enabling them to design and conduct evaluations effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically a minimum of ten years in conducting rigorous evaluations, with a strong emphasis on impact evaluations. Candidates should have a proven track record of delivering high-quality evaluation outputs and should be able to demonstrate their experience through publications and practical examples of their work. Experience in diverse geographical locations and various substantive fields related to FAO's mission is also highly valued, as it enriches the candidate's perspective and understanding of global evaluation practices.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary working language of FAO. Additionally, candidates must have intermediate knowledge of another official FAO language, which could include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. This bilingual capability is essential for effective communication with diverse stakeholders and for engaging in international evaluation contexts.

Additional Notes:
This position is based at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, and involves full-time engagement. The role is classified at a senior level, reflecting the significant responsibilities and expertise required. Candidates may be assessed through a presentation on a relevant topic, and they will need to submit a writing sample of an impact evaluation they have conducted, along with a justification for their selection. The organization values candidates who are motivated to excel and contribute to the mission of ending hunger globally.