Evaluation Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG) at Headquarters. The UNSDG is dedicated to promoting sustainable development globally, ensuring that the United Nations system works cohesively to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The organization emphasizes collaboration among various UN entities and stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness of development efforts. The UNSDG operates in numerous countries worldwide, engaging with diverse partners to address complex global challenges. The organization is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce, reflecting the global community it serves.

Job Overview:
The Evaluation Officer will serve as a team leader or evaluation manager for evaluations conducted by the United Nations System-Wide Evaluation Office (UN SWEO). This role involves overseeing the management of the system-wide evaluation function, ensuring that evaluations are conducted with high standards of quality, impartiality, and independence. The Evaluation Officer will report directly to the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Executive Director of the UNSDG System-Wide Evaluation Office. The position requires a strategic approach to evaluations, including scoping, planning, designing, data collection, analysis, and report drafting for various United Nations Secretariat programme activities. The Evaluation Officer will also be responsible for managing evaluation teams, conducting field missions, and providing guidance to team members and stakeholders. This role is crucial for promoting learning and the use of evaluation evidence within the UN system, contributing to the overall effectiveness of development initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Evaluation Officer will lead evaluations by ensuring comprehensive scoping, planning, designing, data collection, and analysis. Responsibilities include managing evaluation teams, conducting research, and presenting data from diverse sources. The officer will develop evaluation designs, draft inception papers, and manage data collection efforts using qualitative and quantitative methods. The role involves drafting evaluation reports, incorporating client feedback, and leading briefings for senior UN officials. The Evaluation Officer will ensure that evaluations meet professional standards and contribute to the preparation of the Executive Director's Annual Report. Additionally, the officer will support resource mobilization for evaluation activities, manage recruitment processes, and track the implementation of evaluation recommendations. The position also entails participating in the development of multi-year work plans for global evaluations and contributing to the UNSDG System-Wide Evaluation Policy.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of international evaluation standards and methodologies. The Evaluation Officer should demonstrate the ability to formulate strategic approaches to evaluations and possess knowledge of development assistance and humanitarian efforts. The role requires excellent judgment, creativity, and resourcefulness, along with the ability to analyze and interpret data effectively. Candidates should have a commitment to gender perspectives and ensure equal participation in all areas of work. Strong communication skills are essential for conveying evaluation findings to diverse stakeholders and promoting the use of evaluation evidence.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as Law, Business Administration, Social Sciences, Public Administration, Programme Evaluation, International Affairs, Economics, or International Development is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in the evaluation of international projects and programmes is required. Candidates should have experience leading evaluations, managing inspection and evaluation teams, and utilizing quality assurance mechanisms. Proficiency in qualitative and quantitative evaluation methods is essential, along with experience in communicating evaluation evidence to promote learning. Experience working in an international organization is desirable, as is familiarity with data analytics or related fields.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is considered desirable, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in all language skills. Proficiency in both languages will enhance communication and collaboration within the UN system.

Additional Notes:
The appointment for this position is for an initial period of one year, subject to budgetary approval and the availability of the post. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities during the recruitment process. Candidates must adhere to the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, and any violations of international human rights law or other serious offenses may disqualify candidates from employment. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.