Director of Evaluation Office

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the designated entity within the United Nations system that addresses environmental issues at both global and regional levels. Established to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus, UNEP plays a crucial role in keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. The organization is committed to promoting sustainable development through sound environmental practices and policies. UNEP's Executive Office provides leadership in global environmental agenda-setting, ensuring coherent delivery of the program of work, and managing human resources in accordance with UN policies and procedures. The Evaluation Office, where this position is located, is tasked with evaluating all UNEP projects and programs to inform evidence-based decision-making, provide accountability to stakeholders, and promote organizational learning. UNEP operates in multiple countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to environmental sustainability and policy development.

Job Overview:
The Director of the Evaluation Office will lead and supervise the office's work program, ensuring that evaluations are conducted effectively and efficiently. The incumbent will coordinate the preparation and implementation of UNEP's evaluation policy and strategy, reporting on program/project performance to intergovernmental bodies. This role requires a strong commitment to maintaining high-quality standards in the outputs produced by the Evaluation Office, ensuring that reports are clear, objective, and based on comprehensive data and evidence. The Director will prepare the work program, determine priorities, and allocate resources for timely delivery of outputs. Additionally, the incumbent will oversee administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the office, including budget preparation and staff performance evaluations. The position demands strong leadership skills to manage, guide, and develop staff, fostering teamwork and communication across organizational boundaries. The Director will also represent UNEP at various meetings and provide substantive evaluation expertise, ensuring that data-driven insights inform planning and decision-making.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Director will lead the Evaluation Office's work program, supervising and carrying out evaluations of UNEP projects and programs. Responsibilities include coordinating the implementation of UNEP's evaluation policy, reporting on program performance to intergovernmental bodies, and ensuring high-quality outputs. The Director will prepare the work program, determine priorities, and allocate resources effectively. Administrative tasks such as budget preparation, staff performance evaluations, and recruitment will also fall under this role. The Director will manage and develop staff, fostering teamwork and communication, and will organize meetings and seminars on substantive issues. Participation in international, regional, or national meetings to provide evaluation expertise is expected, as well as leading efforts to collect and analyze data for informed decision-making. The Director will perform any other relevant duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in evaluation, business or public administration, finance, accounting, law, social sciences, or a related area. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is desirable. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of the substantive field of work and the ability to produce and review reports on technical issues, applying UN rules and regulations effectively.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in evaluation, business or public administration, finance, accounting, law, social sciences, or a related area is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. Completion of programs in data analytics or related fields is desirable, indicating a strong foundation in analytical skills necessary for the role.

Experience:
A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in evaluation and oversight management, law, finance, or a related field is required. Candidates must have at least five years of management experience, including leading diverse and multicultural teams. Experience in designing and implementing robust impact evaluations, particularly in evaluating environmental projects and programs supported by environmental funds, is desirable. Familiarity with data analytics or related areas is also a plus.

Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, proficiency in English is required, with a minimum level of proficiency as per the UN Language Framework. Knowledge of French is an asset but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The appointment is for an initial period of one year, subject to extension based on the continued existence of the mandate and availability of funding. Applicants from underrepresented Member States are strongly encouraged to apply. The position is classified as fixed-term and may involve periodic reassignment to different functions or duty stations. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities may be provided upon request.