Lead Evaluation Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group is a prominent global institution established to provide funding and knowledge to developing countries. It is a unique partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity. With 189 member countries and over 120 offices worldwide, the organization collaborates with both public and private sector partners to invest in innovative projects and leverage data, research, and technology to address pressing global challenges. The World Bank Group aims to enhance development effectiveness through its various programs and initiatives, making it a vital player in international development.

Job Overview:
The Lead Evaluation Officer will play a crucial role within the Independent Evaluation Group (IEG) of the World Bank Group, which is tasked with assessing the relevance, efficacy, and efficiency of the organization's operational policies, programs, and activities. This position involves leading evaluations that aim to enhance accountability and learning, thereby informing the formulation of new directions, policies, and strategies for the World Bank Group. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing thematic, country program, and corporate evaluations, providing strategic advice, and ensuring the quality of evaluation outputs. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including development partners, to foster international evaluation harmonization and build evaluation capacities in developing countries. The Lead Evaluation Officer will also be expected to mentor junior staff and contribute to the overall strategic dialogue within the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Lead Evaluation Officer will report to the Manager of the Economic Management and Country Program Evaluation Unit (IEGEC) and will have a range of responsibilities including: leading the design, implementation, and dissemination of evaluations; providing technical advice and guidance to IEGEC teams; ensuring quality control for validation of reports; advising on evaluation quality and collaboration; engaging with World Bank Group counterparts; facilitating information exchange within the department; mentoring staff; and advising on outreach strategies for evaluations. The officer will also be involved in reviewing and commenting on evaluations conducted by other units, ensuring that the evaluations align with the strategic goals of the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s or PhD degree in a relevant field, along with 12-15+ years of relevant experience. They should have a strong operational and analytical background, particularly in Country Programs and Prosperity sectors, and substantial experience in analytical work. Familiarity with World Bank, IFC, and MIGA operations is essential, along with in-depth knowledge of Prosperity operations and Country Program products. The candidate should also demonstrate deep evaluation knowledge and management skills, with experience in designing and delivering evaluations in a multilateral development bank context. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are necessary, as well as the ability to lead and motivate diverse teams.

Educational Background:
A Master’s or PhD degree in a directly relevant area of expertise is required for this position. This educational background should ideally be complemented by extensive knowledge and experience in evaluation principles, criteria, and methods, particularly in the context of international development and multilateral organizations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 12-15 years of relevant experience, which should include both operational and policy-related roles. Candidates should have substantial experience in overseeing or leading complex analytical projects and evaluations, particularly in the context of development programs and policies. Experience in engaging with operational teams and understanding their dynamics is also crucial for success in this role.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English. Additionally, proficiency in French and Spanish is preferred, as these languages can enhance communication and collaboration with a broader range of stakeholders in the international development community.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under international recruitment and has a term duration of 3 years. The World Bank Group offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a retirement plan, medical, life and disability insurance, and paid leave, including parental leave. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates regardless of gender, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. The closing date for applications is May 3, 2026, at 11:59 PM UTC.