Evaluation Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of Evaluation (OED) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is dedicated to conducting evaluations that inform and improve the effectiveness of its programs. Established as part of the FAO, OED plays a crucial role in assessing the impact of various initiatives, including the Benefit-sharing Fund (BSF). The FAO was founded in 1945 and operates in over 130 countries, employing thousands of professionals committed to eradicating hunger and improving nutrition and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. The organization focuses on sustainable agricultural practices and the conservation of natural resources, working closely with governments, NGOs, and local communities to implement its mission.

Job Overview:
The Evaluation Specialist position is integral to the evaluation of the Benefit-sharing Fund (BSF), which aims to assess both the financing mechanism and the portfolio of projects it supports. The BSF was established under the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) to provide concrete support for farmers and national systems that conserve and sustainably use plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA). The evaluation will generate lessons and recommendations to inform future funding cycles and the review of the Treaty’s Funding Strategy. The role requires a multidisciplinary approach, combining evaluation expertise with technical knowledge in areas such as conservation, seed systems, and financing mechanisms. The Evaluation Specialist will work closely with the OED Evaluation Officer and Director to ensure a comprehensive assessment of the BSF's impact and effectiveness.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Evaluation Specialist will be responsible for several key tasks, including:

• Providing technical inputs to refine the evaluation design, data collection tools, and analytical framework for the strategic assessment of the BSF.
• Leading or contributing to thematic and strategic analysis in relevant areas, applying expert judgment and insights from similar evaluations.
• Collecting and analyzing primary and secondary data through document reviews and interviews with BSF stakeholders, including executing institutions, government representatives, farmers' groups, development partners, civil society, and private sector actors.
• Participating in evaluation missions, validation workshops, and high-level stakeholder consultations as feasible.
• Analyzing and synthesizing evidence from multiple sources to develop robust findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Drafting assigned analytical sections of the evaluation report and contributing to the overall synthesis and finalization of evaluation deliverables.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in a relevant field such as agricultural sciences, biodiversity, development studies, or natural resource management. Additionally, a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in agrobiodiversity and/or evaluations of related programs or financing mechanisms is required. Candidates should also demonstrate a strong understanding of the complexities involved in evaluating international programs and financing mechanisms.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in agricultural sciences, biodiversity, development studies, or natural resource management is essential for this position. This educational background ensures that candidates have the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of the issues related to agrobiodiversity and the evaluation of programs in this field.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in agrobiodiversity and/or in evaluations of related programs or financing mechanisms. This experience should include managing, implementing, or evaluating programs related to the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA). Familiarity with multilateral financing mechanisms and international policy processes is also essential.

Languages:
A working knowledge (Level C) of English is required for this position. Additionally, a working knowledge of other languages such as French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian is desirable, as it may enhance communication with diverse stakeholders involved in the evaluation process.

Additional Notes:
This position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. The evaluation is expected to be conducted between June and December 2026, and candidates must not have been directly involved in the design, implementation, or operational management of BSF-funded projects. The role requires strong stakeholder engagement, facilitation, and interviewing skills, as well as the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable recommendations.