Evaluation Officer (Impact Evaluations)

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO aims to build efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. The organization operates in over 130 countries and employs a skilled technical workforce to implement a wide portfolio of projects, programs, and initiatives across various sectors, including fisheries, forestry, animal production and health, land and water management, plant production and protection, inclusive rural development, nutrition" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food and nutrition, food systems and safety, social protection, and information management systems. FAO also engages in humanitarian interventions and resilience-building efforts, ensuring that its work aligns with the needs of member nations and the global community.

Job Overview:
The Evaluation Officer (Impact Evaluations) position is situated within the Office of Evaluation (OED) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. The role involves planning, designing, conducting, and promoting the use of evaluations to enhance results accountability to the Director-General and the Governing Bodies. The Evaluation Officer will contribute to enriched learning within the organization and mentor junior evaluation staff. The position requires active participation in multidisciplinary evaluation teams, often collaborating with internal and external partners. The officer will design and lead impact evaluations of complex projects and programs, utilizing experimental and quasi-experimental designs, including randomized control trials and regression discontinuity. The role also entails rigorous data analysis, preparation of evaluation reports, and dissemination of findings to relevant audiences, promoting the use of evaluation findings in strategy and program design.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Evaluation Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Actively participate in multidisciplinary evaluation teams, collaborating with internal and external partners.
• Design and lead impact evaluations of complex projects, programs, and operations using experimental and quasi-experimental designs.
• Conduct rigorous analysis of qualitative and quantitative data collected during evaluations.
• Prepare comprehensive evaluation reports and materials for dissemination to stakeholders.
• Present findings, conclusions, and recommendations to relevant audiences, ensuring clarity and impact.
• Promote the use of evaluation findings in the design and implementation of strategies, programs, and projects.
• Collaborate with other units within the organization to foster a results-based and evaluation culture.
• Stay updated on methodological developments in evaluation practices.
• Guide and mentor junior evaluation officers and consultants in conducting evaluations. 1
• Perform other duties as required to support the objectives of the Office of Evaluation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:

• An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a social science field such as economics, sociology, or psychology, or in evaluation, with a focus on research and evaluation methods.
• A minimum of seven years of demonstrated work experience conducting impact evaluations.
• Proficiency in English (working knowledge - level C) and intermediate knowledge of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish - level B).

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant social science field or evaluation, emphasizing research and evaluation methodologies. A Ph.D. is highly desirable and may enhance the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
Candidates should possess at least seven years of relevant work experience in conducting impact evaluations. Experience in multiple locations or areas of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable. Additionally, candidates should have a proven track record of delivering clear and concise reports and presentations, demonstrated through writing samples and presentations related to impact evaluations.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with a working knowledge at level C. Candidates should also have intermediate proficiency (level B) in another official FAO language, which may include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Rome, Italy, at the FAO headquarters. The role is full-time and may involve collaboration with international teams. Candidates are required to submit a writing sample of an impact evaluation they have conducted, along with a presentation based on that writing sample, as part of the application process. The position may also involve mentoring junior staff and contributing to the overall mission of FAO in ending hunger.