Head of Evaluation Office

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is a global organization dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. Established in 1950, UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, employing more than 18,000 staff members. The organization’s mission is to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country. UNHCR works to safeguard the rights of refugees and other displaced persons, providing them with essential support and assistance, and advocating for durable solutions to their plight.

Job Overview:
The Head of Evaluation Office at UNHCR is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the evaluation function within the organization. This position entails developing and implementing evaluation policies, ensuring quality assurance, and promoting the use of evaluation findings to enhance organizational effectiveness. The incumbent will lead a team of evaluators and collaborate closely with various divisions and country offices to strengthen the evaluation function. The role requires a deep understanding of evaluation methodologies and the ability to engage with senior management and external stakeholders effectively. The Head of Evaluation Office will also represent UNHCR in inter-agency evaluation forums and networks, contributing to the broader evaluation discourse within the humanitarian sector.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee the implementation of the UNHCR Evaluation Policy and Strategy across the organization, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities.
• Lead the development and adaptation of evaluation methodologies suitable for diverse operational environments.
• Coordinate annual evaluation planning and budgeting, consulting with senior management on topic selection for centralized evaluations.
• Ensure that technical guidance and support are available to regional bureaux and divisions, promoting the effective use of evaluation resources.
• Establish processes to ensure evaluations are contextually relevant and reflect UNHCR’s operational and protection dimensions.
• Ensure quality assurance for evaluations, including technical support and capacity development.
• Develop and implement a communications strategy for the Evaluation Office, facilitating engagement with internal stakeholders.
• Represent UNHCR in external meetings and inter-agency fora on evaluation, maintaining partnerships with other evaluation services.
• Coordinate the Annual Programme Review, ensuring effective use of evaluation resources. 1
• Lead risk assessments and discussions to manage risks impacting objectives, integrating risk management principles into decision-making.

Required Qualifications:

• A minimum of 12 years of relevant experience with an undergraduate degree; or 11 years with a graduate degree; or 10 years with a doctorate.
• Proven experience leading and managing evaluation/research functions in complex international organizations, with at least five years in independent evaluations, preferably in the humanitarian sector.
• Demonstrated expertise in evaluation standards and practices as recognized by professional groups such as the UN Evaluation Group and OECD/DAC.
• Strong knowledge of qualitative and quantitative data collection and results-based management in the UN system.
• Experience working with senior decision-makers and delivering key messages effectively.
• Advanced diplomatic, representational, and communication skills.

Educational Background:

• A degree in Social Sciences, Economics, International Development, Public Policy, or a related field is required.
• Certification in research and evaluation methods is essential for this position.

Experience:
Candidates must possess extensive experience in evaluation and research functions, particularly within international organizations. This includes a proven track record of managing and conducting independent evaluations, ideally in the humanitarian sector. Field experience in monitoring and evaluation leadership roles is highly desirable, along with a solid understanding of humanitarian response and coordination.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is mandatory, along with proficiency in the UN working language of the duty station if not English. Additional language skills in one or more official UN languages are highly desirable, especially at a B2 level or higher.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a Professional Staff member at the PR5 grade level. The initial appointment is for a period of five years, renewable for an additional five years based on performance and organizational needs. The position is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and requires the incumbent to reside in Geneva, with some teleworking options available after discussions with management. The role involves travel, sometimes on short notice, and living conditions in Switzerland are of a high standard, providing access to quality services and education.