Director, Independent Office of Evaluation (IOE)

Job Posting Organization:
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an international financial institution and a specialized United Nations agency established to eradicate rural poverty and hunger. IFAD focuses on investing in rural people by financing programs and projects that enhance agricultural productivity and increase rural incomes. The organization advocates for policies that contribute to rural transformation at local, national, and international levels. The Independent Office of Evaluation (IOE) within IFAD evaluates the effectiveness of IFAD-funded projects and programs, providing insights and recommendations based on a coherent set of evaluation methodologies. The IOE aims to communicate and share knowledge about rural and agricultural development with a wider audience, including IFAD Management, the Evaluation Committee, the Executive Board, government officials, project staff, and the public. IFAD operates in multiple countries, focusing on rural development and poverty alleviation.

Job Overview:
The Director of the Independent Office of Evaluation (IOE) is responsible for managing the office as an independent evaluation function of IFAD. This role involves providing strategic leadership, innovation, and management to ensure that independent evaluations contribute to IFAD's strategy by improving policies, strategies, and operations through evidence-based analysis. The Director is tasked with translating the vision for evaluation within IFAD into medium and long-term strategies for the IOE. The position requires effective communication and partnership-building with various stakeholders, including Member States, development agencies, and academic institutions. The Director must ensure the transparent and efficient management of resources, including human, financial, and material resources, while promoting knowledge management and innovative outcomes. The role also demands in-depth knowledge of evaluation methodologies and the ability to apply advanced technologies to enhance evaluation practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and vision for the role of evaluation within IFAD, translating that vision into actionable strategies for the IOE.
• Serve as the designated representative of the independent evaluation function, fostering effective partnerships with Member States and various institutions for program cooperation and knowledge sharing.
• Manage the office's resources transparently and efficiently, overseeing staff management, budget allocation, and accountability.
• Ensure high-quality professional work by creating an enabling environment for IOE staff and setting quality standards for outputs.
• Formulate and implement the annual work program and budget, reporting directly to the Executive Board on evaluation issues.
• Communicate evaluation results to partners and the public, ensuring timely integration of evaluation knowledge into IFAD's policy formulation processes.
• Promote dialogue with Management and senior officials on critical evaluation issues and assist in developing evaluation capacity in partner countries.
• Represent IFAD in relevant United Nations committees and networks, advocating for the independent evaluation function.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in a field related to IFAD's work, with a doctorate-level degree being desirable. A minimum of fifteen years of substantive experience in the formulation, analysis, and evaluation of development programs and policies is required, with at least eight years at a senior level. Experience in leading evaluations for international financial institutions or multilateral development agencies is essential, along with a successful track record in building partnerships with various stakeholders. Candidates should have experience working in developing countries and a strong understanding of agricultural and rural development issues at the international level. Proven ability to interact effectively with governing bodies of multilateral institutions is also desirable.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in a relevant field is required, with a doctorate-level degree being preferred. The educational background should align with IFAD's mission and the responsibilities of the Director role.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least fifteen years of experience in development program evaluation, with a significant portion of that time spent in senior roles. Experience in leading large teams and managing diverse cultural and academic backgrounds in an international setting is crucial. A successful track record in building partnerships and working with international financial institutions or multilateral development agencies is also necessary.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in other UN languages is considered an asset. Candidates should demonstrate strong communication skills to engage effectively with diverse audiences.

Additional Notes:
The Director, IOE is appointed for a single, non-renewable term of six years, equivalent to D-2 rank positions at IFAD. This role is not eligible for other staff positions within IFAD upon completion of the term. Applicants should be aware that IFAD staff members are international civil servants and may be required to relocate based on strategic priorities. The recruitment process may involve written tests and presentations. IFAD is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on various factors. The organization emphasizes confidentiality and discretion in its operations.