Survey and Evaluation Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) is an international agreement focused on plant health, established to protect cultivated and wild plants globally by preventing the introduction and spread of plant pests. The IPPC has 185 contracting parties and is governed by the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM). The IPPC Secretariat, hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), plays a crucial role in supporting the development and implementation of CPM policies and activities, as well as executing other functions assigned to it. The Secretariat's core mission includes facilitating the implementation of the Convention and developing International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs) to fulfill the IPPC's mandate. The organization operates in multiple countries, reflecting its international scope and commitment to global plant health.

Job Overview:
The Survey and Evaluation Specialist will provide essential technical expertise in survey methodology, implementation research, monitoring and evaluation, and evidence generation to support the IPPC Secretariat's capacity development activities. The role involves designing, implementing, and continuously improving surveys, studies, indicators, and data collection methodologies that yield reliable, high-quality, and actionable evidence. This evidence will be critical in assessing the implementation of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs), and CPM Recommendations. The incumbent will ensure that survey instruments and analytical approaches are methodologically sound, designed to maximize participation, enhance data quality, and produce insights that can be effectively translated into technical recommendations and strategic actions. The work will also support the IPPC Observatory and other initiatives within the Secretariat.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Survey and Evaluation Specialist include:

• Providing expert advice on survey methodology, implementation research, and evidence generation across the IPPC Secretariat's work programme.
• Designing and continuously improving surveys, questionnaires, interview guides, indicators, and other data collection instruments based on recognized methodological principles and best practices.
• Advising technical teams on selecting appropriate survey designs, sampling approaches, response scales, question wording, and data collection strategies to ensure reliable and valid results.
• Developing and promoting survey methodologies that maximize participation and data quality while minimizing respondent burden and potential biases.
• Designing monitoring and evaluation frameworks, indicators, and assessment methodologies to support programme implementation and organizational learning.
• Developing guidance documents, protocols, and standard operating procedures for survey implementation and data quality management.
• Analyzing quantitative and qualitative data using appropriate methods to identify trends, gaps, and lessons learned.
• Translating survey findings into clear, evidence-based technical reports, analytical papers, and recommendations tailored to various audiences.
• Performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Minimum requirements for the position include:

• For Consultants: An advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in relevant fields such as statistics, social sciences, monitoring and evaluation, public policy, agricultural economics, agriculture, plant protection, biological sciences, or natural sciences. Consultants with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• For PSAs: A university degree (or technical degree/certificate) from an institution recognized by the IAU/UNESCO in similar fields.
• At least five years of relevant experience in survey design, implementation research, monitoring and evaluation, data collection, or applied research, including experience in developing questionnaires and monitoring frameworks.
• A working knowledge of English is essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in relevant disciplines recognized by the IAU/UNESCO. This includes fields such as statistics, social sciences, monitoring and evaluation, public policy, agricultural economics, agriculture, plant protection, biological sciences, or natural sciences. For those with a bachelor's degree, additional professional experience is required to meet the qualifications.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in areas such as survey design, implementation research, monitoring and evaluation, and data collection. Candidates should have a proven track record in developing questionnaires, indicators, and monitoring frameworks, as well as experience in applied research methodologies.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of additional FAO languages such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish, or Russian is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The assignment duration may range from one to eleven months within a twelve-month period. Any rehire is contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of financial resources, and operational needs of the Secretariat. The position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work location.