Director of the Independent Evaluation Office

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is a leading UN agency established to promote the right of every woman, man, and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity. UNFPA was founded in 1969 and operates in over 150 countries worldwide, with a mission to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization focuses on reproductive health, gender equality, and population issues, and is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

Job Overview:
The Director of the Independent Evaluation Office at UNFPA is a pivotal role that involves leading the office responsible for conducting independent evaluations of UNFPA's programs and initiatives. This position is crucial for ensuring that evaluations are conducted with impartiality and objectivity, thereby enhancing the organization's accountability and effectiveness. The Director will oversee the development and implementation of evaluation policies, manage the evaluation team, and ensure that evaluations contribute to organizational learning and improvement. The role requires a strategic thinker who can navigate complex evaluation landscapes and engage with various stakeholders, including the Executive Board and senior management. The Director will also be responsible for promoting the use of evaluations in shaping UNFPA's strategic plans and programming processes, ensuring that evaluation findings are integrated into decision-making at all levels.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Director will provide leadership and overall management of the Independent Evaluation Office, including the development of a multi-year costed evaluation plan that aligns with UNFPA's strategic priorities. Responsibilities include conducting corporate evaluations, providing methodological guidance, and ensuring the quality and use of evaluations. The Director will also facilitate knowledge sharing, capacity development, and represent UNFPA in various evaluation networks. Specific duties include preparing and presenting evaluation plans to the Executive Board, managing the evaluation budget, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality outputs, and promoting a team-based work environment. The Director will also be responsible for developing evaluation standards and maintaining quality assessment mechanisms, as well as advising senior management on evaluation-related issues.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (equivalent to a Master's) in fields related to population, management, economics, public administration, or social sciences. A minimum of 15 years of professional experience in evaluation work is required, with at least 8 years at the international level. Candidates should have excellent technical knowledge of evaluation design and methodologies, as well as experience in managing diverse teams. Strong analytical skills, proficiency in statistical applications, and a deep understanding of global evaluation trends are essential. Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to ethical evaluation practices and the responsible use of technology in evaluations.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as Management, Economics, Public Administration, Population/Demography, or Social Science disciplines. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of evaluation in international development and humanitarian contexts.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 15 years of professional experience in evaluation, with a significant portion of that time spent in international settings. Candidates should have a proven track record of leading and managing evaluation teams, as well as experience in developing and implementing evaluation policies and frameworks. The ideal candidate will have experience in both thematic and programmatic evaluations and will be adept at navigating the challenges of evaluation in diverse cultural and operational contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within UNFPA. Additionally, a working knowledge of another official UN language is highly desirable, as it enhances the ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders and partners in the international community.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term appointment for five years, with the possibility of renewal for one additional term. The Director will be barred from future employment with UNFPA after their term ends. The role is full-time and based in Nairobi, Kenya. The compensation package includes a competitive net salary, cost of living adjustment, housing allowance, health insurance, and other benefits. UNFPA is committed to diversity and encourages applications from women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. The work environment at UNFPA reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance.