Organizational Setting
The post is located in the Office of Evaluation (OED) at FAO headquarters. OED anchors the evaluation function in the Organization. Evaluation in FAO provides results accountability to both member countries and the Director-General, giving more in-depth understanding and objective basis for their decision-making and oversight. Evaluation also contributes to corporate learning, feeding lessons into a robust feedback loop. Evaluation provides a sound basis for improvements in the Organization’s programmes in terms of their relevance to countries, definition of objectives, their design and implementation. The Office also participates in system-wide evaluation initiatives, thereby contributing to assessments of development effectiveness by the UN system.The function may require extensive travel to the field.
Reporting Lines
- The Evaluation Officer reports to the Director, OED.
Technical Focus
- Thematic evaluations, country-level evaluations, methodological development and utilization of evaluations.
Key Results
- Increased results accountability and lessons learning at the corporate and unit level.
Key Functions
- Plans, designs and conducts OED evaluations ensuring submission of reports according to deadlines;
- Manages evaluations conducted by consultants or commissioned to external institutions;
- Conducts quality control or assure OED evaluations;
- Takes measures to enhance the utilization as well as the national ownership of evaluations;
- Participates in developing, enhancing and testing evaluation methodologies, determining their applicability in different contexts, and keeps abreast of latest developments;
- Liaises with technical and operational departments to enhance the planning, design and utilization of OED evaluations;
- Manages post-evaluation communications, including of lessons from evaluations and making them available to various stakeholders;
- Performs other duties as required.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
- Advanced University degree in Economics, Agriculture, Social Science or a related field;
- Seven years of relevant experience in conducting and managing development evaluations at the global, regional or country levels;
- Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
Competencies
- Results Focus;
- Teamwork;
- Communication;
- Building Effective Relationships;
- Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement.
Technical/Functional Skills
- Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable;
- Extent and relevance of experience in Africa is considered as an asset;
- Extent and relevance of experience in designing, planning, leading and conducting development evaluations;
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience in using evaluation methodologies. Particularly, knowledge of quantitative analysis, policy impact assessment or climate change programmes is considered as an asset;
- Sound understanding of the functioning of UN agencies and the UN system is considered a strong asset;
- Demonstrated analytical skills and ability to write clear and concise reports in English.
