Organizational Setting
The Office of Evaluation (OED) of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is an independent office with a dual reporting line to the FAOโs Director General and to the Governing Bodies.ย
As the custodian of the evaluation function, OED generates evidence and recommendations that inform thinking, deliberations and, ultimately, decisions of FAO, Members, donors, partners and other actors seeking to support the 2030 Agenda. It also enhances the evaluation function across the UN system by engaging with partners in the evaluation and development community.ย
OED conducts a range of evaluations (such as project, country, thematic, and program evaluations), and supports the conduct of self/decentralized evaluations undertaken by budget holders. For more information about our work please visit: https://www.fao.org/evaluation/about-us/background/en ย ย
Reporting Lines
The evaluation support specialist reports to an Evaluation Officer.
Technical Focusย
OED is seeking to recruit evaluation support specialists to lead the development of a comprehensive approach for self/decentralized evaluations, coordinate ongoing support to budget holders and provide quality assurance services.ย
Tasks and responsibilities
The evaluation support specialist may undertake some or all the following tasks:ย
โ ย ย Review the guidance currently available for evaluations (including that for decentralized evaluations), identify gaps, if any, and propose any necessary updates in line with the FAO Evaluation Strategy 2023-2025.
โ ย ย Review current support systems and structure for supporting self/decentralized evaluations.
โ ย ย Determine learning needs of key stakeholders, which may include identifying research and evaluation methods training(s).
โ ย ย Research and assess guidance and learning services provided by other evaluation offices in the UN system, paying particular attention to lessons and potential synergies.
โ ย ย Develop a proposal for improving, harmonizing and systematizing guidance and learning services for self/decentralized evaluations.
โ ย ย Coordinate the self/decentralized evaluations workplan.
โ ย ย Monitor the allocation of support services.
โ ย ย Update the list of evaluation focal points.
โ ย ย Propose and/or implement a tailored learning/capacity development program for FAO evaluation managers.
โ ย ย Formulate an action plan to implement new arrangements within a defined period of time transitioning from the current system to the new one in the least disruptive manner.
โ ย ย Provide quality assurance services to selected evaluations.
โ ย ย Other research and related work as required.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
โ ย ย A masterโs degree in social or life sciences or equivalent.ย
โ ย ย Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience conducting evaluations.
โ ย ย Full proficiency in English (level C).ย
FAO Core Competencies
โ ย ย Results Focus
โ ย ย Teamwork
โ ย ย Communication
โ ย ย Building Effective Relationships
โ ย ย Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
โ ย ย Relevant experience providing evaluation services including quality assurance.ย
โ ย ย Excellent communication and technical skills.ย
โ ย ย Working knowledge of French and/or Spanish is desirable.ย