Posting Title:Evaluation Officer, P4
Job Code Title:PROGRAMME PLANNING OFFICER
Department/ Office
Economic Commission for Africa
Duty Station
ADDIS ABABA
Posting Period
27 May 2014-26 July 2014
Job Opening number
14-MPA-ECA-35336-R-ADDIS ABABA(G)
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Special Notice
Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.
Rostered applicants are encouraged to apply only if they are interested and available to take up the position at the duty station/s specified in the Job Opening. Applying to this job opening carries an expectation to accept the offer, if selected.
Organizational Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the Evaluation Section/ Strategic Planning and Operational Quality Division of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). Under the overall guidance of the Director of the Division, the incumbent will report directly to the Chief of the Section.
Responsibilities
- Make substantive contributions to biennial evaluation plans based on organizational priorities, mandates and previous evaluation reports;
- Manage and/or provide substantive contributions to all types of evaluation conducted by the Evaluation Section: Evaluation of the sub programme, project, cross cutting themes, formative/summative evaluations. Formative Evaluations of the ECA Programme of Work, Sub-Programme Evaluations, thematic evaluations and project evaluations;
- Identify consultants, develop terms of reference, review credentials and make recommendations for the selection of qualified consultants to conduct evaluations;
- Oversee the work of consultants: provide advice on the overall evaluation approach; review and assess the quality of evaluation deliverables and provide constructive feedback to facilitate their finalization;
- Recommend actions to be taken based on evaluation findings and monitor the implementation of evaluation recommendations;
- Provide substantive contributions to the ECA Evaluation Reports, periodic evaluation progress reports;
- Peer review evaluation inception reports and draft evaluation reports;
- Assist the Chief of the Evaluation Section with assignment of responsibilities and tasks among longterm consultants, coaching them and supervising the quality and timeliness of their work;
- Provide inputs to ECA programme and project design based on evaluation results and support organizational training activities in Results Based Management;
- Coordinates the management of audits undertaken by the Board of Auditors and/or by the Office of Internal Oversight Services including tracking implementation of audit recommendations;
- Perform other duties as required.
Competencies
Professionalism:
- Very good knowledge of international standards and practices in evaluation and respective evaluation methodologies.
- Ability to propose and formulate a strategic approach to evaluations within the overall framework of the relevant international instruments;
- readiness to take action on resolutions and decisions of intergovernmental bodies; academic specialization in evaluation is desirable.
- Proven experience in preparing, managing and conducting impact evaluations.
- In-depth knowledge of UN system evaluation standards and practices;
- extensive knowledge of technical cooperation and development assistance;
- proven ability to produce evaluation reports and papers;
- ability to review and edit the evaluation work of others.
- Demonstrates good judgment and initiative, creativity and resourcefulness, diplomacy and tact; ability to ensure an effective work structure to maximize productivity and achieve the goals of the section.
- Incorporates gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
Planning & Organizing:
- Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies
- Identifies priority activities and assignments;adjusts priorities as required
- Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work
- Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning
- Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary
- Uses time efficiently.
Creativity:
- Actively seeks to improve programmes or services
- Offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs
- Promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas
- Takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks 'outside the box'
- Takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things-Is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.
Managing Performance:
- Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member.
- Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback to staff.
- Supports creativity and initiative.
- Supports development and career aspirations of staff.
- Appraises performance fairly.
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in social sciences, public administration, programme evaluation or in a related field, preferably with emphasis in international affairs and/or development.
- A first level university degree with a combination of relevant academic qualifications and experience in evaluation or related area may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
- A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in both the conduct and management of programme and thematic evaluations of which, preferably three at the international level.
- Experience in programme administration and familiarity with and experience in the use of various research methodologies and sources, including electronic sources on the Internet, intranet and other databases.
- Experience in survey methodology.
- Experience in leading and managing evaluation teams.
Languages
- English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.
- For this post, fluency in written and spoken English is required and a working knowledge of French and/or Arabic is desirable.
Assessment Method
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
