Evaluation Officer (EO)

Contract

This is a UNV National Expert contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Expert contracts.

Established by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations (UN) in 1958 as one of the UN's five regional commissions, ECA's mandate is to promote the economic and social development of its member States, foster regional integration, and promote international cooperation for Africa's development. Made up of 54 member States and playing a dual role as a regional arm of the UN and as a key component of the African institutional landscape, ECA is well positioned to make unique contributions in addressing the Continent’s development challenges. The strategic objective of ECA is framed around delivering ideas and actions for an empowered, inclusive and transformed Africa in the framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063 of the African Union through its three core functions, namely, its function as a think tank, its convening function and its operational function. For more information, go to https://www.uneca.org.

Under direct supervision of the Director of the assigned Office, the Evaluation Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• 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: o Evaluation of the sub programme, project, cross cutting themes, formative/summative evaluations. o Formative Evaluations of the ECA Programme of Work, Sub-Programme Evaluations, thematic evaluations and project evaluations; o 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 and team of Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Section (MERS) with assignment of responsibilities and tasks among long-term 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 tracking implementation of evaluation recommendations; Perform other duties as required.

Impact of Results The key results have an impact on the overall effectiveness and success of ECA’s interventions and activities in achieving Commission’s mandate. Effective implementation of evaluation policies and strategies, as well as efficient management of the evaluation process, enhance the organization’s capacity and credibility to provide leadership and high-quality technical advice on the formulation of innovative programme strategies and projects which address specific needs of ECA’s Practice Areas.

Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to programme formulation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting in the UN context including development of the Strategic Framework, and Programme Plan and Budget for UN entities. Practical experience in program management including proven ability in applying Result-Based Management (RBM) principles and approaches Good research, analytical and problem -solving skills, including ability to identify and participate in the resolution of issues/problems.

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.

Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; ensure the delivery of outputs for which the office has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the office, where applicable.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

• A minimum of 15 years of relevant experience at the national and international level in international development issues, both in the field and HQ. • Experience in evaluation with a background in the analysis of socio-economic issues and related policy matters. • Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems.

Addis Ababa is the capital of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The population is estimated at about 4 million or so. Addis Ababa located in the Ethiopian highlands at an altitude of 2,500-2,700 meters. The climate is sunny and temperate, but it can be very cold at night, with freezing temperature at times. It is therefore advisable to bring warm clothing and foresee using heaters and/or log fires when necessary. Addis Ababa is the headquarters for the UN Economic Commission for Africa as well as the African Union (ex-OAU). Thus, there is a very large community of expatriates from all over the world. There are some 80 embassies/diplomatic missions. Housing is most of the time readily available and the rents are, on average, reasonable. Most foodstuffs, beverages, household goods, furniture and clothing, mostly imported from the Middle/Far East, South Africa and Europe, or local brands, can be found, although they can be expensive. Meat, fish, fresh fruits and vegetables are cheap and abundantly available.

The basic infrastructures - roads, utilities, and telecommunications - are below standard, as are medical facilities, which are still largely inadequate, although a few private clinics and hospitals provide reasonably good routine care. There are lots of tourist attractions to visit around the country, although the amenities are often poor to average. Several restaurants around the city serve local or international cuisine and there are numerous social and cultural events throughout the year organized by the international and local communities. Sports facilities (fitness, tennis, swimming, riding, golf, etc.) exist in the major hotels or in different establishments around the city. There are no major or special security concerns within Addis Ababa city limits.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.