SENIOR EVALUATION OFFICER

Contract

This is a P-5 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 10 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 204,886 USD and 256,769 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

Org. Setting and Reporting This post is located in the Joint Inspection Unit (JIU), United Nations Office at Geneva. The incumbent reports to the Executive Secretary of the JIU.

Responsibilities Under the supervision of the Executive Secretary, the incumbent will lead one of the two clusters of the Unit and will fulfill the following responsibilities:

1. Supervises the conduct of independent, professional and effective evaluations and inspections by: a) Leading and managing evaluation and inspection team/s to successful achievement of targeted results, ensuring the timeliness, relevance, credibility, objectivity and utility of their outputs and approaches; b) Providing guidance on evaluation and inspection standards, checklist and formats by training and mentoring new staff on theory and conduct of inspections and evaluations; c) Ensuring quality by undertaking reviews of the team's progress in accordance with the plan and reviews of outputs at key milestones in the life cycle of an evaluation or inspection assignment including TORs, inception paper, draft report outline and final draft report.

2. Conducts impartial, independent, professional and effective evaluations and inspections by: a) Planning and organizing evaluations and inspections, developing detailed work plans, drafting correspondence, gathering information and conducting preliminary reviews, developing questionnaires and surveys; b) Developing interview guides, participating in evaluation and inspection missions, assisting and advising the Inspectors, participating in interviews, gathering and reviewing documents and other information and documenting the results; c) Analyzing all information collected using quantitative and qualitative methods for data analysis, including sampling techniques, as appropriate; d) Drafting evaluation and inspection reports, notes and management (confidential) letters including recommendations for action.

3. Supports the Executive Secretary in the management of the office by: a) Assisting in the planning/recruitment of human resources and financial resources; b) Contributing to the preparation of the JIU Annual Programme of Work, identifying issues or areas which could benefit from an evaluation or inspection and validating proposals received; c) Facilitating cooperation and interaction with other UN evaluation and inspection units and professional bodies. d) Participating in meetings relating to work of the JIU – such as working groups, peer reviews, project quality reviews, formal and informal meetings of Inspectors, and meetings with focal points and oversight bodies of participating organizations. e) Performing reviews of project proposals and validations for proposed programme of work topics. f) Keeping abreast of developments in the profession, identifying issues and contributing to further developing and refining evaluation and inspection methodologies, policies, guidance, procedures and tools; g) Acting as Officer-in-Charge in the absence of the Executive Secretary; h) Acting as Certifying Officer for different types of expenditure.

Competencies PROFESSIONALISM: - Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of evaluation and/or audit methodologies - Demonstrates knowledge of key programme and management issues in the United Nations system - Demonstrates knowledge of United Nations regulations and rules, especially in matters relating to finance and budget, human resources management and programme planning - Shows pride in work and in achievements; - Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; - Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; - Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; - Remains calm in stressful situations. - Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.

PLANNING and 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. - Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. - Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules. - Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments. - Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

MANAGING PERFORMANCE: - Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority. - Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member. - Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills. - Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines. - Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff. - Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative. - Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff. - Appraises performance fairly.

JUDGEMENT AND DECISION-MAKING: - Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; - Gathers relevant information before making a decision; - Considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; - Takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization; - Proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; - Checks assumptions against facts; - Determines the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; - Makes tough decisions when necessary.

Education An advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate degree, or equivalent degree) in social sciences, public administration, business administration, programme evaluation or related fields is required. A first-level university degree in the specified fields of studies in combination with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Relevant professional certification, such as Certified Internal Auditor, Credentialed Evaluator, Chartered Professional Accountant or Programme Management Professional is desirable.

Work Experience A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in oversight roles (evaluations, or inspections or audits) is required. Work experience in performing independent oversight reviews (evaluations, or inspections or audits) including drafting reports is required. Work experience managing an independent oversight review team, including guidance and support to team members is required. Experience in research methodologies and the use of relevant tools (i.e. administering surveys and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data) is required. Experience related to the management and administration of financial and human resources is required. Experience working with the organizations in the United Nations system is desirable Experience in coordinating/cooperating/interacting with evaluation and inspection units of the United Nations system and with relevant professional bodies (UNEG, UNRIAS, UNRIS) is desirable. At least five years of relevant experience in an international organization is desirable.

Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required; knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is also desirable.

Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by a competency-based interview.

Special Notice At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfil the lateral move requirements to be eligible to apply for this vacancy. Staff members are requested to indicate all qualifying lateral moves in their Personal History Profile (PHP) and cover letter.

United Nations Considerations According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.