Evaluation Advisor, New York

EVALUATION ADVISOR
Location : New York, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Application Deadline : 21-Dec-09
Type of Contract : FTA International
Languages Required :
English
Starting Date :
(date when the selected canditate is expected to start) 01-Feb-2010
Duration of Initial Contract : One year
Expected Duration of Assignment : One year with possible extension
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Background
The Evaluation Office (EO) works to enhance the development effectiveness of UNDP to help men and women build a better life. EO strengthens accountability and learning through evaluation and partnership. The mandated responsibility of EO is to support the Administrator in her substantive accountability function and to contribute to organizational learning. EO provides systematic and independent assessment of results, effectiveness and impact of the substantive activities of the programme, including the special purpose funds under the Administrator’s responsibilities. The Evaluation Office conducts strategic, thematic, programmatic and country level evaluations. It assures the quality and use of UNDP evaluations by establishing norms, standards and guidelines and by knowledge sharing and networking. The Office advances innovation in development evaluation through a global partnership. The Evaluation Advisor is a member of the EO team with managerial, supervisory and task management responsibilities. The Evaluation Office presently needs to fill two Evaluation Advisor vacancies.

Duties and Responsibilities
Functions / Key Results Expected

Summary of Key Functions:

Manage evaluations of UNDP operations at global, regional and country levels or in a thematic area.
Prepare Evaluation Office presentations, briefing materials, position papers, methodological issue papers and discussion documents.
Participate in preparation of new guidelines on evaluation and related matters within UNDP.
Contribute to preparation of Annual Report on evaluation to the Executive Board.
Represent Evaluation Office in designated operational and policy fora.
Apply “best practice” in evaluation policy and methodology pertaining to international development cooperation; contribute to development of best practice on evaluation in collaboration with other UN agencies, donor agencies and professional evaluation societies.
Fully be accountable for completion of substantive evaluation tasks as assigned during a specific period.
Core responsibilities:

A. Evaluation:

Direct responsibility for planning and management of evaluations conducted and coordinated or supported by the Evaluation Office. Evaluate independently or participate in joint evaluations of all types of evaluations.
Coordinate review of policy/guidelines and organizational issues emerging from such evaluations; propose and monitor management decisions and other follow-up activities to be undertaken.
Provision of guidance on UNDP evaluation policies, procedures and practices to regional bureaus, management, country offices, programme managers and other headquarter and country office staff concerned with evaluation.
Contribute to conceptual and methodological developments in monitoring and evaluation (M&E).
Have systematic application of various methodologies in evaluation (such as mail and telephone surveys, record reviews, focus groups and case studies) and a comprehensive understanding of various sampling techniques (such as random, stratified and purposive) and their applications.
Conceptualize ideas and issues during the evaluation reporting process, independently. Use critical thinking to formulate findings based on the results of both qualitative and quantitative data, the broader context of evaluation issues, and the political and programmatic environment, independently. Develop clear, concise and compelling evaluation reports for maximum impact.
B. Managerial Responsibilities:

Coordinate on a regular basis, the work of a group of professional staff and one administrative assistant. On specific projects, he/she is called upon to manage and supervise the work of independent consultants as well as research assistants.
Coordinate with various units at Headquarters as required on EO’s projects which have corporate implications.
Manage senior external evaluators/consultants during assignment and quality assurance of their outputs
C. Knowledge and Learning:

Represent evaluation function at internal and international fora
Independently report on best practices and lessons learned that stem logically from evaluation findings and presents an analysis of how they can be applied to different contexts and/or sectors.
Take the lead on developing and disseminating best practices and lessons learned from evaluations.
Take the lead on distributing and publicizing evaluation products.
Network and cultivates relationships with decision makers and other stakeholders concerning evaluation products.
Impact of Results

The key results have an impact on the overall effectiveness and success of UNDP’s interventions and activities in achieving UNDP mandate at the country levels. 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 the country in the UNDP Practice Areas.




Competencies
Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by adhering to the UN’s values and ethical standards
Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
Treats all people fairly without favouritism
Functional Competencies:

Development and Operational Effectiveness

Ability to lead and manage results-oriented evaluations.
Substantive knowledge and understanding of evaluation and development evaluation in particular.
Excellent knowledge in current development issues particularly those pertinent to UNDP’s Practice Areas. Excellent conceptual and analytical abilities.
Excellent technical skills in measurement and evaluation, including grasp of methodological and operational dimensions and the ability to link corporate and country level issues.
Ability to go beyond established procedures and models, creation of new approaches
Ability to lead business processes re-engineering, implementation of new systems (business side), and affect staff behavioural/ attitudinal change
Has a comprehensive understanding of and respect for differences in culture, local customs, religious beliefs and practices, personal interaction and gender roles, disability, age and ethnicity, and is mindful of potential implications of these differences when planning, carrying out and reporting on evaluations.
Management and Leadership

Build strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback
Consistently approach work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
Demonstrate openness to change and ability to manage complexities
Lead teams effectively and shows mentoring as well as conflict resolution skills
Demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills
Facilitate meetings and other interactions with colleagues and peers within and outside UNDP independently
Knowledge Management and Learning

Promotes knowledge management in UNDP and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example
Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills


Required Skills and Experience
Education

Master’s Degree or equivalent in Economics, Sociology, International Relations, Political Science, or any other related social sciences. Knowledge of current development issues, evaluation discipline is a must.
Experience

At least ten years of international development experience.
At least 7 years of development evaluation/research experience.
Knowledge of specialized software applied to evaluation, including IT knowledge to establish and maintain databases and tracking systems.
Training in evaluation planning, design and methodologies.
Experience in both managing and carrying out evaluations.
Experience with evaluations in or for UN organizations, other multi-lateral and bilateral development organizations.
Language Requirements

Working language is English. Fluency in Spanish and/or French or other UN language is advantageous.


UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.