VN 2024 624 Principal Evaluation Analyst (Methodology) (Central Evaluation Division (CED)) (P5) Geneva, Switzerland

Position Title: Principal Evaluation Analyst (Methodology) (Central Evaluation Division (CED))

Job Code: VN 2024 624

Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland

Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P5

Type of Appointment: Fixed term, one year with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 30 October 2024

Context:

Under the direct supervision of the Chief, Central Evaluation Division, the Principal Evaluation Analyst (Methodology) supports and promotes sound methodological approaches for learning, accountability and performance analysis throughout the work of the Central Evaluation Division (CED), which contributes to strategic planning, decision-making, and organizational leadership.

The Principal Evaluation Analyst (Methodology) guarantees that the strategy and work of CED are supported by evaluations of quality that meet methodological standards and that innovative solutions are proposed to address the evolving demands in the field of evaluation, including for joint and UN system-wide evaluations.

The Principal Evaluation Analyst (Methodology) will lead the impact evaluations conducted by CED and will prepare guidance, technical support, and instructions for the conduct of rigorous impact evaluations throughout IOM and with external partners. The Principal Evaluation Analyst (Methodology) will contribute to the Annual Report on Evaluation presenting findings and outcomes related to the application of rigorous methodologies guaranteeing credibility of IOM Evaluation work.

The Principal Evaluation Analyst (Methodology) will work closely with other CED staff for providing technical support for the development and reinforcement of an evaluation culture in IOM and of decentralized evaluations. The work of the Principal Evaluation Analyst (Methodology) is guided by the IOM Evaluation Policy, United Nations Evaluation Group (UNEG) technical guidance, norms, and standards and by the IOM Evaluation Strategy 2024-2028.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Assist the Chief, CED to establish and promote Evaluation policies, strategies, reporting and work plans that are adhering to international evaluation standards and methodologies for an effective delivery of the evaluation function in IOM.
2. Contribute to the establishment of guiding documents for proper application of technical methods and quality assurance processes, in particular in the field of rigorous impact evaluation.
3. Contribute to build CED evaluation partnerships with key Evaluation networks and organizations, including UN inter-agency networks, the UN Evaluation Group (UNEG), the Inter-Agency Humanitarian Evaluation Steering Group (IAHE-SG), and impact evaluation networks such as the International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie); disseminate relevant information and processes on IOM evaluation practices and trends.
4. Enhance sound methodological approaches for the development, use and promotion of evaluation frameworks and processes and reinforce coordination and information sharing on evaluation matters within IOM through CED managed internal networking.
5. Provide technical advice and endorsement on the type, use, and quantitative and qualitative methodologies for CED Evaluations and for decentralized evaluations upon request for such an endorsement, such as for impact evaluations.
6. Provide information to and answer requests from IOM Member States, donors and partners on impact evaluation matters and related institutional approaches in IOM.
7. Oversee the conduct of methodologically complex strategic, thematic and impact evaluations using external consultants and guaranteeing adherence to professional standards and rigorous methodologies. Organize fundraising for impact evaluations.
8. Lead the professionalization of IOM impact evaluations and assessments through innovative approaches, methodologies and guidelines, as well as through CED training and technical guidance to IOM Country Offices worldwide, including in disseminating best practices.
9. Contribute to establish flexible and responsive working relationships with IOM Senior Management, Regional Directors, Chiefs of Mission and Directors of Departments to promote the use of rigorous evaluation methodologies and sound investments in and budget for evaluations.
10. Ensure gender and diversity are effectively integrated into all aspects of evaluation activities of the Organization, as well as other cross-cutting issues such as environment and climate change and human rights and protection.
11. Contribute to the representation of CED in evaluation-related meetings, workshops, taskforces or conferences.
12. Perform any other tasks as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Political Science and/or in Evaluation (preferably impact evaluation) or a related field (for instance research) from an accredited academic institution, with ten years of relevant professional experience; or,
• University degree in the above fields with twelve years of professional experience.

Experience

• At least ten years (twelve years for bachelor’s degree holders) of professional experience related to programme, thematic and strategic evaluation, with a proven track record in managing Evaluation at a corporate/institutional level of regional, multilateral, and/or international organizations, as well as in fundraising;
• Significant experience in leading, managing, and/or conducting complex, thematic, impact and/or sensitive evaluations, including preparation of comprehensive and robust evaluation reports for submission to IOM Management and Member States;
• Experience in ensuring that staff, and/or evaluation firms conducting evaluations have the appropriate technical skills and knowledge and that they use and apply various evaluation methodologies and types, including impact evaluations; and,
• Experience in representing the Evaluation function in UN related bodies or similar entities and in the promotion of Evaluation with external stakeholders including Member States.

Skills

• Skilled at methodological approaches in developing evaluation frameworks;
• Demonstrated abilities in managing tasks and people, in the timely delivery of expected results, and working collaboratively with other divisions in OIO;
• Ability to conduct or supervise independent evaluation engagements and maintain constructive working relations with clients that add value to their work and programmes;
• Technical competence in the application of quantitative and qualitative evaluation methodologies;
• Fully versed in complex strategic, thematic and impact evaluations;
• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships;
• Ability to work under pressure;
• Demonstrated ability to prepare clear reports;• Good writing and communication skills; and,
• Excellent organisation and planning skills.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the three languages.

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is an advantage.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.