This position is located in the Evaluation Office (EVAL) which reports directly to the Director-General’s Office. EVAL manages the effective implementation of the ILO’s evaluation policy by independently evaluating ILO strategies, policies and programmes, projects and thematic topics. It has direct responsibility for conducting high-level independent evaluations of major ILO programmes and strategies, including Decent Work Country Programmes (DWCPs). It also has responsibility for overseeing and approving independent decentralized evaluations called for by the ILO Evaluation Policy. It reports annually to the Governing Body (GB) which endorses its reports and recommendations. EVAL also acts as the secretariat for the Evaluation Advisory Committee and provides guidance and capacity building on evaluation. It engages with the United Nations (UN) system through the UN Evaluation Group (UNEG) and other UN system processes.
The incumbent provides comprehensive professional technical support in the design, delivery and administration of decentralized project evaluations and manages high-level evaluations for the GB that are impartial, independent and credible, and meet professional standards and best practice. The incumbent is also required to promote an evaluation culture in the Organization and advocate the utilization of evaluation principles as well as to identify innovations and lessons learned for the improvement of the evaluation function. Evaluations are guided by the ILO’s evaluation policy and results-based management (RBM) strategy, which adhere to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s Development Assistance Committee’s (OECD/DAC) principles and the United Nations Evaluation Group’s (UNEG) norms and standards.
The position reports to the Director of EVAL:
Specific Duties:
Conduct and/or manage evaluations, including responsibility for the planning, conduct and follow-up to recommendations of high-level GB evaluations in accordance with established standards and ensuring effective use of available resources. Design and review research for evaluations and work assignments, conduct and lead desk reviews and ensure effective oversight of evaluations conducted by staff members and consultants.
Develop and review evaluation products, strategies, policies, operational guidelines and methodologies, systems, procedures and tools with a view to their continuing relevance, impact, effectiveness and sustainability. Provide inputs to and support the continuous methodological improvement of evaluation and the RBM framework.
Ensure that gender equality, non-discrimination and other cross-cutting issues are given appropriate consideration in evaluation design, analysis and reporting in accordance with EVAL guidance on the topic aligned with the UN-System-Wide Action Plan (SWAP) and UNEG gender-related guidance and reporting requirements.
Assist with the selection of evaluation consultants based on requirements. Oversee, review and undertake quality control of their work for adherence to independence, quality and credibility standards and established timelines and provide final ILO headquarters sign-off so the report can be submitted to donors and uploaded on the public database of evaluation reports.
Review with evaluation managers the conduct and follow-up of decentralized projects and facilitate timely dissemination of results to stakeholders for improved programme performance and wider learning and knowledge sharing. Participate in meetings, workshops and other discussion forums to establish a dialogue on evaluation results with a view to ensuring evaluation results and lessons are taken into account for the continued implementation of projects/programmes.
Identify the need for new areas of training for evaluation capacity development and continuous learning and develop and/or oversee the development of related materials. Facilitate or conduct evaluation, self-evaluation and RBM training and other capacity development activities. Proactively promote the evaluation function, advocate the evaluation principles and lessons learned and ensure a coordinated approach to constituent support throughout the Organization.
Keep abreast of developments in the area of evaluation, including appropriate strategies, methodologies, coherent evaluation design, quality control and impact evaluation. Consult the Director about evaluation methodology and processes and provide substantive input for the continuing development of ILO evaluation policies, guidance, systems, procedures and tools in accordance with international standards and good practices. Review, analyse and interpret trends in evaluation in the Organization and the UN community and advise the supervisor on innovative ways to improve the efficiency, relevance and usefulness of the evaluation function.
Represent the Organization at inter-agency meetings, professional evaluation bodies and other technical forums to pursue joint initiatives and discuss the development of international evaluation standards. Facilitate or lead meetings and workshops to discuss and develop consensus on evaluation projects with a view to enhancing ILO performance and results.
Draft, review and ensure high-quality reports for management, the GB and evaluation bodies including on performance and effectiveness and the impact of evaluation activities vis à vis constituents and other internal and external stakeholders.
Perform other relevant duties as assigned.
Required qualifications:
Education:
Advanced university degree in economics, public administration, social science or other relevant field. Specific training in evaluation and research methodologies would be an asset.
A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in one of the afore-mentioned fields or other relevant field with an additional two years of relevant experience, in addition to the experience stated below, will be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
Experience:
At least seven years of experience, including at the international level, in the monitoring and evaluation of development projects and programmes, preferably focused on socio-economic development. Experience in designing, implementing and managing evaluations at programme and project level, preferable from working in an evaluation function. Experience in the design of methods and/or systems for monitoring and evaluation is essential. Experience working in a UN agency, other international organization or non-governmental organization.
Languages:
Excellent command of English and a working knowledge of a second official language (French or Spanish) of the Organization.
