Background
The Independent Evaluation Office (IEO) works to enhance the development effectiveness of UNDP. IEO’s work is guided by the UNDP Evaluation Policy and the Norms and Standards of the United Nations Evaluation Group (UNEG). The IEO contributes to UNDP’s organizational accountability and learning by conducting strategic, independent evaluations and setting standards and guidelines on evaluation for the organization.
The IEO has five Workstreams: Country Programme Evaluation; Corporate and Thematic Evaluation; Capacity Development and Decentralized Evaluation; and Knowledge and Data Management, and Synthesis and Lessons.
Position Purpose
The post is located within the Evaluation Synthesis and Lessons Workstream of the IEO. Under the supervision of the Chief of Section of the Corporate and Thematic Evaluation, the Evaluation Synthesis Specialist will work alongside a Senior Evaluation Synthesis Specialist and other Section members. They will contribute to designing and conducting UNDP’s evaluative synthesis work, including joint and system-wide syntheses, the synthesis of findings on achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, the synthesis of evidence on UNDP results at a regional level, and the IEO’s ‘Reflections’ series of rapid reviews. The Synthesis Specialist might also participate in other evaluation activities anchored in other IEO workstreams.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Contribute substantively to the IEO’s evidence synthesis activities, including joint and system-wide syntheses, SDG syntheses, and regional syntheses, based on empirical evidence and methods that are independent, rigorous and credible
Carry out and support evidence synthesis assignments Support IEO’s ‘Reflections’ series, ensuring that they follow a rapid evidence assessment methodology while not compromising rigor Support the IEO’s secretariat function for the Global Coalition for SDG Synthesis as needed Establish and maintain working relationships with country offices and other strategic partners to ensure that IEO’s syntheses incorporate the highest-quality evaluative evidence Establish and maintain high professional standards in line with the UNDP Evaluation Policy and the UNEG Norms & Standards for evaluation in the UN system. Keep abreast of developments in evaluation and synthesis, applying up-to-date techniques and approaches. Collaborate with other UN evaluation and synthesis units and professional bodiesEnsure that synthesis products are useful, and support follow-up of conclusions and recommendations
Report on recommendations and lessons learned drawn from evaluation and synthesis products. Support the organization of meetings, workshops and other discussion fora to promote dialogue on evaluation and synthesis results. Support advocacy efforts for the use of evaluation and synthesis results in the design and appraisal of strategies, policies and projects/programmes Support efforts to ensure the timely coordination and management of IEO’s synthesis initiatives, including liaising with review teams, research associates, and other internal UNDP and external strategic partners.Promote the synthesis function in the Organization
Contribute to the development and review of policies, guidance, systems, procedures and tools related to evaluation and synthesis of evidence on development results Support evaluation and synthesis capacity development initiatives within the IEO and across UNDP.Facilitation of knowledge building and management
Identify, evaluate, synthesize, and document lessons learned and best practices directly linked to the project goals and activities. Develop knowledge sharing materials and respond to related queries. Contribute substantively to knowledge networks and communities of practice within the thematic area of the project.The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Competencies
Core competencies:
Achieve Results
Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact.Think Innovatively
Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems.Learn Continuously
Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences.Adapt with Agility
Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands.Act with Determination
Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results.Engage and Partner
Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration.Enable Diversity and Inclusion
Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity.Cross-Functional & Technical competencies
Business Development: Knowledge Generation
Ability to research information and to turn it into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches. Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations.Business Management: Communication
Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication, to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels.Business Management: Working with evidence and data
Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions and supporting decision-making.Evaluation: Professional Foundations
Possesses a deep understanding and updated knowledge to apply research/evaluation ethics and UNEG Norms and Standards., with the ability to uphold ethics under pressure, and maintain independence and impartiality under pressure. Ability to critically analyze current issues in evaluation practice and theory; with excellent knowledge of human rights and gender equality, and is able to ensure that evaluation design, questions and analysis incorporate this knowledge in all settings.Evaluation: Technical Synthesis and Evaluation Skills
Knowledge of different synthesis methods, and of the key components of conducting a synthesis, including systematic searching, screening against pre-defined eligibility criteria, critical appraisal, and data extraction. Possess knowledge of various types of theories of change and logic models and is able use a systems approach. Excellent social research or evaluation methods knowledge, including the ability to apply and interpret a range of methods and approaches, both quantitative and qualitative, ensuring that appropriate data collection and analysis methods are used. Understands and ensures the appropriate use of multiple and mixed methods. Capable of analyzing data from diverse sources, identifying key trends and gaps in information, being able to ensure that data and information used in evaluations are appropriate, accurate, of high quality and collected and analyzed from an ethical perspective. Uses analytical skills to synthesize data where relevant and identifies unintended results.Evaluation: Management Skills
Can demonstrate an ability to:
Determine the scope of a synthesis or evaluation and develop mechanisms to implement it Develop a realistic work plan for a complex synthesis or evaluation, adjust the work plan as needed, and to effectively oversee the budgeting and use of evaluation or synthesis resources Coordinate and supervise complex synthesis or evaluation processes Identify, manage, and solve conflicts, drawing out lessons learned from challenging situationsEvaluation: Promoting a culture of learning from evaluation and synthesis
Possesses knowledge of, and the ability to, communicate to stakeholders the value of evaluative syntheses for policy and programming toward the achievement of the SDGs Proactively contributes to dissemination in order to ensure the use of findings to inform future programme and policy decisions.Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Social Science, Public Policy, International Relations, Economics, Political Science, or other fields closely relating to UNDP’s programming and operations (employment, livelihood, environment, governance, crisis) is required, OR A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas stated above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.Experience:
A minimum of 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of experience in the conduct of syntheses, evaluation or research is required. Familiarity with different synthesis methods, including systematic searches, screening against eligibility criteria, data extraction and critical appraisal is required. Proven track record of good understanding of current international development issues, especially the SDGs is desired. Demonstrated experience in building relationships with and collaborate with colleagues within UNDP and external strategic partners is desired. Demonstrated ability to adapt and innovate, based on stakeholder needs and deadlines is an asset. Familiarity with rapid synthesis methods is desirable. Experience in conducting evaluations is an advantage. Experience in the use of computers and office software packages, particularly those related to reference management or systematic review management is desirable Experience in collaborating with other UN evaluation and synthesis units and professional bodies is desired.Language:
Working language is English is required. Fluency in other official UN languages (e.g., French and Spanish) is advantageous.Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.
Right to select multiple candidates
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
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