Job Title: Evaluation Support Specialist (2501098)
Application Closure Date: 11 May 2025, 11:59 PM (local time)
Organizational Unit: Office of Evaluation (OED) – Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Job Type: Non-staff opportunities, Consultant / PSA (Personal Services Agreement)
Grade Level: Not applicable
Primary Location: Home-Based / Remote
Duration: Up to 11 months
Post Number: Not applicable
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
- The closure date and time are based on your local device settings; please ensure your application is submitted before this deadline.
- FAO is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. We strongly encourage qualified female candidates, nationals from non- and under-represented Member States, and persons with disabilities to apply.
- All applicants must adhere to FAO’s high standards of integrity and professional conduct, aligning with the organization’s core values.
- FAO enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy on conduct such as sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination.
- Successful candidates will undergo comprehensive reference and background checks.
- All application information will be handled confidentially and in accordance with privacy policies.
- FAO prioritizes environmental sustainability as a fundamental aspect of its strategic objectives and operational practices.
ORGANIZATIONAL SETTING:
The Office of Evaluation (OED) at FAO operates as an independent entity responsible for assessing the effectiveness, relevance, and impact of FAO’s programs and projects. It reports directly to both the FAO Director-General and the governing bodies, ensuring independence and credibility in its evaluations.
As the custodian of the evaluation function within FAO, OED produces evidence-based reports and actionable recommendations to inform decision-making by FAO management, member states, donors, and partners. The office also plays a key role in enhancing evaluation practices across the United Nations system by collaborating with various UN agencies and development actors.
OED conducts diverse evaluations, including project, country, thematic, and program evaluations, and supports decentralized evaluations carried out by budget holders. To learn more about our work, visit: FAO Evaluation Background.
REPORTING LINES:
The Evaluation Support Specialist will report directly to an Evaluation Officer within the Office of Evaluation, collaborating closely with evaluation teams and stakeholders to ensure the smooth execution of evaluation activities.
TECHNICAL FOCUS:
FAO is seeking qualified Evaluation Support Specialists to:
- Lead the development of a comprehensive, systematic approach for self/decentralized evaluations.
- Coordinate ongoing support activities for evaluation budget holders.
- Provide quality assurance and technical guidance throughout the evaluation process.
- Enhance the capacity of evaluation managers and stakeholders through targeted training and support.
TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Evaluation Support Specialist will undertake a range of tasks, which may include but are not limited to:
- Review and Update Evaluation Guidance:
Assess existing evaluation guidelines—particularly those related to decentralized evaluations—and identify gaps or areas for improvement. Propose updates to align with the FAO Evaluation Strategy 2023-2025. - Support System Evaluation:
Examine current support structures and mechanisms in place for decentralized evaluations, recommending enhancements to improve effectiveness and consistency. - Stakeholder Learning Needs Assessment:
Identify training and capacity development needs of evaluation managers and other stakeholders. This may involve designing or recommending research and evaluation methodology training sessions. - Benchmarking and Best Practices Research:
Conduct comparative analysis of evaluation guidance and learning services provided by other UN evaluation offices and international organizations. Extract lessons learned and identify opportunities for synergy. - Development of Systematic Approaches:
Formulate a proposal to harmonize and systematize evaluation guidance and learning services, fostering coherence and efficiency across decentralized evaluation processes. - Workplan Coordination:
Oversee the implementation of the decentralized evaluations workplan, ensuring timely execution and resource allocation. - Monitoring and Evaluation Support:
Track the deployment of support services and assess their impact, making adjustments as necessary. - Evaluation Focal Points Management:
Maintain and update the list of FAO evaluation focal points across departments and regions to facilitate effective communication and support. - Capacity Building:
Design, propose, and implement tailored training programs aimed at strengthening evaluation management capabilities within FAO. - Implementation Planning:
Develop detailed action plans to transition from current evaluation support systems to improved arrangements, minimizing disruption. - Quality Assurance:
Provide expert review and assurance services for selected evaluation reports and processes, ensuring adherence to quality standards and best practices. - Additional Research and Support:
Undertake related assignments, including literature reviews, data collection, and analysis to support evaluation quality and organizational learning.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:
Minimum Requirements:
- A Master’s degree in social sciences, life sciences, or an equivalent field.
- At least 5 years of relevant experience in conducting evaluations, including experience in quality assurance.
- Full proficiency in English (Level C according to CEFR or equivalent).
FAO Core Competencies:
- Results Focus
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Effective Communication
- Building and Maintaining Relationships
- Knowledge Sharing and Commitment to Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills:
- Proven experience providing evaluation services, including quality assurance activities.
- Strong communication, analytical, and technical skills.
- Working knowledge of French and/or Spanish is desirable, but not mandatory.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
- FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.
- Eligibility is limited to degrees and qualifications from recognized institutions listed in the IAU/UNESCO list and accredited by recognized agencies.
- Appointment is contingent upon medical fitness, security clearance, and meeting any applicable residency or visa requirements.
- Selected candidates will undergo background checks and verification processes.
HOW TO APPLY:
- Visit the FAO recruitment portal Jobs at FAO to create and complete your online profile.
- Ensure your profile is comprehensive, accurate, and includes your employment history, academic credentials, and language skills.
- Attach a tailored letter of motivation explaining your interest and suitability for the position.
- Submit your application before the closing date.
- Be prepared to provide references, performance assessments, and consent for background checks if requested.
- Only applications submitted through the FAO portal will be considered.
- We recommend applying well before the deadline to avoid technical issues.
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