Evaluation Specialist

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency dedicated to defeating hunger and achieving food security globally. Operating in over 130 countries, FAO works to ensure people have access to sufficient, nutritious food. Its independent Office of Evaluation (OED) assesses the strategic alignment, implementation, effectiveness, and efficiency of FAO's work. OED generates evidence to inform decision-making, support accountability, and enhance FAO's mandate achievement, also contributing to system-wide evaluations.

Job Purpose

The Evaluation Specialist will provide essential technical expertise for a variety of assignments within the Office of Evaluation (OED). This role encompasses contributing to the full spectrum of evaluation activities, from initiating and planning through to execution and reporting. The specialist will be instrumental in supporting OED's mandate to generate credible, timely, and useful evidence that informs decision-making, strengthens accountability, and enhances the effectiveness of FAO's programmes and projects at global, regional, and country levels.

Responsibilities

When leading evaluations, the specialist will develop evaluation designs, foster stakeholder relationships, implement evaluation activities, and lead the analysis and writing of deliverables. This includes guiding evaluation teams, providing technical direction, troubleshooting issues, and maintaining communication with team members and stakeholders. In managing evaluations, responsibilities include monitoring progress, timelines, and budgets, ensuring deliverables are completed and stored, and proactively identifying and alerting to risks. The role also involves coordinating communications, organizing missions, and preparing meeting documentation. As an analytical support provider, the specialist will review literature, analyze data to inform evaluation design and results, prepare visual displays of findings, and support the preparation of various reports and presentations.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in evaluation and/or research is required for consultants. For PSAs, three years of relevant experience is needed. Experience should align with the educational requirements.

Skills

Key skills include results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing. Demonstrated experience in leading, managing, or supporting evaluations, particularly in FAO's areas of work, is essential. Strong stakeholder engagement, facilitation, and interviewing skills are required. Solid quantitative analysis skills using statistical software (e.g., STATA, R, Python) and familiarity with qualitative analysis methods are necessary. The ability to synthesize complex information and produce clear, evidence-based findings is crucial. Familiarity with UN organizations or multilateral development partners is an asset.

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