Evaluation Officer

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is dedicated to leading international efforts to defeat hunger and achieve food security for all. Operating in over 130 countries with 195 members, FAO implements diverse projects across sectors like agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and nutrition. The independent Office of Evaluation (OED) assesses FAO's strategies, programmes, and projects to ensure effectiveness, efficiency, and strategic alignment, generating evidence to inform decisions and support accountability to Member Nations. OED seeks motivated individuals to contribute to its mission of ending hunger.

Job Purpose

The Evaluation Officer plays a crucial role in enhancing results-accountability and organizational learning through the planning, design, and execution of evaluations. This position supports the management of evaluation teams, contributes to the preparation of evaluation reports, and assists in organizing related events. The role involves staying current with evaluation methodologies, developing new tools, and fostering a culture of results-based management and learning across the Organization. Collaboration with internal units and external evaluation bodies is essential to promote best practices and contribute to system-wide assessments of development and humanitarian effectiveness.

Responsibilities

The Evaluation Officer will design and conduct evaluations of projects, programmes, and thematic or geographic areas, focusing on measuring outcomes and impacts. Responsibilities include supporting the preparation of comprehensive evaluation reports and related materials such as briefs and presentations. The role requires applying rigorous analytical thinking, both qualitative and quantitative, to analyses and dissemination materials, ensuring work is reproducible. Ensuring the quality of conducted evaluations and assisting in the quality enhancement of others' work is paramount. Active participation in multidisciplinary evaluation teams, often involving internal and external partners, is expected. The officer will also assist in organizing meetings, missions, and workshops, and contribute to the development of evaluation methodologies and tools.

Work Experience

A minimum of three years of relevant experience is required in supporting, designing, planning, and/or conducting evaluations. Experience in more than one work location or area, particularly in field positions related to FAO's mission (e.g., agriculture, nutrition, emergency response), is highly desirable.

Skills

Strong analytical skills and the ability to produce clear, concise reports and presentations in English are essential. Technical expertise in conducting evaluations, particularly impact evaluations using rigorous designs to establish cause and effect, and in designing/analyzing panel surveys, is highly desirable, evidenced by publications in peer-reviewed journals. Proven ability to deliver quality reports and presentations, demonstrated through submitted samples, is required. Proficiency in English (Level C) and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language are necessary.

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