Director, Independent Office of Evaluation (IOE)

Organizational Context

IFAD is an international financial institution and a specialized UN agency dedicated to eradicating rural poverty and hunger by investing in rural people. The Independent Office of Evaluation (IOE) evaluates IFAD-funded projects and programmes to assess effectiveness, identify lessons learned, and determine the success of IFAD's policies and strategies in rural transformation. IOE reports directly to the IFAD Executive Board.

Job Purpose

To manage the Independent Office of Evaluation (IOE) as the independent evaluation function of IFAD, providing strategic leadership, innovation, and management to ensure that independent evaluation contributes to IFAD's strategy by improving policies, strategies, and operations through timely, evidence-based analysis for decision-makers.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic direction and vision for evaluation within IFAD; serve as the representative of the independent evaluation function, fostering partnerships internally and externally; manage human, financial, and material resources efficiently and transparently; ensure high-quality professional work by instituting quality standards, coaching staff, and overseeing deliverables; formulate and implement the annual work programme and budget; communicate evaluation results to partners and the public; ensure evaluation knowledge informs IFAD processes; promote dialogue on critical evaluation issues; assist in evaluation capacity development; represent IFAD in relevant UN and multilateral evaluation groups.

Work Experience

At least 15 years of substantive experience in the formulation, analysis, and evaluation of development programmes and policies, with at least 8 years at a senior level. Experience in leading the evaluation of programmes and policies supported by International Financial Institutions, the UN, or other multilateral development agencies is essential. Experience in leading, supervising, and managing large, diverse teams in an international setting is preferred. Experience in developing countries is desirable. Experience in agricultural and rural development issues at the international level is desirable. Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with governing bodies is desirable.

Skills

Strategic leadership and vision; communication, negotiation, and partnership building; resource management (human, financial, material); performance and staff development; problem-solving and decision-making; strategic thinking; evidence-based policy formulation; programme/project development and management; evaluation methodologies; innovation, including the use of advanced technologies like AI and advanced analytics; political acumen; stakeholder management; change and risk management; confidentiality and discretion.

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