Background

UNDP Evaluation Office (EO) conducts independent evaluations of global, regional and country programmes, and strategic and thematic topics to support the organization’s accountability, learning and managing for results. In addition to conducting independent evaluations, the Evaluation Office has an important responsibility to strengthen the organization’s evaluation function and to promote the culture of learning from evaluation and knowledge sharing.

As part of its efforts in this area, the Evaluation Office manages the on-line database on evaluation called the Evaluation Resource Centre (ERC), an on-line based knowledge network on evaluation, EvalNet, and the evaluation expert roster. EvalNet was established to promote the exchange of knowledge and dialogue on evaluation issues among UNDP staff members. It has been producing many learning and knowledge sharing products. Currently if has over 1,400 members. The expert roster currently contains 60 experts. Experts are selected based on the criteria established by the Evaluation Office. The Evaluation Office also commissioned a dissemination study with an aim to enhance the effectiveness of its dissemination efforts for improved use of evaluation information for decision making and learning within and beyond UNDP.

The key results have an impact on the overall effectiveness and success of UNDP’s interventions and activities in achieving the country’s development and the MDG. Effective implementation of evaluation policies and strategies enhance the effectiveness of UNDP programmes.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

The incumbent will be requested to develop a work plan for the duration of the assignment.

I. Network Facilitator (50%)

  • Maintain the knowledge network’s electronic mailgroups. Moderates, directs and filters messages; encourages member participation; facilitates electronic discussions; conducts periodic surveys and solicitation of feedback. 
  • Conduct research and produces key knowledge products such as Consolidated Replies to all forms of queries, Resource Packages, Info-Briefs, Voice from the Field, EvalNet News digests, evaluation briefs, and/or other new products identified as a result of the dissemination study; solicits new members; strengthens network identity.
  • Develop and manages the EvalNet intranet through oversight of content for improved access; indexes key information in the knowledge base for intuitive retrieval.  Supports codification and documentation of lessons learned, good practices, and toolkits for improved dissemination of evaluative evidence. 
  • Work closely with the EO Task Manager to launch, manage and follow up on e-discussion.

II. Communication and knowledge management (50%)

Support the implementation of the dissemination study recommendations by:

  • Leading the development and dissemination of periodic evaluation E-news and other communication-related materials in collaboration with the EO Task Manager and other staff members;
  • Ensuring the timely development and dissemination of evaluation briefs;
  • Managing the database of the EO contacts;
  • Extracting lessons from evaluations to feed into the Annual Report on Evaluation;
  • Working with the IT specialist on the timely update of the content of the EO internal and external webpage; and
  • Supporting any other communication and dissemination related activities (e.g. organizing an EO open house).

Support the maintenance of the expert roster by:

  • Reviewing all EO past evaluations and liaising with EO task managers to develop a list of evaluators we have engaged in the past, and inviting them to the roster as appropriate.
  • Preparing packages for the vetting panel and including those selected in the roster;
  • Monitoring rosters and follow-up to ensure that all required information has been submitted;
  • Providing other administrative support as required; and
  • Liaising with the UNEG task force working on a similar initiative to ensure synergy and complementarities.

Support the revision process of the Handbook on Monitoring and Evaluation by:

  • Coordinating and recording comments and feedback received from reviewers;
  • Conducting research and data collection on specific topics;
  • Participating in data processing and statistical analysis when relevant and in developing tables and graphics to present the information;
  • Working on the development of indexes and annexes, as needed; and
  • Providing both substantive and administrative support to the organization of the stakeholder review process and proposed regional workshops.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

  • Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
  • Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
  • Treats all people fairly without favoritism

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning

  • Promotes knowledge management in UNDP and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example
  • Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills
  • Facilitation and list serve experience, either as moderator or as active participant
  • Exposure to knowledge management strategies and experience with communities of practice - or practice building approaches

Development and Operational Effectiveness

  • Familiarity with UN System; other experience working in UN System also a plus
  • Knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation, and development evaluation in particular.
  • Knowledge of current development issues particularly those pertinent to UNDP’s
  • Ability to conceptualize issues and analyze data.
  • Ability to coordinate the work of others.
  • Ability to implement new systems (business side), and affect staff behavioral/ attitudinal change
  • Good knowledge of corporate programming guidelines

Management and Leadership

  • Pro-active, independent, motivated and responsive to the needs and interests of peers
  • Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
  • Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities
  • Leads teams effectively and shows mentoring as well as conflict resolution skills
  • Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
  • Able to alternate between diverse tasks and balance competing demands
  • Excellent written, analytical, communication, interpersonal and networking skills
  • Excellent computer skills including knowledge of programming software and experience using the Internet and web based applications essential

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Completion of secondary school
  • An advanced/Master’s degree in a development-related field is an advantage, but not a requirement.
  • Additional qualifications in communication and/or journalism (e.g. international affairs and journalism) would be a plus

Experience:

  • At least 7 years professional work experience, with field experience and professional interest in international development issues and monitoring and evaluation.

Language Requirements:

  • Excellent command of the English language; knowledge of Spanish and/or French a plus.