Evaluation Officer

This position is open for secondment only and participating States are kindly reminded that all costs in relation to assignment at the Secretariat must be borne by their authorities.

Candidates should, prior to applying, verify with their respective nominating authority to which extent financial remuneration and/or benefit packages will be offered. Seconded staff members in the OSCE Secretariat and Institutions are not entitled to a Board and Lodging Allowance payable by the Organization.

The OSCE has a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic and environmental, and human aspects. It therefore addresses a wide range of security-related concerns, including arms control, confidence- and security-building measures, human rights, national minorities, democratization, policing strategies, counter-terrorism and economic and environmental activities. All 57 participating States enjoy equal status, and decisions are taken by consensus on a politically, but not legally binding basis.

The OSCE Secretariat in Vienna assists the Chairmanship in its activities, and provides operational and administrative support to the field operations, and, as appropriate, to other institutions.

The Office of Internal Oversight (OIO) is part of the OSCE Secretariat in Vienna, Austria. OIO is responsible for planning and delivering internal audits, investigations, and independent evaluations of the Organization's activities, including field operations. The work of OIO assures the adequacy of governance, risk management, and internal control, ensures compliance with the Organization's internal control framework, and enhances performance and the efficiency and effectiveness of operations.

The Evaluation Section of OIO further contributes to organizational learning and helps to ensure the quality and relevance of the OSCE's work.

Please note that one of the two positions is subject to the 2019 Unified Budget approval.

Under the direct supervision of the OIO Head of Evaluation, Deputy Director, the Evaluation Officer applies professional evaluation standards to prepare, conduct and manage evaluations, and provides technical and research support for evaluations, as required.

The incumbent will contribute to all phases of the evaluation processes, including the design of evaluations, data collection, analysis of financial and narrative information, and the supervision of consultants. She/he will keep abreast of the latest developments in evaluation methodology and practices, provide expert support to working and reference groups in specific evaluations, and help drive knowledge generation and management within the Office of Internal Oversight and beyond. Specifically, the Evaluation Officer will be responsible for the following:

1. Managing and conducting evaluations as requested, including developing the terms of reference for, and overseeing delivery by consultants;
2. Identifying and collecting data necessary for specific evaluation activities; carrying out systematic research and comparing, contrasting and synthesizing complex data and other information in order to identify themes and findings; using findings for writing of evidence-based evaluation reports;
3. Supporting the logistics and co-ordination of field visits and working with the analytical inputs of other specialists in the area of evaluation, and preparing  and executing surveys as requested;
4. Applying professional evaluation standards to independently validate financial and narrative information;
5. Participating in and providing expert support to reference groups, and supporting identification and dissemination of lessons learned and best practices from evaluations;
6. Proactively gathering and disseminating information regarding developments in evaluation methodology and practice; identifying opportunities to improve evaluation metrics and methodologies;
7. Providing inputs to OIO's annual report and other reports produced by OIO, including checking accuracy and compliance with the OSCE style guide;
8. Performing other related duties and assignments as required.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Secretariat, please see https://www.osce.org/secretariat

• First-level university degree in social sciences, economics, public policy, evaluation, management or other related field(s); preferably a member of a national or international evaluation body;
• A minimum of six years of progressively responsible experience in evaluation work or social science research, and international development work;
• Experience in evaluation, which could include managing and/or conducting evaluations of development projects or programmes with an international organization or NGO, or similar assignments in a Central or Regional Government department, or qualitative and quantitative research experience with a University or academic institution; 
• Good report-writing skills and the ability to convey complex information in a clear and concise manner;
• Demonstrated good research, analytical and problem-solving skills including ability to identify and participate in the resolution of issues/problems, establish rapport, and ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments;
• Appreciation of the need to observe confidentiality in a highly-sensitive work area, including complying with procedures required by the Office of Internal Oversight;
• Fully proficient computer skills and ability to use relevant software and other applications involved in evaluation work, ideally including, but not limited to: financial applications, survey software, Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPPS), advanced Excel skills, database skills, familiarity with statistical applications, spreadsheets and internet; 
• Professional fluency in the English language; working knowledge of Russian language would be an asset; 
• Demonstrated ability to work within a team including strong customer focus and good interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity, including gender balance.

If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://jobs.osce.org/vacancies.

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment, to offer an appointment at a lower grade or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.

Only those applicants who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.

Please note that vacancies in the OSCE are open for competition only amongst nationals of participating States, please see http://www.osce.org/states.

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages the nomination of qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds.

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.

Please apply to your relevant authorities several days prior to the deadline expiration to ensure timely processing of your application. Delayed nominations will not be considered.