Evaluation Associate (Qualitative Sciences and Methods)

Grade: IS-1
Deadline: 6 December 2022 (11:59 PM KST)
Job Category: International
Salary: 79,000 USD (plus attractive benefits, that include the following allowances (as appliable): Relocation, dependency, education assistance and home country travel.)

Introduction
The mission of the Green Climate Fund is to assist developing countries to respond to climate
change while bringing prosperity to their people. Established in 2010, the GCF invests in
transformational climate projects in the developing world. The Fund makes an ambitious
contribution to global climate action and channels significant financial resources into
developing countries to help build low-emission and climate-resilient societies. It is country-
driven and undertakes actions that reflect the circumstances of each country concerned and its
national aspirations. The GCF is a key enabler of the 2015 Paris Agreement on Climate
Change. Since its establishment, the GCF has approved 190 projects in 123 countries and has
committed USD 10 billion in climate finance. In addition, it has built up an extensive
program to support developing countries to identify their needs, in particular, those who are
most vulnerable to climate change impacts. The GCF’s diverse workforce is advancing its
mission from its headquarters in South Korea. Our talented staff makes unique contributions
to the Fund, enriching the institution through their combined expertise and professional
commitment.

The Independent Evaluation Office (IEU) of the GCF informs decision making by the Board,
conducts periodic independent evaluations of GCF performance, and provides evaluation
reports to the Conference of Parties of the UNFCCC. It has dual learning and accountability
functions within the GCF.
 

Position Objective
The Evaluation Associate (Qualitative Sciences and Methods) is responsible for supporting the IEU in developing and delivering new methods and learning with regards to the application of qualitative sciences and methods in evaluation, including impact evaluations.

The Evaluation Associate will work under the Learning, Synthesis and Uptake workstream of the IEU, supporting, in particular, the evaluation and review work of the IEU. Particularly, this position will contribute to evaluations identified through the IEU’s annual workplans and will provide methodological support on dimensions of evaluations that require the use qualitative methods. Furthermore, the Evaluation Associate will add a qualitative science lens to these activities, and carry out formative research into the role of qualitative methods within impact evaluations of climate projects as well as IEU’s evaluation more broadly. With these support tasks, this position will also be required to collaborate with multiple teams and workstreams across the IEU.

Duties and responsibilities
Under the overall guidance of the Head of the IEU and the designated primary supervisors
within the IEU, the Evaluation Associate will:

Purpose

• To reinforce the integration of insights from qualitative sciences and methods into evaluations and impact evaluation design, including analysis of qualitative data, and further develop the use of qualitative methods.
• To support the use of qualitative methods into experimental or quasi-experimental impact evaluation studies.
• To support ongoing evaluations with methods, design, and data collection. 
• To support the development and maintenance of databases through extraction and updates of quantitative and qualitative information from a variety of sources, both internal and external to the GCF.
• To communicate how qualitative methods can contribute to IEU evaluations, advisory services, and knowledge products that reflect the forefront of thematic knowledge.
• Engagement
• To actively participate in IEU evaluations. Also, to contribute to IEU learning materials related to capacity building and advisory activities.
• Along with IEU partners, inform capacity building materials which enhance the knowledge and application of qualitative methods in evaluation design and implementation.
• Actively contribute to IEU’s evidence reviews through contributing to intervention/outcome frameworks, inclusion/exclusion criteria, approach papers, evidence gap maps and systematic reviews, including liaising with external teams, facilitating meetings and ensuring productive collaborative relations.
• Apply skills in qualitative methods, to inform IEU case study visits. The incumbent may be asked to  bring best practices from qualitative research into IEU effort too briefing National Designated Authorities, interviewing stakeholders including those from civil society and the private sector, completing field visits, and supporting productive relationships with government officials.

Delivery

• To reinforce use and uptake of qualitative methods in IEU evaluations, as set out in the TOR of the Unit, thematic, country portfolio evaluations, evaluations of project-based and programmatic approaches, and assessment of the performance of the Fund.To provide support for GCF Board meetings and other events and meetings related to the functioning of the IEU, for example assisting in the preparation of relevant documentation, taking minutes, preparing summaries of discussions, meeting reports, drafting agreements and other documentation.
• To support analytical and operational tasks as assigned by the Head of the IEU and the designated primary supervisor and perform tasks routinely undertaken by members of the Unit, including for instance: participation and documentation of meetings, representation of IEU externally, provision of feedback and participation in team activities.

Required experience and qualifications
 

Essentials

• Minimum of one year of relevant work experience with a Master’s level degree in social sciences, political sciences, social studies, or other disciplines using qualitative methods or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience or three years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s level degree.
• Strong professional experience in evaluations which include project evaluations as well as corporate/strategic level evaluations. 
• Demonstrable understanding of qualitative methods, in particular in the context of evaluations, including impact evaluations is desirable.
• Strong knowledge of conducting qualitative research methods including ethnography,
• focus groups, in-depth interviews, participatory and visual methods, alongside knowledge of survey approaches.
• Knowledge of impact evaluation methods and knowledge of relevant statistical and data management software/tools such as using Nvivo or Dedoose as well as survey methods. 
• Demonstrable experience of policy or research work in relation to climate change.
• Knowledge of international organizations, development agencies, government, private
• sector or non-profit sector.
• Knowledge of the management of qualitative and quantitative data and analysis in relevant development, environmental and climate-related contexts.
• Experience of working with colleagues from different functions and cultures. Proven ability to work well within a team environment.
• Mature judgment and commitment to confidentiality.
• Excellent writing skills and capacity to record accurate minutes.
• Good analytical skills and be able to analyze documents and projects quickly and accurately.
• Proficiency in standard Microsoft Office software programs.
• Fluency in English is essential.

Desired

• Familiarity with the GCF business model.
• Field experience including early formative qualitative research.
• Candidates of all nationalities are welcome to apply; however, the compensation and
• benefits package for this position will be determined on the basis of local recruitment.
• Working knowledge of other UN languages would be strongly preferred (in particular
• French, Spanish and Arabic).
   

The closing date for application is 6 December 2022. Applications submitted after the deadline may not be considered.

*The person assessed by the Selection Panel as most suitable for the position will be proposed for appointment. Selection among short-listed candidates will also take into account performance at interview, appropriate testing, and references. 

Applications from women and nationals of developing countries are strongly encouraged.