Evaluation Specialist

​​Requisition ID: 1987 
Grade: ISA-Specialist 
Country: Austria 
Duty Station: Vienna 
Category: International Consultant 
Type of Job Posting: Internal and External
Employment Type: NonStaff-Regular
Contract Duration: 
Application Deadline: 4-Apr-2023  

Vacancy Announcement
TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT OF PROJECT PERSONNEL
Female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is the specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes industrial development for poverty reduction, inclusive globalization and environmental sustainability. The mission of UNIDO, as described in the Lima Declaration adopted at the fifteenth session of the UNIDO General Conference in 2013 as well as the Abu Dhabi Declaration adopted at the eighteenth session of UNIDO General Conference in 2019, is to promote and accelerate inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID) in Member States. The relevance of ISID as an integrated approach to all three pillars of sustainable development is recognized by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which will frame United Nations and country efforts towards sustainable development. UNIDO’s mandate is fully recognized in SDG-9, which calls to “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation”. The relevance of ISID, however, applies in greater or lesser extent to all SDGs. Accordingly, the Organization’s programmatic focus is structured in four strategic priorities: Creating shared prosperity; Advancing economic competitiveness; Safeguarding the environment; and Strengthening knowledge and institutions.

Each of these programmatic fields of activity contains a number of individual programmes, which are implemented in a holistic manner to achieve effective outcomes and impacts through UNIDO’s four enabling functions: (i) technical cooperation; (ii) analytical and research functions and policy advisory services; (iii) normative functions and standards and quality-related activities; and (iv) convening and partnerships for knowledge transfer, networking and industrial cooperation. Such core functions are carried out in Departments/Offices in its Headquarters, Regional Offices and Hubs and Country Offices.

The Office of Evaluation and Internal Oversight (EIO), is responsible for providing independent and objective assurance, advice, investigation, and evaluation for the purpose of adding value to and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of UNIDO’s operations, internal control framework, risk management, results-based management and governance processes. EIO provides evidence-based information that is credible, reliable and useful, enabling the timely incorporation of findings, recommendations, and lessons learned into the decision-making processes at organization-wide, programme, and project level. EIO also assesses the extent to which UNIDO’s programmes and projects, as well as thematic areas, correctly address and effectively achieve the stated objectives of the Organization. EIO is governed by its Charter.

In order to discharge its mandate, EIO is composed of two units: the Independent Evaluation Unit (EIO/IEU), and the Internal Oversight Unit (EIO/IOU). The evaluation function is carried out by the Director, EIO and the evaluation personnel in the EIO/IEU. This position is located under EIO/IEU.

EIO/IEU is responsible for the management and conduct of independent evaluations of UNIDO. It supports learning, continuous improvement and accountability, and provides factual information about result and practices that feed into the programmatic and strategic decision-making processes. Evaluation is an assessment, as systematic and impartial as possible, of a programme, a project or a theme. Independent evaluations provide evidence-based information that is credible, reliable and useful, enabling the timely incorporation of findings, recommendations and lessons learned into the decision-making processes at organization-wide, programme and project level. The evaluation function is guided by the EIO Charter, and the UNIDO Evaluation Policy, which is aligned to the norms and standards for evaluation in the UN system.

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Within the context of EIO/IEU work programme 2022-2023, and under the overall supervision of the Chief, EIO/IEU the Evaluation Consultant is expected to carry out the following main duties:

• Manage and quality assure assigned project and programme evaluations, backstopping the process and supporting evaluation teams; from preparation of ToRs, identification of consultants to the finalisation of the report;

• Development and testing of ToC for different UNIDO programmes; 

• Take part in Thematic/Strategic evaluations as team member, according to the ongoing EIO/IEU work programme;

• Support EIO/IEU staff with evaluation researches/analyses for the implementation of EIO/IEU work programme activities, as required, especially related to programmes and projects evaluations;

• Perform other specific duties as required.      

MINIMUM ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Education: Advanced university degree (Masters degree or equivalent) in social or development sciences, environment, or business administration is required.

Technical and Functional Experience:

At least three (3) years of progressive professional experience in evaluation and/or development projects and programmes at international level is required.

Experience in evaluating industrial development projects is desirable.

Experience in facilitating stakeholder workshops, focus group is desirable.

Experience in the field of livelihood support through implementation of technical cooperation or development programmes/projects is desirable.

Experience in evaluating the needs, conditions and problems of developing countries is desirable.

Knowledge of data visualization tools such as Tableau or PowerBI is desirable.

Job-Specific Competencies:

Highly motivated and committed to consistently deliver high quality work.

Highly organized and able to work under competing deadlines and multitask.

Demonstrated ability to operate collaboratively across organizational boundaries and track record of strong teamwork, knowledge sharing, and capacity to motivate and develop teams.

Languages: Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Fluency and/or working knowledge of another official UN language, particularly French and/or Spanish is required.

Absence of conflict of interest:

According to UNIDO rules, the consultant must not have been involved in the design and/or implementation, supervision and coordination of and/or have benefited from the programme/project (or theme) under evaluation. The consultant will be requested to sign a declaration that none of the above situations exists and that the consultants will not seek assignments with the manager/s in charge of the project before the completion of her/his contract with the UNIDO Independent Evaluation Unit.

REQUIRED VALUES AND COMPETENCIES

Core values:

WE LIVE AND ACT WITH INTEGRITY: work honestly, openly and impartially.

WE SHOW PROFESSIONALISM: work hard and competently in a committed and responsible manner.

WE RESPECT DIVERSITY: work together effectively, respectfully and inclusively, regardless of our differences in culture and perspective.

Key competencies:

WE FOCUS ON PEOPLE: cooperate to fully reach our potential –and this is true for our colleagues as well as our clients. Emotional intelligence and receptiveness are vital parts of our UNIDO identity.

WE FOCUS ON RESULTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: focus on planning, organizing and managing our work effectively and efficiently. We are responsible and accountable for achieving our results and meeting our performance standards. This accountability does not end with our colleagues and supervisors, but we also owe it to those we serve and who have trusted us to contribute to a better, safer and healthier world.

WE COMMUNICATE AND EARN TRUST: communicate effectively with one another and build an environment of trust where we can all excel in our work.

WE THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX AND INNOVATE: To stay relevant, we continuously improve, support innovation, share our knowledge and skills, and learn from one another.

This appointment is limited to the specified project(s) only and does not carry any expectation of renewal.
Employees of UNIDO are expected at all times to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and respect for diversity, both at work and outside.

Only persons who fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for jobs at UNIDO.

All applications must be submitted online through the Online Recruitment System. Correspondence will be undertaken only with candidates who are being considered at an advanced phase of the selection process. Selected candidate(s) may be required to disclose to the Director General the nature and scope of financial and other personal interests and assets in respect of themselves, their spouses and dependents, under the procedures established by the Director General.

Visit the UNIDO website for details on how to apply: www.unido.org

NOTE: The Director General retains the discretion to make an appointment to this post at a lower level.
 
Notice to applicants:
UNIDO does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. If you have received a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Vacant positions within UNIDO are advertised on the official UNIDO website. Should you have any questions concerning persons or companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of UNIDO and requesting payment of a fee, please contact: recruitment@unido.org