Director, D-2, Evaluation Office, New York, USA

Job Number: 501108 | Vacancy Link
Location: Evaluation Office, New York
Work Type : Fixed Term Staff

If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world’s leading children’s rights organization would like to hear from you.

UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children everywhere. UNICEF is funded entirely by voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

Purpose for the job:

The Director of the Evaluation Office enables organizational learning, accountability and performance improvement by spearheading intellectual and organizational leadership and strategic guidance for UNICEF. The Director leads and manages the staff of the Evaluation Office and is accountable for the performance of the Office.

The Director sets the vision for the effective governance of the evaluation function and leads on all aspects of evaluation policy and practice, in particular the establishment of guiding norms and principles; the maintenance of topical or thematic coverage; the proper application of technical methods and quality assurance processes; and the definition of roles and responsibilities including standard operating procedures. The Director leads the development of the evaluation function; facilitates its resourcing; and manages evaluation partnerships with key networks and organizations. The Director will also manage inter-agency collaboration and other evaluation partnerships. The Director is also an advocate for the uptake and use of evaluation results.

Overall responsibility:

  • Setting the vision for evaluation in UNICEF: maintaining a comprehensive quality assurance system; setting and monitoring performance standards for evaluation.
  • Leading the delivery of a programme of independent evaluations: laying out strategic priorities and identifying major global thematic evaluations.
  • Representing UNICEF in evaluation partnerships with key networks and organizations.
  • Managing systems for effective management of evaluation evidence, information and knowledge.
  • Leading development and professionalization of the UNICEF evaluation function: developing innovative approaches and methodologies; arranging guidance and support to offices in designing and staffing the function, and to staff in long-term career development.
  • Management of people and resources: providing leadership and direction by effectively managing all resources; motivating, coaching and supporting staff to create a unified culture to reach common goals; developing workforce planning, recruitment, performance management, learning and career management of staff.

Qualifications of successful candidate:

  • Advanced university degree in a social science or international development subject such as development planning, economics, law, business and public administration, statistics, political science or any other related field.
  • At least 15 years in progressively responsible professional work related to monitoring / evaluation / research and management in diverse field and headquarters organizational levels; with at least half of that experience obtained in developing nations and multicultural settings. At least 15 years of experience in international development and humanitarian institutions and contexts.
  • At least 10 years senior level management experience in Evaluation or in a closely related function at either a very large country office, or in regional / headquarters locations.
  • Experience within United Nations Organizations is strongly preferred.
  • Understanding of and, preferably, familiarity with the technical areas in international development and humanitarian action relevant to UNICEF’s mandate.
  • State of the art knowledge of evaluation principles and methods.
  • Results-oriented leader with a track record in strategic and global thinking, fostering innovation and, engaging and managing risk.
  • Strong management and leadership skills, track record in empowering people to achieve results.
  • Strong communication skills with the capacity to succinctly convey ideas and advocate for organisational positions.
  • Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is strongly desirable. Knowledge of a third language is also preferred.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organization.

Opening Date 4 Nov 2016 Eastern Daylight Time
Closing Date 21 Nov 2016 Eastern Standard Time

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