[Hiring] Evaluation Specialist (Multi-Country) @AGORA

Role Description

The Evaluation Specialist (Multi-Country) provides strategic leadership and management of a multi-country evaluation portfolio covering The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. The incumbent is responsible for overseeing the planning, implementation, quality assurance, utilization, and dissemination of evaluations and other evaluative activities; strengthening national evaluation systems and capacities; and promoting evidence-informed decision-making in accordance with UNICEF Evaluation Policy and UNEG Norms and Standards.

During the maternity leave period, a stretch assignment is required to ensure continuity in the management and oversight of the portfolio, including support to evaluation processes, evidence use, organizational learning, and regional evaluation priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Multi-Country Evaluation Portfolio Leadership and Management
  • Provide strategic leadership and oversight for the evaluation portfolio covering The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.
  • Serve as the principal evaluation focal point for assigned Country Offices.
  • Monitor progress across the portfolio, identify risks and bottlenecks, and propose mitigation measures.
  • Represent the evaluation function in relevant internal and external forums.
• Evaluation Management, Quality Assurance and Ethics
  • Lead and oversee the planning, management, and quality assurance of thematic evaluations.
  • Review and provide quality assurance feedback on evaluation deliverables.
  • Provide technical guidance to Evaluation Reference Groups and evaluation teams.
  • Ensure compliance with UNICEF Evaluation Policy and ethical requirements.
• Evaluation Planning, Monitoring and Reporting
  • Support Country Offices in the development and monitoring of Costed Evaluation Plans.
  • Provide strategic advice on evaluation priorities and evidence gaps.
  • Monitor implementation of evaluation activities and ensure accurate reporting.
  • Contribute to evaluation-related reporting requirements.
• Evaluation Use, Organizational Learning and Evidence-Informed Decision-Making
  • Promote the dissemination and utilization of evaluation findings.
  • Support the preparation and follow-up of management responses.
  • Facilitate learning events and strategic discussions.
  • Document and promote examples of evaluation influence.
• National Evaluation Capacity Development and Partnerships
  • Provide strategic support to national evaluation capacity development initiatives.
  • Contribute to strengthening national evaluation systems and policies.
  • Foster and maintain strategic partnerships with stakeholders.
• Regional and Cross-Country Support
  • Contribute to regional evaluation priorities and knowledge management initiatives.
  • Support cross-country learning and collaboration among Country Offices.
  • Undertake duty travel and field missions as required.

Expected Deliverables

• Effective management and oversight of the multi-country evaluation portfolio.
• Quality assurance reviews completed for assigned evaluation deliverables.
• Costed Evaluation Plans and evaluation performance indicators monitored and updated.
• Evaluation findings disseminated and utilized through management responses.
• Continued support provided to national evaluation capacity development initiatives.
• Contributions made to regional evaluation priorities and cross-country learning initiatives.
• Comprehensive handover note prepared at the end of the assignment.

Qualifications

• Advanced university degree in evaluation, social sciences, economics, public policy, statistics, international development, research methods, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible professional experience in evaluation, research, monitoring and evaluation, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex evaluations.
• Strong knowledge of UNICEF Evaluation Policy and UNEG Norms and Standards.
• Proven experience in evaluation design and management.
• Experience in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method evaluation methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex information and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
• Excellent analytical, conceptual, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent report writing and communication skills in English.
• Experience facilitating consultations and stakeholder engagement processes.
• Experience supporting national evaluation capacity development initiatives is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with UNICEF systems and processes is an asset.
• Previous experience working in West and Central Africa is desirable.
• Fluency in English is required; knowledge of French is an asset.

Competencies

• Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness.
• Works collaboratively with others and fosters effective teamwork.
• Builds and maintains strategic partnerships.
• Communicates effectively with diverse audiences.
• Thinks and acts strategically.
• Drives for results and quality.
• Manages ambiguity and complexity.
• Demonstrates initiative, sound judgement, and accountability.