Purpose of the Position
Under the guidance of the Senior Evaluation Specialist - Humanitarian, you will provide substantive and project management support to the humanitarian evaluation portfolio.

Humanitarian action constitutes a large proportion of UNICEF’s programme activity.  Moreover, the organization figures prominently in the move toward improved inter-agency coordination, serving as lead or co-lead agency in more sector clusters than any other agency.  In this scenario, evaluation plays a pivotal role in assessing UNICEF’s humanitarian work, and more broadly in advancing the goals of humanitarian reform, with its focus on strengthening accountability at all phases of action (e.g. preparedness, prevention and prediction; response; early recovery; reconstruction, peacebuilding and the transition to normalcy).

The evaluation of humanitarian action is in an on-going state of evolution, in tandem with developments in the programming realm, and the scope of the Evaluation Office’s activities reflects these developments.  The portfolio now features both UNICEF-specific evaluations and inter-agency evaluations, and both traditional and real-time modalities.  The methods and indicators for measuring success, meanwhile, have progressed considerably in recent years but are under continual refinement, and the agency’s Core Commitments for Children stand to be further mainstreamed throughout the organization.  Engagement with inter-agency partners, both in supporting specific evaluations at this level and in advancing methods specific to it (e.g. inter-agency real-time evaluation, inter-agency impact evaluation), has become an increasingly prominent focus of the portfolio.  The incumbent plays a key role in supporting the portfolio on all of these fronts.
 
Key Expected Results
Provide substantive and organizational support to the preparation for, and management of, humanitarian evaluations, including background document review, development of terms of reference, consultant recruitment and interviews, facilitation of team meetings, consultant management, review of and feedback on project outputs, and so on.

Participate in inter-agency humanitarian evaluation fora, providing feedback on specific evaluation outputs and other documents (e.g. methodological concept notes, proposed procedures and protocols, inter-agency evaluation outputs, and so on), and liaising with internal colleagues and inter-agency counterparts to convey feedback on these outputs.
 
Qualifications of Successful Candidate
Master’s degree (or equivalent experience) in humanitarian action, international development, international law, public administration, political science, logistics, evaluation, or other field relevant to the evaluation of UNICEF and inter-agency humanitarian activities.

Five years of progressively responsible professional work experience in the planning, implementation, and management of work in the humanitarian realm, with at least 3 years experience in evaluation or other research activities.  Evaluation experience at policy, strategy and programme levels.  Familiarity with UNICEF programming and M&E practice at headquarters and field levels.
 
Demonstrated knowledge of both qualitative and quantitative data analytical techniques.

First-hand experience with various data collection modalities (e.g. surveys, interviews, focus groups, direct observation, desk review).

Strong results orientation and project management skills, with a demonstrated track record for achieving results.

Ability to work autonomously, while at the same time accepting guidance and demonstrating strong teamwork skills.

Excellent analytical skills, including the ability to quickly and clearly synthesize ideas and feedback.

Excellent communication, negotiating, advocacy and problem-solving skills.

Integrity in decision-making and in the execution of one’s duties.

Computer skills, including internet navigation and various Microsoft Office applications; experience with survey development software (e.g. Survey Monkey, WebSurveyor/Vovici) and data analysis software (e.g. SPSS, SAS, NVivo) desired.

Fluency in English required; fluency in at least another UN language desired.
 
Competencies of Successful Candidate
Communicates effectively to varied audiences, including during formal public speaking.

Able to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment.

Sets high standards for quality of work and consistently achieves project goals.

Has good leadership and supervisory skills; co-ordinates group activities, ensuring that roles within the team are clear.

Analyzes and integrates potentially conflicting numerical, verbal and other data from a number of sources.

Translates strategic direction into plans and objectives.

Demonstrates and shares detailed technical knowledge and expertise.

Creates organization-wide processes to help ensure that all adhere to procedures and policies.

Adjusts team or department's approach to embrace changing circumstances.

If you are dedicated and passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world's leading children's rights organization would like to hear from you. Visit us at www.unicef.org/employ to register in our new e-Recruitment system and to apply to this vacancy, quoting E-VN-2010-000165. Applications must be received by 19 February 2010.

Please note that only candidates who are under serious consideration will be contacted.

In the selection of its staff, UNICEF is committed to gender balance and diversity without distinction as to race, sex or religion, and without discrimination of persons with disabilities: well qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.