Director, Independent Office of Evaluation of IFAD (1 position)

           

Vacancy announcement number:1111

Date of issue:10/30/2012

Deadline for applications:11/30/2012

     Office of Evaluation

           

Organizational unit:

           

Level:D-2

 Duty station:        Rome

 Assignment Duration of: 6 years - non renewable

           

1. Organisational Context

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an International Financial Institution and a Specialized United Nations Agency whose mission is to enable poor rural people to overcome poverty. IFAD's headquarters is in Rome, Italy, and its staff work with poor rural people, their governments, communities and organizations in more than 90 countries to develop and finance programmes and projects aimed at increasing rural productivity and incomes.

           

The Independent Office of Evaluation for IFAD (IOE) evaluates IFAD-funded projects and programmes to assess what works and what doesn't, and to determine how far IFAD's policies and strategies are successful in tackling poverty alleviation in rural areas. IOE's evaluation is based on a coherent set of evaluation methodologies. In identifying key insights and recommendations drawn from evaluation findings, IOE is also concerned, in keeping with IFAD's disclosure policy, with communicating and sharing IFAD's knowledge and experience of rural and agricultural development with a wider audience. Recipients of IOE's evaluation knowledge include IFAD Management and staff, the Evaluation Committee, the Executive Board, government officials and project staff in the field, as well as the public at large.

           

2. Purpose of Position

Reporting directly to the Executive Board of IFAD and in collaboration with the IFAD management, the IOE Director will be responsible at the highest level for promoting accountability and learning in IFAD, and for improving the performance of the IFAD's operations and policies.

The main purpose of the position is to ensure that evaluation contributes to IFAD's strategy by bringing an independent perspective to the assessment of progress in relation to IFAD's mission, and to play a catalytic role by contributing feedback for learning and promoting accountability to improve the performance of the Fund's operations and policies. The Fund uses this knowledge to develop even more effective pro-poor instruments and policies, to better enable the rural poor to empower themselves and overcome their poverty.

3. Duties and Responsibilities

    Lead and manage IOE as an effective, efficient and independent evaluation function of IFAD;

    Develop operational policies, strategies and related instruments to enhance the independence and effectiveness of the independent evaluation function;

    Ensure high-quality professional work by instituting the necessary enabling environment for and coaching of IOE staff, and setting quality standards for IOE outputs;

    Oversee the quality control of IOE evaluation deliverables;

    Formulate and implement the annual work programme and budget, reporting directly to the Executive Board on evaluation issues;

    Communicate evaluation results to partners and the general public;

    Ensure that evaluation knowledge and lessons are fed in a timely manner into key IFAD processes for the formulation of policies, strategies and operations;

    Promote dialogue and exchanges with the management, senior IFAD officials and Executive Board members on evaluation issues of critical importance to IFAD;

    Assist IFAD's operations and partner countries in their evaluation capacity development; and

    Represent IFAD in the United Nations Evaluation Group and the Evaluation Co-operation Group of the multilateral development banks.

4. Qualifications and Skills Required

Education and Experience                                                                                             

·         Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in a field related to IFAD's work; doctorate level degree would be desirable.

·             At least twenty (20) years -  of which at least 8 years  at a senior level - of substantive experience in formulation, analysis and evaluation of development programmes and policies especially those supported by International Financial Institutions, the United Nations or other multilateral development agencies.

·           Experience in leading, supervising and managing large teams of people with diverse cultural and academic backgrounds, preferably in an international and intergovernmental setting.

·           Successful track record in building partnerships with various stakeholders.

·           Work experience in developing countries (other than home country) in the analysis and evaluation of development programmes is desirable.

·          Experience in the analysis of agricultural and rural development issues and international level is desirable.

·          Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with governing bodies of multilateral institutions or similar governance entities is desirable.

           

 Technical/Functional  and Managerial Competencies

    Knowledge of methodologies used among international development agencies for programme and project evaluation and analysis, including impact analysis.

    Propensity for innovation and change and results-oriented decision making ability, with an aptitude for developing practical solutions for operational challenges.

    Visionary: ability to promote and model vision and values; build support for mandate toward achieving a vision; and inspire others to translate vision and values into day-to day activities and behaviours.

    Leader: ability to provide others within a clear direction; inspire staff members to perform their duties willingly, competently and enthusiastically; imaginatively direct, guide, and influence goals by mediating between individuals and the organization in such a manner that both gain maximum satisfaction; lead by example and talent; and perform a directing role and exert influence over others.

    Negotiator and Communicator: ability to clarify situations by exploring all parties¿ needs, concerns and positions; facilitate by structuring interactions towards productive conclusions, affirming what was heard and decided, encouraging expression and debate, gauging acceptance of solutions, fostering conflict resolution and seeking win-win solutions; and engage audiences, commanding attention and respect and inspiring credibility.

 Languages and Other Skills

    Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, and the ability to prepare coherent and convincing strategic analyses. Knowledge in at least one other official IFAD language (Arabic, French and Spanish) is desirable.

5. Other Information

Applicants should note that IFAD staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the President of IFAD, and they may be assigned by him/her to any of the activities of IFAD, including field assignments and/or rotation within IFAD.

IFAD reserves the right to appoint a candidate at the appropriate grade commensurate with experience and knowledge.

Interested candidates are requested to apply by completing IFAD's Personal History Form (PHF) in English. A separate CV may be attached if you so desire, only as a supplement and NOT a substitute to the PHF. The application should be made through the online system only. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY the instructions in 'How to Apply' before you start.

In the interest of making most cost effective use of funds and resources, we are only able to respond to applicants who are short-listed for interview. Candidates who do not receive any feedback within three months should consider their application unsuccessful.

Candidates may be required to take a written test and to deliver a presentation as well as participate in interviews.

IFAD is committed to achieving diversity and is seeking a balanced workforce from IFAD's member states. Women are particularly encouraged to apply.

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