SENIOR EVALUATION OFFICER, P5

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations system's designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional level. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. The Evaluation Office has a mandate to evaluate all UNEP projects and programmes to serve the organizational objectives of (i) informing evidence-based decision making to improve programmatic planning, implementation results, monitoring and reporting, (ii) providing substantive accountability to Member States, funding partners and the general public and (iii) promoting organisational learning. This position is based in UNEP's Evaluation Office in Nairobi. Under the direct supervision of the UNEP's Evaluation Office Director, the incumbent will carry out the following duties:

1. Keep emerging issues in UNEP (both environmental, political and managerial / operational) under review and make substantive analytical contributions to evaluation planning based on the former and on organizational priorities, mandates and previous evaluation findings. Monitor the performance of the Evaluation Office against key performance indicators and report these to the Chief, Evaluation Office. 2. Develop evaluation methods, manage and provide substantive analytical contributions to higher level evaluations conducted by the Evaluation Office. Design methods for impact evaluation of specific UNEP interventions and build a portfolio of outcome and impact evaluations that capture the 'value for money' of UNEP interventions. Develop technical peer review processes (involving external expertise) for impact evaluation to ensure quality and rigour. Play a lead role in the Evaluation of the UNEP's Medium-Term Strategy, Formative Evaluations of the UNEP Programme of Work, Thematic Sub-Programme Evaluations. Ensure that the UNEP Evaluation Manual and the UNEP Programme Manual are regularly updated, reflect international good practice in evaluation and are consistent with UNEG Norms and Standards. Oversee the development and maintenance of the UNITE for Evaluations system, working in conjunction with the UNODC Evaluation Office. Work collaboratively with evaluation professionals from other UN agencies through UNEG and when joint evaluations are undertaken. 3. Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy and plan for outreach / uptake of evaluation findings, recommendations and lessons. Prepare high quality knowledge products and organise events to promote use of evaluation findings across the organisation and among evaluation stakeholders. Monitor implementation of the outreach plan and provide analytical feedback to enhance future work. Maintain an overview of patterns in lessons and recommendations issued across the evaluation portfolio. Conduct formal evaluation demand studies every biennium and collate evidence of use of evaluation among key stakeholders (UNEP, implementation/ execution partners, donors and country representatives). Ensure that the format and content of the Evaluation Office website meet user needs and ensure staff keep it up-to-date. 4. Identify internationally credible evaluation consultants, review credentials and make recommendations to the Evaluation Director for their selection. Prepare detailed impact evaluation budgets and timelines, inform consultant team members of required scope and quality of deliverables ensuring negotiated agreements on consultant remuneration comply with UN rules. Manage, oversee and provide quality assurance for work undertaken by highly qualified and experienced international consultant evaluators. Provide advice on evaluation methods approaches and processes; review and assess the quality of evaluation deliverables, capture stakeholder views on them and provide constructive feedback to facilitate finalisation of evaluation deliverables, ensuring all aspects of the evaluation TORs are fulfilled. 5. Prepare an annual evaluation schedule, assigning projects to centralized evaluation or decentralized review modalities. Review evaluation inception reports and draft evaluation reports being managed by other Evaluation Office staff, provide informal professional advice to, and formally supervise P4, P3, JPO and G staff. Review and sign off validations of Management Led Terminal Reviews. 6. Provide substantive analyses from impact evaluation, patterns in lessons and recommendations and outreach/uptake efforts for inclusion in the Biennial Evaluation Synthesis Report. Prepare periodic evaluation progress reports and take the lead on selected Evaluation Office Management / Special Studies for publication. 7. Provide advice and support to broader corporate planning and management processes with findings and recommendations from evaluation studies. 8. Leads team members efforts to collect and analyze data and provides insight to identify trends or patterns for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. Ensures that everyone can discover, access, integrate and share the data they need.

Professionalism: Knowledge of international standards and practices in evaluation and respective evaluation methodologies; Ability to propose and formulate a strategic approach to evaluations within the overall framework of the relevant international instruments; Knowledge of the United Nations system evaluation standards and practices; Ability to evaluate policies, programmes and projects; Ability to produce reports, review and edit work of others ensuring accuracy in interpreting evaluation studies; Ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management; Demonstrated ability to implement assessment techniques; Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis; Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Planning and organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently. Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow. Empowers others to translate vision into results. Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives. Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support. Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions. Drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo. Shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.

Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Natural Resources, Environmental Studies/Sciences, Development Planning or related technical field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.

Not available.

A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in evaluation oversight management and project or programme management in complex socio-economic settings is required Experience in programme management, including at least five (5) years of leading diverse and multicultural teams of staff and consultants, is required. Experience in development, appraisal, and/or evaluation of projects designed for capacity development is required. Experience in UN Evaluation Group (UNEG) norms and standards for Evaluation in the UN or any other international or national evaluation or inspection standards is desirable Experience in the use of digital tools and artificial intelligence in evaluation is desirable. Experience in data analytics and using data to guide decisions, develop strategic direction and oversee execution is desirable.

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Appointment against this position is for an initial period of one (1) year and may be subject to extension. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfill the lateral move requirements to be eligible to apply for this vacancy. Staff members are requested to indicate all qualifying lateral moves in their Personal History Profile (PHP) and cover letter. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. When completing the Candidate Profile form, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Individual Contractors and Consultants who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last six months, irrespective of the administering entity, are ineligible to apply for or be appointed to any professional and higher temporary or fixed-term positions, within six months of the end of their current or most recent service. For such positions, at least six months need to have elapsed between the end of a consultancy or individual contract and the time of application and consideration for an appointment as a staff member under the Staff Rules and Regulations of the United Nations. The requirement is not applicable when a person considered for appointment is serving or has previously served as affiliated personnel (for example as a consultant, individual contractor, intern or gratis personnel) with a specialized agency or an Office, Fund or Programme such as UNHCR, UNICEF, UNDP or UNOPS which is separately administered and funded from voluntary contributions. Applicants, who successfully go through a competitive recruitment process and are recommended for selection and/or inclusion in the roster of pre-approved candidates for subsequent job openings at the same level and with similar functions, may have their application information and roster status shared with other UN Organizations. Such applicants may be contacted by other UN Organizations for similar job openings, subject to the confirmation of their interest. Placement on the roster is no guarantee of a future selection. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or under-represented in the UN Secretariat as of 30 September 2026, are strongly encouraged to apply: Un-represented: Andorra, Brunei Darussalam, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Grenada, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Liechtenstein, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Palau, Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Republic of Naoero, Sao Tome and Principe, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, Vanuatu Under-represented: Afghanistan, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Cabo Verde, China, People's Republic of, Cuba, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Liberia, Libya, Luxembourg, Monaco, Nicaragua, Oman, Paraguay, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Turkmenistan, United States of America. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira "Contact Us" link.

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.