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United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Is Seeking For Evaluations Office Deputy Director APPLY NOW
Background
UNDP works in more than 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. We help countries develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities and build resilience in order to sustain development results.
About UNDP
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the United Nations’ global development network. It is the largest provider of development assistance, working in more than 170 countries and territories. The UNDP aims to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and promote sustainable development.
Here are some key points about the UNDP:
- Mandate: The UNDP was established in 1965 and operates under the overall guidance of the United Nations General Assembly and the United Nations Development Group. Its mandate is to help countries achieve sustainable human development by providing technical expertise, policy advice, and financial support.
- Goals: The UNDP’s primary goals are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the UN in 2015. These goals include eradicating poverty, promoting gender equality, ensuring environmental sustainability, and fostering democratic governance.
- Development Approach: The UNDP takes a multi-dimensional approach to development, addressing economic, social, and environmental challenges. It works with governments, civil society organizations, and other partners to formulate and implement development projects and initiatives.
- Areas of Focus: The UNDP focuses on a wide range of development issues, including poverty reduction, democratic governance, crisis prevention and recovery, climate change, sustainable energy, gender equality, and youth empowerment.
- Funding: The UNDP’s funding comes from contributions by member states, as well as partnerships with international organizations, foundations, and the private sector. It manages and implements projects funded by various sources, including the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.
- Human Development Index: The UNDP publishes the Human Development Index (HDI) annually, which measures and ranks countries based on their achievements in key dimensions of human development, such as life expectancy, education, and income.
- Advocacy and Policy Advice: In addition to its operational work, the UNDP plays a key role in advocacy and policy advice at the global, regional, and national levels. It produces research and analysis, facilitates dialogues, and supports governments in formulating and implementing development policies.
The UNDP plays a vital role in international development efforts, working towards a more equitable and sustainable future for all.
Why work at UNDP
Working at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) can be a rewarding and impactful career choice for several reasons:
- Mission and Impact: The UNDP’s mission is to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and promote sustainable development. By working at the UNDP, you have the opportunity to contribute to global development efforts and make a positive impact on people’s lives around the world.
- Global Reach: The UNDP operates in over 170 countries and territories, giving you the chance to work in diverse cultural and geographical contexts. This global reach allows you to gain a broad perspective on development issues and work with diverse communities and stakeholders.
- Multidisciplinary Approach: The UNDP takes a multidimensional approach to development, addressing economic, social, and environmental challenges. This provides a unique opportunity to work across different sectors and collaborate with experts from various fields, such as economics, governance, climate change, and gender equality.
- Professional Development: Working at the UNDP offers opportunities for professional growth and learning. You can access training programs, workshops, and conferences that enhance your skills and knowledge in areas relevant to development. Additionally, you can build a valuable network of colleagues and experts in the field.
- Collaboration and Partnership: The UNDP collaborates with governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector to implement development projects and initiatives. This collaborative approach allows you to work with a wide range of stakeholders and build partnerships for sustainable development.
- Policy Influence: The UNDP plays a significant role in shaping global development policies and agendas. By working at the UNDP, you can contribute to policy advocacy, research, and analysis, influencing decision-making processes at the global, regional, and national levels.
- Work-Life Balance and Benefits: The UNDP promotes work-life balance and offers competitive benefits packages to its staff. This includes fair compensation, health insurance, pension plans, and opportunities for career advancement.
- Cultural Exchange and Diversity: The UNDP is a diverse organization that values inclusivity and multiculturalism. Working at the UNDP provides opportunities to interact with colleagues from different backgrounds, cultures, and nationalities, fostering a rich and inclusive work environment.
It’s important to note that working at the UNDP, like any organization, also comes with its challenges, such as complex bureaucratic processes, demanding workloads, and the need to navigate diverse cultural contexts. However, for individuals passionate about global development and making a difference, working at the UNDP can be a fulfilling and meaningful career choice.
Location: New York, United States
Apply Before: May 15, 2024, 05:59 AM
Job Schedule: Full time
Agency: UNDP
Grade: D1
Vacancy Type: Fixed Term
Practice Area: Management
Independent Office: Independent Evaluation Office
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Deputy Director is responsible for reporting to the Director of the Independent Evaluation Office (IEO) and overseeing the evaluation and operational staff. They have key oversight, managerial, and supervisory responsibilities. The incumbent’s main duties and responsibilities fall into the following areas:
- Leadership and Strategic Planning:
- Provide organizational leadership and strategic guidance to UNDP’s evaluation function.
- Implement the UNDP evaluation policy and develop the IEO’s annual work plan, including evaluations, corporate learning, and knowledge management.
- Foster an environment of methodological rigor and professional empowerment within the IEO.
- Manage interactions with UNDP’s Senior Management, the Executive Board, and other stakeholders.
- Management Oversight and Supervision:
- Implement the overall program of work for the office and provide guidance to senior staff and team leaders.
- Ensure quality and substance in evaluation processes, including early engagement, substantive guidance, and project management.
- Manage issues related to political sensitivity, credibility, timeliness, and use of evaluations.
- Administrative, Financial, and Human Resource Management:
- Exercise oversight and accountability of core resources and extra-budgetary funds.
- Manage the office budget, recruitment of staff and consultants, financial expenditure, procurement, and operations support.
- Supervise the Operations Manager and the Chief of Sections.
- Other Specific Duties and Responsibilities:
- Maintain adherence to UNDP’s Evaluation Policy.
- Supervise evaluations or assessments of UNDP programs, themes, or policies of key importance.
- Support the implementation of cutting-edge evaluation methodologies.
- Ensure high-quality methodological and process standards within the IEO.
- Foster partnerships for evaluation with UN system evaluation offices, multilateral institutions, and evaluation institutions and associations.
- Provide strategic advisory support and guidance on evaluation matters to country offices and HQ units.
- Coordinate responses to corporate requirements or demands from external parties.
- Coach and mentor staff, particularly mid-managers, to maintain a sustainable delivery capacity.
Competencies:
The Deputy Director should demonstrate the following core competencies:
- Achieve Results: Prioritize team workflow, mobilize resources, drive scalable results/strategic impact.
- Think Innovatively: Easily navigate complexity, encourage/enable radical innovation, have foresight.
- Learn Continuously: Create systems and processes that enable learning and development for all.
- Adapt with Agility: Proactively initiate/lead organizational change, champion new systems/processes.
- Act with Determination: Able to make difficult decisions in challenging situations, inspire confidence.
- Engage and Partner: Construct strategic multi-partner alliances in high-stakes situations, foster co-creation.
- Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Create an ethical culture, identify/address barriers to inclusion.
Required Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies:
- Knowledge of the UN: Thorough understanding of the UN and multilateral context, UN values, and relevant topics.
- Evaluations: In-depth professional knowledge of evaluation practice, including design, data collection, analysis, and reporting.
- Interpersonal Skills: Excellent oral and written communication skills, leadership competencies, negotiation and facilitation skills.
- Personal Attributes: Thorough understanding of ethical conduct, integrity, and honesty, promoting a positive work environment.
- Management Skills: Strong management, coaching, mentoring, and networking skills, as well as administrative skills.
Required Skills and Experience:
Education:
- Advanced university degree (Masters) in social sciences, Economics, Business or Public Administration, or related fields.
- A first-level university degree (Bachelors) with an additional 2 years of relevant experience.
Experience:
- Minimum of 15 years’ experience in conducting and managing evaluations for large, complex organizations.
- Documented evidence of evaluation technical and professional skills, including experience with UN and multilateral development organizations.
- Experience in managing operations in the UN system or other multilateral development organizations.
Language:
- Fluency in English.
- Proficiency in Spanish, French, or any other UN official language is highly desirable
