UNV Regional Evaluation Associate - Qatar

UN Entity: UNESCO QAT

Assignment Context:
The UNESCO Evaluation Office located in the Division of Internal Oversight Services (IOS) is responsible for establishing an effective evaluation system throughout UNESCO to inform evidence-based policies and programmes and for greater accountability and organizational learning. It is The UNESCO evaluation system is composed of corporate evaluations managed by the HQ Evaluation Office, and decentralized evaluations managed by other UNESCO entities such as Field Offices. All UNESCO evaluations must adhere to the United Nations Evaluation Group (UNEG) Norms and Standards for evaluation, the 2022-29 UNESCO Evaluation Policy and related guidance developed by the Evaluation Office.

To strengthen decentralized evaluation capacity, the Evaluation Office is recruiting Regional Evaluation Associates (REAs) in 5 Regional Offices. Under the authority of the Director of IOS and the Head of Evaluation and supervision by respective Evaluation Specialist in HQ, the REOs will support the UNESCO Evaluation Office in strengthening the decentralized evaluation system and evaluation capacity development, and promote the use of evaluations and UN coordination on evaluation as per details outlined below. These are specialist positions and require a high level of evaluation expertise.

This UNV assignment is part of the United Nations Evaluation Group-United Nations Volunteers (UNEG-UNV) young evaluator programme. The programme seeks to recruit and deploy young monitoring and evaluation (M&E) professionals across the UN system, at national and international levels, to support the effective delivery of Agenda 2030 and enhance national evaluation capacity development.

The young evaluator programme was initiated by the UNEG working group on young and emerging evaluators in 2023 and was endorsed with commitments by the Heads of Evaluation Offices of various UN agencies during the 2024 UNEG Annual General Meeting.

Task description:
Under the direct guidance of the Head of Evaluation/ Evaluation Specialist in the UNESCO HQ Evaluation Office the UNV Evaluation Specialist will engage in below areas of work. The specific distribution of tasks of individual REOs will vary by region, depending on the Evaluation Office workplan and specific regional needs, demand, and number of evaluations.

1. Support to strengthening decentralized evaluation systems
• Provide advice to Field Offices (FOs) commissioning decentralized evaluations to support adherence to evaluation quality standards. This includes support and quality assurance during all evaluation stages: evaluation planning, implementation and use
• Monitor and follow-up on Evaluation Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in the region
• Ensure application of UNESCO Evaluation Policy, Evaluation Manual and related guidance through review and quality check of decentralized evaluation products (TOR, evaluation inception report, evaluation report)
• Support to identifying and recruiting external evaluation teams
• Manage or co-manage major decentralized evaluations: regional, thematic, UNESCO Country Programmes etc.
• In coordination with UNESCO Bureau for Strategic Planning (BSP) and Field Office M&E staff, support project/ programme design from evaluability perspective through review of results frameworks, indicators, baselines, Theories of Change, decentralized evaluation budgets etc.
• Provide inputs to the HQ Evaluation Office on corporate reports such as the IOS Annual Report and the annual Synthesis Report.

2. Strengthen evaluation capacity development
• Contribute to strengthening of evaluation capacity across the region through evaluation trainings and webinars, presentations and briefings tailored to regional/ country-specific learning needs
• Provide individual support and coaching to evaluation managers and M&E colleagues in the region throughout the evaluation process
• Actively participate in the Evaluation Focal Point (EFP) network and foster engagement from other EFPs in the region
• Keep abreast of and share knowledge about innovations and developments in the field of evaluation and external evaluation trainings/ events in the region incl. regional evaluation conferences
• Support FOs on any other evaluation-related issues

3. Promote the use of evaluations/ evaluation knowledge management
• Facilitate the use and learning from evaluation at regional and country level through developing and disseminating evaluation knowledge products e.g. regional evaluation synthesis summaries, regional evaluation newsletters etc.
• Review new draft project and programme documents and ensure they are grounded on evaluation evidence
• Organize evaluation learning/ knowledge sharing events in the region
• Oversee the completion and follow-up of evaluation management responses for decentralized evaluations

4. Promote UN coordination on evaluation
• Partner with regional evaluation staff of other UN agencies to establish processes for effective commissioning and management of UNSDCF and joint evaluations that support delivery of the 2030 Agenda
• Establish regional partnerships with UN agencies and other regional partners including regional and national evaluation associations/ Voluntary Organizations for Professional Evaluation (VOPEs)
• In partnership with other UN agencies, contribute to national evaluation capacity development efforts at country and regional levels

The regional scope of work for the respective EO will go beyond the individual Regional Office of placement. The REO will provide evaluation support to all Regional Offices, National Offices and Liaison Offices in the respective geographic region.

The REO will uphold systematic and continuous communication with other Regional Offices in the region to guarantee comprehensive coverage and support across the entirety of the evaluation portfolio.

The Regional Office will facilitate the work of the REO through providing office space and administrative support such as obtaining work/ residence permit, organizing travel, and ensuring participation in pertinent meetings, workshops, retreats, and similar events.

The IOS Evaluation Office will provide an operational budget for the REO for the purchase of a laptop and for supporting travel cost of the REO in the region. This will also include an initial induction session in UNESCO HQ in Paris of between 1-2 weeks.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day);
• Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
• Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
• Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;
• Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Required experience
7 years of experience in Monitoring and Evaluating.

• Proven knowledge of frameworks and tools for monitoring, evaluation and Results-Based Management (RBM)
• Training or certification in monitoring and evaluation (e.g., IPDET, CLEAR etc.) or equivalent qualification is an advantage;
• Strong understanding of qualitative and quantitative evaluation methodologies and data collection instruments
• Proven ability to provide technical support and quality assurance during evaluation planning, implementation and follow-up, and in promoting a culture of learning from evaluation
• Proven knowledge of evaluation ethics and United Nations Evaluation Group (UNEG) Norms and Standards
• Good knowledge of the UN system and programmes and operations of UN organizations
• Substantive knowledge of Human Rights and Gender Equality issues
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent analytical, drafting, formulation, reporting skills;
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment;
• Keen interest to improve as a professionally competent evaluator within the framework of national evaluation capacity of the country.
• Previous work experience and familiarity with the respective region applied for

Languages
English, Level: Fluent, Required
Arabic, Level: Fluent, Required

Inclusivity statement:
United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements
Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy

Living conditions and remarks
Doha, the capital city of Qatar, is often characterized by modernity, comfort, and luxury, as one of the wealthiest cities in the world. While Doha embraces modernity, it also values traditional Qatari customs and Islamic traditions. Respect for local customs, such as modest dress and adherence to Islamic principles, is important. It is also known for its high cost of living, accommodation, particularly in upscale neighbourhood’s, can be expensive, although a range of housing options is available to suit different budgets. The city experience desert climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Summers can be extremely hot (June to September), with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F), while winters are moderate, with daytime temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). The city receives minimal rainfall, primarily during the winter months. Despite the desert climate, Doha offers green spaces and parks for outdoor recreation, along with access to pristine beaches along the Persian Gulf. Additionally, the city's multicultural population contributes to its vibrant social scene, with a diverse array of restaurants, cafes, and cultural events reflecting influences from around the world. Overall, living in Doha provides residents with a blend of modern conveniences, cultural richness, and a cosmopolitan lifestyle.

Doha boasts a well-developed infrastructure ensuring ample availability of food, water, and electricity, with supermarkets, desalination plants, and a reliable power grid. The city is equipped with modern medical facilities, a robust banking sector, and advanced communications infrastructure, providing residents with access to high-quality healthcare, banking services, and telecommunications.

Doha is generally considered to be stable and safe and is known for its very low crime rate and stringent security measures, which contribute to a safe environment for residents and visitors alike. The Hamad International Airport being one of the region's busiest airports, voted best airport worldwide for consecutive years, offers extensive international connectivity, facilitating easy access to destinations worldwide. Qatar Airways, the national carrier, operates numerous flights to various global destinations, providing residents with convenient travel options.

International UN Specialist Volunteers in Qatar are entitled to:

- Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) at the amount of USD 2,901.84
- Annual and learning leaves;
- Entry lump sum USD 4000
- Exit allowance (paid on successful completion of the assignment)
$225 for each month served, paid on completion of contract
- Free Medical and life insurance;
- Family allowance $250 per month for one dependent. $450 per month for two or more dependents
- Free access to different learning platforms

You can check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator.
The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos.