Org. Setting and Reporting

The position is located in the Secretariat of the Joint Inspection Unit. The JIU is responsible to the General Assembly and to the legislative organs of organizations within the United Nations system that accept its statute as a system-wide oversight body. Applicants from JIU participating organizations will be considered internal candidates for this position, provided they have been appointed through the normal appointment and promotion procedure applicable in their organization. The incumbent will report to a Senior Evaluation and Inspection Officer, delegated by the Executive Secretary of the JIU. Substantive guidance will be provided by the Inspector(s) in charge of the management of the relevant evaluations or inspections. The incumbent is expected to work mostly independently with minimum supervision.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties: 1. Assists in conducting impartial, independent, professional and effective evaluations and inspections by: a) Assists the JIU project team on the review of the Ombudsman function in the United Nations System organizations. b) planning and organizing evaluations and inspections, drafting terms of reference, developing detailed work plans, drafting data collection matrix, drafting correspondence, gathering information and conducting preliminary reviews of quantitative and qualitative data, developing questionnaires and surveys; c) developing interview guides, participating in evaluation and inspection missions, assisting and advising the Inspectors, participating in interviews, gathering and reviewing documents and other information and documenting the results; d) analyzing all information collected using quantitative and qualitative methods for data analysis, including sampling techniques, as appropriate; e) drafting evaluation and inspection reports, notes and management (confidential) letters including recommendations for action; f) reviewing comments received from participating organizations on draft reports and other deliverables;

g) liaising with the editors and other relevant staff to ensure the timely finalization of the report. 2. Helps to ensure that evaluation and inspection findings and recommendations have the intended impact by: a) drafting clear and relevant recommendations, addressing the root causes of the areas of improvement identified; b) monitoring timely consideration of reports and recommendations by legislative bodies and executive heads; c) following–up on the acceptance and implementation of recommendations; d) contribute to/prepare review highlights and other outreach products related to the review; e) assisting in organizing meetings and presentations to present and disseminate evaluation and inspection findings and recommendations. 3. Acts as focal point officer for selected participating organizations by: a) keeping abreast of developments in those organizations and informing the Inspectors concerned and the Executive Secretary on issues relevant to the work of the JIU; b) participating with the inspectors in meetings with officials from participating organizations, interagency meetings and intergovernmental meetings, as required; c) providing input to the preparation of updates, summaries and (risk) assessments on JIU relationships with selected participating organizations.

4. Contributes to further developing and refining evaluation and inspection methodologies and tools by: a) keeping abreast of developments in the evaluation and audit professions; b) identifying issues and contributing to the development of policies, guidance and procedures; c) facilitating cooperation and interaction with other UN evaluation and inspection units and professional bodies. 5. Contributes to the preparation of the JIU Annual Programme of Work by: a) identifying issues or areas which could benefit from an evaluation or inspection, and developing proposals for consideration by the Inspectors; b) assisting in the validation of proposals received for the Programme of Work, gathering background information and assessing resource requirements. 6. Performs other related duties and assignments as and when required, including training, JIU team meetings, support to JIU initiatives, participating in relevant UN initiatives, etc.

Competencies

Professionalism: Familiarity with the UN system and its key mandates and reform initiatives. Knowledge of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to the field of evaluation and audit. Understand and map processes and systems, analyze large amounts of evidence, identify areas for improvement, formulate evidence-based conclusions and relevant and appropriate recommendations in line with best practices.

Knowledge of advanced quantitative and qualitative data analytics tools. Proven drafting skills. Ability to speak clearly and effectively in a concise manner, ask pertinent questions, listen to others, correctly interpret messages received and respond appropriately. 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.

Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. 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.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in social sciences, public administration, business administration, programme evaluation or a related 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.

Job – Specific Qualification

A relevant professional certificate (e.g. CPA/ACA, CIA, CISA, etc) is desirable

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of work experience, of which at least two in independent oversight in areas such as audit, evaluation, project or programme management, data analysis or a combination of these areas, is required. Experience in evaluation assignments covering issues related to the ombudsperson function is desirable. Experience in the United Nations Common System or a comparable international organization is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.