Director, independent office of evaluation (ioe) for international fund for agricultural develo[...]

SRI Executive Search has been contracted by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to assist with the search for an exceptional candidate to fill the position of Director, Independent Office of Evaluation (IOE). About International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an international financial institution and a specialized United Nations agency dedicated to eradicating rural poverty and hunger. It does so by investing in rural people. IFAD finances programmes and projects that increase agricultural productivity and raise rural incomes, and advocates at the local, national and international level for policies that contribute to rural transformation. For more information about IFAD, visit Organizational Setting 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 rural transformation. 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. In line with the Revised IFAD Evaluation Policy (the Evaluation Policy), the IOE multi-year strategy (2022-2027) and the Evaluation Manual (2022), the Independent Office of Evaluation (IOE) reports directly to the IFAD Executive Board (EB). Drawing from the international norms and standards as outlined by the Evaluation Cooperation Group, United Nations Evaluation Group and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development - Development Assistance Committee, the evaluation function at IFAD is driven by the following set of six key principles: usefulness, impartiality and credibility, transparency, partnership, consultation and collaboration, evaluability, and value for money/cost effectiveness. The IFAD Evaluation Policy also states that the IOE Director will ensure that IOE is staffed by independent-minded, experienced evaluators. The IOE regularly undergoes External Peer Reviews to inform and further guide the evaluation function. As such, the IOE Director would be responsible for the implementation of recommendations pertaining to the Office. Reporting directly to the Executive Board of IFAD and working in collaboration with IFAD Management, the Director, IOE is responsible for managing IOE as the independent evaluation function of the Fund in accordance with its rules and procedures. Role Purpose The Director is responsible for managing the IOE. The Director provides strategic leadership, innovation and management. The Director is responsible for managing and supervising the delivery of the offices programme of work within the allocated budget. The main purpose of the position is to ensure that independent evaluation contributes to IFAD's strategy by improving IFAD policies, strategies and operations throughout their life cycle, by providing necessary evidence-based analysis in a timely manner to decision makers. As such, a robust evaluation policy is key to enhancing the development and organizational effectiveness of the Fund. Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in a field related to IFAD's work; a doctorate-level degree would be desirable. At least fifteen (15) years of which at least eight (8) years at a senior level of substantive experience in the 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 the evaluation of programmes and policies supported by International Financial Institutions, the United Nations or other multilateral development agencies and/or experience working with these entities. 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 at the international level is desirable. Experience in programmes and policies supported by International Financial Institutions, the United Nations or other multilateral development agencies and/or experience working with these entities is a strong asset. Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with governing bodies of multilateral institutions or similar governance entities is desirable. Proficiency in English (Level 4 - Excellent) is required. Proficiency in another UN language (French, Spanish, or Arabic) is desirable. Position specifics Evaluation: Knowledge of methodologies used among international development agencies for programme and project evaluation and analysis. Knowledge of and experience in management of evaluation programmes. Innovation: Propensity for innovation and change and results-oriented decision-making ability, with an aptitude for developing practical solutions for operational challenges. Experience in the use of advanced technologies, including AI and advanced analytics among others. Visionary: Ability to promote and model vision and values; build support for the 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 with 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. Role Location #J-18808-Ljbffr