Evaluation Analyst (Impact Evaluation)

JOB TITLE:

Evaluation Analyst (Impact Evaluation)

TYPE OF CONTRACT:

CSLT Regular (Level 1)

UNIT/DIVISION:

Office of Evaluation

DUTY STATION (City Country):

Rome Italy

DURATION:

11 months (100%)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

The WFP Evaluation Policy 2022 reinforces WFPs commitment to evidence-based decision-making and a culture of learning and accountability. Impact evaluations as defined in the policy play a pivotal role in assessing the attributable changes in development outcomes resulting from WFPs programs and policies. Impact evaluations are managed and conducted by the Impact Evaluation Unit in WFPs independent Office of Evaluation (OEV) in partnership with external experts.

Impact evaluations are delivered in line with corporate evidence priorities through impact evaluation windows. These windows are portfolios of impact evaluations in specific priority evidence areas agreed with WFP management which will be updated over time as the organizations evidence priorities change. Current impact evaluation windows include: 1) cash-based transfer and gender; 2) climate and resilience; and 3) school-based programmes. This position will primarily support OEVs Climate and Resilience Window and the consultant will report to the Evaluation Officer coordinating this window.

THE ROLE

This Evaluation Analyst (Impact Evaluation) will support impact evaluations and related activities aligning with WFPs strategic priorities the Evaluation Policy 2022 and the objectives of the Climate and Resilience window. The Analyst will play a key role in designing implementing and analysing impact evaluations contributing to a stronger evidence base for WFPs programming and informing decision-making within WFP and the broader community.

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Support the delivery of humanitarian impact evaluations (80%):

Develop and maintain comprehensive evaluation management tools data repositories and information systems adhering to WFPs Impact Evaluation Quality Assurance System (IEQAS) and ethical standards.

Conduct literature reviews and data analysis to inform evaluation activities and ensure alignment with the latest research and best practices.

Support the utilisation of innovative data sources and collection techniques keeping abreast of emerging trends related to randomised controlled trials and impact evaluation.

Provide data analysis support at all stages of impact evaluations (e.g. design inception data collection analysis).

Participate in field missions as needed to support the implementation and management of impact evaluations ensuring adherence to WFPs operational guidelines and safety protocols.

Support enumerator training for data collection and provide technical guidance on data quality checks and analysis ensuring data accuracy and reliability.

Assist in the development of robust sampling and randomization protocols ensuring ethical considerations are prioritized and potential biases are minimized in line with lean impact evaluation principles.

Closely monitor the implementation process to ensure alignment with the evaluation design and data collection protocols.

Co-author briefs reports and other evaluation-related publications adhering to WFPs reporting standards and quality assurance processes.

Support WFPs impact evaluation capacity development activities (10%):

Support capacity building for WFP staff throughout the impact evaluation process fostering a culture of evaluation and learning within the organization.

Synthesize and disseminate lessons learned from impact evaluations highlighting successful approaches effective tools and key findings contributing to organizational learning and knowledge sharing.

Support evaluation trainings and events aimed to raise awareness and build capacity for WFP staff.

Support dissemination and impact evaluation community of practice (10%):

Support OEV efforts to fostering a community of practice on impact evaluation connecting researchers evaluators and practitioners across different organizations and sectors leveraging the Impact Evaluation Forum as a platform for engagement and knowledge sharing.

Prepare comprehensive briefings and presentations to effectively communicate the evaluation results to external stakeholders tailoring the communication to different audiences and needs.

Support the coordination of external events conferences and workshops (including the Impact Evaluation Forum) to share findings and engage with the broader community promoting collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Other Duties as Assigned by the Director of Evaluation

DELIVERABLES AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT:

Complete library of well-organized evaluation products databases and process as per OEV standard procedures;

Record of active support and CO engagement for Cimate and Resilience workstream.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education:

• Masters or doctoral degree in academic disciplines relevant to assignment (gender studies evaluation economics political science development studies etc.).

Experience:

• Either a masters degree and 3 years professional experience or completed doctoral degree in relevant field. Experience supporting the delivery of impact evaluations in countries where WFP is operational.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Solid knowledge of quantitative and qualitative methods used for identifying and measuring gender-transformative outcomes (e.g. survey design implicit association tests etc.).
• Demonstrated interest and practical experience in assessing intra-household dimensions of gender is desirable.
• Proficiency in using statistical software packages (Stata R Python etc.).
• Fully computer-literate with excellent skills in Word Excel Power Point and database management.
• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to work effectively and sensitively in diverse teams. Experience working with government partners is desirable.
• Excellent communication skills written verbal and visual. Experience effectively translating between academics and practitioners is highly desirable.
• Well organised and systematic.

Languages:

• Fluency (level C) in English language. Intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second official UN language is a requirement.