Спеціаліст/ка з питань оцінювання, ЮНІСЕФ (Київ)

Title: Evaluation Specialist
Job no: 594200
Contract type: Fixed Term Appointment
Duty Station: Kyiv
Level: NO-3

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, the right to a Future

Since 24 February 2022, the escalation of the war in Ukraine has severely affected the lives of children and families. Millions of people remain in need of humanitarian assistance, with widespread disruption to access to essential services including health, education, WASH, social protection and livelihoods. In response, UNICEF activated an emergency response, while progressively supporting the transition towards recovery and systems strengthening.

In this context, the generation and use of high-quality, credible and timely evidence is critical to ensure that UNICEF’s programmes are relevant, effective and responsive to the evolving needs of children. Evaluation plays a central role in assessing programme performance, informing strategic decision-making, strengthening accountability to affected populations and partners, and promoting organizational learning. It is also essential to support system strengthening.

To strengthen the evaluation function, the UNICEF Ukraine Country Office (UCO) is seeking to recruit an Evaluation Specialist at the NO-C level. The incumbent will support the planning, design, implementation and dissemination of evaluations and other evaluative exercises, including reviews, assessments and studies. The role will contribute to the implementation of the Office’s evidence generation plan and strategy, ensuring alignment with corporate evaluation standards and national priorities.

The Evaluation Specialist will promote the use of evidence for programme adaptation, strategic planning and policy dialogue, while fostering a culture of learning and accountability across the office. The position will also contribute to strengthening national and sub-national evaluation capacity, including engagement with government counterparts, partners and stakeholders.

The incumbent will report to the Representative and will work closely with the Deputy Representative (Programme) and Chief of Planning, Monitoring and Reporting.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

1. Evaluation planning and coordination
2. Evaluation implementation and quality assurance
3. Knowledge management and evidence use
4. Evaluation capacity strengthening and partnerships
5. Cross-sectoral evidence generation and research support

1. Evaluation planning and coordination 

Support the planning and coordination of evaluations and other evaluative exercises in line with the Country Office priorities and the Integrated Monitoring and Evaluation Plan (IMEP). 

Duties & Tasks: 

• Contribute to the development, updating and implementation of the IMEP, ensuring alignment with country programme priorities, including humanitarian response, recovery and nexus programming. 
• Support the identification and prioritization of evaluative exercises in consultation with programme sections and Field Offices. 
• Provide technical inputs to ensure that evaluation activities are realistic, well-sequenced and aligned with available resources. 
• Contribute to the integration of evaluation within the broader evidence generation and planning frameworks of the Country Office.

2. Evaluation implementation and quality assurance Support the design, management, and quality assurance of evaluations, reviews, assessments and studies to strengthen programme performance, accountability and learning. 

Duties & Tasks: 

• Support the timely implementation of evaluations in line with corporate requirements across the programme cycle, including those outlined in the costed evaluation plan (including. Mid-Term Evaluations and Country Programme Evaluations). 
• Draft evaluation concept notes and Terms of Reference (ToR) in consultation with relevant stakeholders. 
• Support the management of evaluations and evaluative exercises throughout all phases (design, data collection, analysis, reporting and management response plan), ensuring compliance with United Nations Evaluation Group norms and standards and UNICEF evaluation policies. 
• Participate in evaluation selection processes and ensure quality control of deliverables produced by external partners. 
• Monitor the quality of evaluation processes and outputs, ensuring clarity, methodological rigor and usability of findings. 
• Follow up on management responses and support the tracking of recommendation implementation to ensure uptake and use of findings. 
• Promote the use of evaluation evidence to inform programme adaptation, strategic decision-making and policy dialogue.

3. Knowledge management and evidence use Strengthen the systematic use of evaluative evidence to promote learning, accountability and improved programme performance. 

Duties & Tasks: 

• Support the synthesis, documentation and dissemination of lessons learned and best practices from evaluations and other evaluative exercises. 
• Support the dissemination of evaluation findings and the development of user-friendly knowledge products tailored to different audiences. 
• Develop targeted communication products to facilitate the use of evidence by programme teams, partners and stakeholders. 
• Work with programme sections and Field Offices to integrate evaluation findings into planning, implementation and reporting processes. 
• Contribute to strengthening a culture of evidence-based decision-making across the Country Office.

4. Evaluation capacity strengthening and partnerships Support the strengthening of evaluation capacity among UNICEF staff, implementing partners and government counterparts. 

Duties & Tasks: 

• Contribute to the implementation of capacity-building initiatives on evaluation and evidence use for UNICEF staff and partners. 
• Support national and sub-national partners in strengthening evaluation systems and practices. 
• Facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration with national institutions, academia and other stakeholders. 
• Engage with Regional Office and Headquarters evaluation networks to share knowledge and ensure alignment with corporate practices. 

5. Cross-sectoral support to evidence generation and research Contribute to the cross-sectoral generation, coordination and use of evidence across the Country Office, supporting research, studies and other analytical work to strengthen programme performance, strategic decision-making and organizational learning.

Duties & Tasks: 

• Support the design, coordination and implementation of cross-sectoral research, studies and evidence generation initiatives, ensuring alignment with programme priorities and evidence gaps. 
• Contribute to the analysis and interpretation of programme, monitoring and needs assessment data to inform evaluative work and broader evidence products. 
• Support coherence and complementarity across evidence generation efforts, helping to identify synergies, reduce duplication and ensure efficient use of resources across sections and Field Offices. 
• Contribute to the functioning of internal evidence governance mechanisms, including the PRIME Committee, by supporting the review and quality assurance of research, evaluations and other evidence products. 
• Facilitate collaboration across programme sections, Planning and Monitoring, and external partners to strengthen integrated approaches to evidence generation and use. 
• Participate in internal and inter-agency M&E, evaluation and research working groups. 

Impact of Results:   

The effective technical and operational support provided by the Evaluation Specialist to the UNICEF Ukraine Country Office and its partners contributes to the planning, implementation and use of evaluations and related evidence efforts, resulting in improved programme performance and outcomes for children. In the context of humanitarian response and the transition towards recovery and nexus programming, the role supports the systematic use of evidence to inform decision-making, programme adaptation and prioritization, contributing to more effective and sustainable interventions and system strengthening. Effective evaluation strengthens UNICEF’s credibility and accountability, while supporting policy dialogue and the alignment of humanitarian and development efforts. The strengthening of national evaluation capacities further contributes to a sustainable culture of evidence-based programming and the progressive realization of children’s rights.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements:

• Education: Master or equivalent (Advanced University Degree) in Social Science, economics, public policy, statistics, research methods and any other related fields.
• Work Experience: Minimum of five years of relevant professional work experience in programme development and implementation, including monitoring and evaluation activities. Experience in Quantitative and Qualitative Data Analysis, Research, Programme Audit, and/or Programme Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation is required.  
• Skills: Required technical knowledge: Professional expertise in evaluation process management, dissemination of results, and utilization. Technical knowledge of methodologies employed in Evaluation, including Results-based Management (RBM), theories of change, stakeholders mapping, standards and models, research designs, quantitative/qualitative/mixed methods of data collection, validity/reliability testing of data, data and qualitative information analysis and interpretation, and statistical inference methods. Technical knowledge in routine monitoring systems; preferably those associated with Health, Nutrition, Education, Child Protection, Social Policy or WASH sectors. Familiarity with ethics review processes and safeguarding. Knowledge of UNICEF & UNEG Evaluation norms & standards. Communication skills (oral, written and in developing effective and user-targeted materials).
• Language Requirements: Proficiency in English and in Ukrainian is required.

Desirables:

• Language: Knowledge of another official UN language or a local language is an asset.
• Exposure to a humanitarian crisis programme response is an asset.
• Use of data and information quantitative and qualitative software for data analysis is an asset.
• Relevant experience at country level, particularly in development, fragile settings and humanitarian contexts.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships
(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness
(3) Drive to achieve results for impact
(4) Innovates and embraces change
(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity
(6) Thinks and acts strategically
(7) Works collaboratively with others

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF is committed to fostering an inclusive, representative, and welcoming workforce. For this position, eligible and suitable people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

Humanitarian action is a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF’s Strategic Plan. UNICEF is committed to stay and deliver in humanitarian contexts. Therefore, all staff, at all levels across all functional areas, can be called upon to be deployed to support humanitarian response, contributing to both strengthening resilience of communities and capacity of national authorities.

Visa residence requirements: i.e. UNICEF shall not facilitate the issuance of a visa and working authorization for candidates under consideration for positions at the national officer and general service category.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.

Application Deadline: 16 July 2026 FLE Daylight Time