Evaluation and Research Analyst (ERA)

The Evaluation and Research Analyst (ERA) provides critical analytical support to the Independent Evaluation Office’s evaluation work, primarily contributing to independent country programme evaluations and supporting other sections. The role involves applying mixed methods, research rigor, and complex data analytics, including AI-enabled tools, to strengthen evaluation evidence and generate insights.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design and execution of independent country programme evaluations, including development of research and analytic frameworks and evaluation methods.
• Contribute directly to data collection, analysis, findings, conclusions, and recommendations of evaluation reports, ensuring rigor, credibility and traceability of evidence.
• Support identification, contracting, and technical and operational accompaniment of evaluation teams and external consultants, including monitoring deliverable quality against contract requirements.
• Engage with country office staff, national stakeholders, and relevant internal and external stakeholders, including coordinating meetings, consultations and validation sessions.
• Prepare evaluation TOR, outcome assessment papers, and other evaluation inputs, supporting all steps of the evaluation process as required.
• Conduct high-quality research and generate analytical inputs using primary and secondary data sources, applying quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, including AI and data analytics tools (e.g., AIDA platform, Power BI, Python, R).
• Perform programme and financial analysis and prepare analytical outputs, including dashboards, visuals and infographics for evaluation reports and other IEO knowledge products.
• Design and analyze surveys and manage datasets for qualitative and quantitative analysis.
• Manage evaluation-related timelines, resources, and collaboration tools to support seamless execution.
• Liaise and coordinate with IEO section teams, external evaluation consultants, regional hubs and other UNDP teams as needed for the conduct of evaluations.
• Support Chief of Section in the preparation of background notes and talking points for presentations to staff and Senior Management, and provide additional research support as required by the IEO.
• Contribute to knowledge sharing and methodological innovation across the IEO, and keep abreast of developments in field of evaluation.
• Perform other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Social Sciences, Economics, Public Administration, Political Science, International Relations, or other relevant areas is required.
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas stated above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience, will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Minimum of 2 years (with master’s degree) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant work experience in contributing to or conducting evaluations and research work in the context of international development, including experience with innovative research and evaluation methods, criteria, and data analysis techniques.
• Experience applying evaluation methodologies and qualitative and quantitative research approaches and methods in an evaluation context.
• Experience and strong knowledge of data management, including ability to structure complex datasets, develop dashboards (including PowerBi) and create data visualization.
• Proficiency in using computer and office software packages, and web-based data management systems.
• Familiarity with machine learning, natural language processing or generation, and the application of artificial intelligence to support data and predictive analytics.
• Prior experience in programme, large-scale project evaluations or evaluation-based research, preferably for international organizations.
• Experience with AI-enabled monitoring and evaluation methods and tools, GIS applications, and data analytics technologies, including Python, R, Power Query, and AIDA, is an asset.
• Prior experience working with UNDP and/or other UN agencies is an asset.
• Fluency in English is required.
• Working knowledge of both French and Spanish, and another UN official language is an asset.

Skills

• Evaluation Methodologies
• Qualitative Methods
• Quantitative Research
• Data Analysis
• Data Management
• Dashboard Development
• Power BI
• Data Visualization
• Machine Learning
• Natural Language Processing
• Artificial Intelligence
• Predictive Analysis
• Programme Evaluation
• Project Evaluation
• Python
• Power Query
• AIDA
• GIS Software
• Web-based Data Management Systems
• Office Software Proficiency

Languages

English, French, Spanish