FAO Call for Expression of Interest: Evaluation Specialist – Apply Before 29 April 2026

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) invites qualified professionals to submit expressions of interest for the position of Evaluation Specialist under Vacancy Announcement 2600197. This opportunity is offered through a Consultant or Personal Services Agreement (PSA) and is open to candidates worldwide. The position is home-based, with a contract duration of up to 11 months.

The vacancy is managed by FAO’s Office of Evaluation (OED) and forms part of FAO’s broader efforts to strengthen evidence-based decision-making, accountability, and organizational learning across its global operations.

Organizational Context

FAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations leading international efforts to defeat hunger and improve food security. With 195 Members and operations in over 130 countries, FAO works to ensure that all people have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food for healthy and active lives.

FAO’s Office of Evaluation (OED) operates independently and reports directly to the Director-General and the FAO Programme Committee. OED is responsible for assessing the strategic alignment, effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of FAO’s strategies, programs, and projects at global, regional, and country levels.

As part of its Rolling Evaluation Workplan 2026–2029, OED is establishing a roster of evaluation specialists to support more than 200 planned thematic, country, and project evaluations. Inclusion in the roster does not guarantee immediate engagement, and assignments may vary in scope, duration, and location, including remote and field-based work.

Reporting Lines and Technical Focus

Evaluation Specialists will work under the technical supervision of the assigned Evaluation Officer, with overall accountability to the Director of the Office of Evaluation (OED).

The role requires providing technical expertise across evaluation assignments, including leading, managing, or supporting evaluations depending on organizational needs.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

Depending on the assignment, Evaluation Specialists may undertake the following responsibilities:

When Leading Evaluations

• Design robust evaluation frameworks aligned with project or programme M&E plans
• Engage FAO stakeholders throughout the evaluation process
• Oversee data collection, analysis, and reporting
• Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary evaluation teams
• Ensure timely delivery of high-quality evaluation outputs

When Managing Evaluations

• Monitor progress against workplans, timelines, and budgets
• Coordinate communication, meetings, missions, and documentation
• Review and submit deliverables for clearance
• Identify and manage risks during implementation

When Providing Analytical Support

• Conduct literature reviews and document analysis
• Perform quantitative and qualitative data analysis
• Develop visualizations such as graphs and tables
• Support drafting of reports, briefs, and presentations

Minimum Requirements

Candidates will be assessed against the following criteria:

For Consultants

• Advanced university degree in evaluation-related fields such as economics, public policy, data science, statistics, sociology, or related disciplines
• Minimum of five years of professional experience in evaluation or research
• Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of another FAO official language

For PSAs

• University degree in a relevant field
• Minimum of three years of relevant professional experience
• Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of another FAO official language

Core Competencies

Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate FAO’s core competencies, including:

• Results focus
• Teamwork
• Effective communication
• Relationship building
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement

Technical and Functional Skills

Desired skills and experience include:

• Proven experience in thematic, country, or project evaluations
• Expertise in sectors such as agriculture, food systems, nutrition, climate change, biodiversity, or rural development
• Strong stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills
• Advanced quantitative analysis skills using tools such as STATA, R, or Python
• Familiarity with qualitative analysis methods and tools such as NVivo
• Experience working with UN agencies or multilateral development organizations is an asset

How to Apply

Interested candidates must apply through the FAO Jobs Portal. The application process includes:

• Completing an accurate and comprehensive online profile
• Uploading a letter of motivation
• Submitting the application before the closure date of 29 April 2026

Only applications submitted through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

FAO Values and Additional Information

FAO is committed to:

• Workforce diversity and inclusion
• Zero tolerance for harassment, exploitation, and discrimination
• Integrity, transparency, and professional conduct
• Environmental sustainability

FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. All selected candidates will undergo reference and background checks, as well as medical and security clearances.

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