Director, Independent Evaluation Office

About the role

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is seeking a senior leader to head its Independent Evaluation Office in Nairobi. Reporting functionally to the Executive Board and administratively to the Executive Director, the Director will provide strategic leadership and ensure the independence, credibility and utility of UNFPA’s evaluation function.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the Independent Evaluation Office, setting vision, strategy and managing overall operations.
• Ensure evaluations are conducted in line with the UN Evaluation Group (UNEG) norms, UNFPA Evaluation Policy and international professional standards.
• Safeguard the impartiality and independence of the evaluation function, protecting it from undue influence.
• Oversee the production of high‑quality evaluation reports that inform programme improvement and policy decisions.
• Engage with the Executive Board, senior UNFPA management and external stakeholders to communicate findings and recommendations.

Required profile

• Extensive experience in leading evaluation or research units within large international organisations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage senior staff and multi‑disciplinary teams.
• Strong understanding of UN development mandates, population and reproductive health programmes.
• Proven track record of upholding ethical standards, transparency and independence in evaluation work.

Required skills