Monitoring and Evaluation Associate

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

FAO was established in 1945 and officially opened its office in South Sudan after independence in 2011. Over the years, intercommunal and political conflicts compounded by climate extremes (floods and droughts) and economic crises have driven hunger in South Sudan to unpreceded levels causing extensive human suffering, poverty, food insecurity and malnutrition. Up to 80 percent of those hit by crises are rural families who rely on agriculture for their survival. As such, FAO country programme seeks to strengthen the resilience of agriculture-based livelihoods against multiple hazards. By bringing together humanitarian and development actions, with a deliberate focus on contributing to sustaining peace, this involves supporting communities and their leaders to improve food security, resilient and productive livelihoods, enhancing local capacities to cope and recover from crisis, and restoring community trust and social cohesion through peace building initiatives.

Within the country programme framework, the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist will work closely with the global, regional and country experts in livestock, crop, natural resources management, fisheries and forestry and under the overall supervision and guidance of Head/deputy head of M&E unit. S/He will help ensure that the activities of the project are closely and strategically monitored with identified processes and systems which involve field offices, resource partners, UN agencies, CSOs and local partners supporting the country programme. S/He will also ensure that the activities are effectively evaluated against programme outputs and targets. S/he will coordinate with the team on the implementation of the activities and ensure mechanisms of monitoring are in place and working on actual execution of actions. S/He will also make sure that the monitoring and evaluation of the activities are properly documented and published for the purpose of improving areas of project implementation and presentation to the project partners.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the FAO Representative in South Sudan or his designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Monitoring and Evaluation Associate will:

Assist in the organization and conduct of baseline and outcome monitoring assessments, M&E/Learning missions. Prepare monthly M&E updates on project activity delivery Design standard result-oriented M&E tools (survey questionnaires, data collection and consolidation tools, etc.), methods and techniques for monitoring of the overall Programme and individual projects (development, resilience and emergency);Assist in the planning, organizing and execution of post-distribution monitoring, post-harvest assessment and results assessment surveys using standardized tools and methodologies developed by the M&E team. Compile project results indicator tracking tables to enable the measurement of progress towards objectives/results Conduct filed monitoring visits to assess progress in implementation of project activities and realization of project results Conduct capacity building for partners in project monitoring, data collection and reporting including conducting data audits to ensure quality reporting by the implementing partners Contribute to creation and sharing of knowledge by documenting findings and lessons learned, success stories and best practices of various projects Assist in following up with project managers for timely implementation and submission of progress and final reports. Conduct preliminary data analysis and draft assessment reports factoring specific indicators and ensuring the M&E framework is being implemented, as assigned by the Head of M&E Support the M&E unit as needed in their coordination activities. Perform any other related duties as assigned by supervisor.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities: Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; Provide annual and end of assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Results/expected outputs: As an active FAO team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to FAO and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:

Evidence of support provided to the planning, implementation, coordination and monitoring of FAO activities. Regular distribution and activity, output and outcome updates shared Full participation in post-distribution monitoring, post-harvest assessments, baseline assessments, outcome assessments and technical evaluations; Field missions are undertaken on a regular basis to facilitate evidence-based decision making Capacity building trainings to support the implementation of monitoring activities for FAO, implementing partners and government is developed. Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.

 Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to FAO South Sudan; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to FAO South Sudan procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;  Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and FAO South Sudan in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority;  Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues;  Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.  Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;  Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;  Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards FAO South Sudan’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

developing, implementing and managing monitoring and evaluating portfolios and progressively responsible professional work experience at national or international level Strong quantitative, qualitative and analytical research skills; Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; Experience working in the UN or other international development organizations is an asset

Recent reports from IGAD and parties to the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan show good progress and goodwill towards implementation of the peace agreement,. The improving security situation across the country that was once engulfed in fighting has built positively to national security and stability. Security in Juba (Duty Station) is calm with curfew which currently runs from 19.00hrs to 06.00hrs. There are thousands of multinationals in the country supporting various humanitarian, development and peacekeeping activities. However, South Sudan remains a unique country and is in a unique (humanitarian/emergency) operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. restrictions on the freedom of movement of people, even within countries. Such restrictions may affect the ability of UN Volunteers to begin their assignments at their assigned duty station or limit the ability to enter UN premises. Thus, UNV cannot guarantee assignments will proceed as normal. Candidates for UN Volunteer assignments requiring travel to the duty station may be exceptionally granted during this period alternative working arrangements to work from their place of recruitment until restrictions are lifted. Candidates for UN Volunteer assignments may also need to begin their assignments remotely in cases where access to UN premises is restricted. These are decisions at the discretion of the host entity. Candidates proceeding to interview are recommended to discuss travel requirements, any restrictions, and possible alternative arrangements with the host entity. If selected, candidates should carefully consider the circumstances before accepting UNV’s offer. The contract lasts for the period indicated above with possibility of extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectation of renewal of the assignment.

Travel to duty station (if applicable) and a Settling-In-Grant will be provided in the event the duty station is not within commuting distance from the place of recruitment. The applicable Volunteer Living Allowance is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses. Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included (health insurance for up to 3 dependents), as well as final repatriation (if applicable) and resettlement allowance for satisfactory service. Furthermore, in non-family duty stations that belong to hardship categories D or E, as classified by the ICSC, a Well-Being Differential (WBD) will be provided monthly.