Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist (Retainer)

Contract

This is a IICA-2 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's an external contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-2 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

South East Asia and Pacific Multi Country Office (EAPMCO) The South East Asia and Pacific Multi Country Office (EAPMCO) supports, develops and oversees the UNOPS portfolio of projects in South East Asia and the Pacific. EAPMCO was established in January 2023 following the merger of the Thailand Multi-Country Office, which covered 20 countries across North East Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific, and the Cambodia Multi-Country Office, which covered 4 countries South East Asia - 3 countries in the Mekong Sub-region (Cambodia, Lao PDR and Vietnam) and the Philippines. EAPMCO currently covers 24 countries across North East Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific. With its head office in Bangkok, the Multi-Country Office comprises nine business units: EAPMCO Thailand, EAPMCO Indonesia, EAPMCO Pacific Operations Cluster, EAPMCO Papua New Guinea, EAPMCO China, SEAMCO Vietnam, EAPMCO Lao PDR, EAPMCO Philippines and EAPMCO Cambodia.

In 2022, the UNOPS EAPMCO implemented projects worth more than USD 95.7 million, in the areas of Energy Transition, Digital Transformations, Sustainable Environmental Management, Climate Change, Waste Management, Rule of Law and Access to Justice, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Post Conflict Reintegration, Emergency Relief, Post COVID19 Economic Transformations, and Health, through HR, procurement, construction, contract management, fund and program management services.

The Multi Country Office head office in Bangkok provides strategic direction, operational support, delivery oversight and assurance of the excellence of business processes and quality standards across all of the entire Multi Country Office locations. It is also responsible for developing, delivering and managing the portfolio of engagements in the country of the MCO location itself.

Southeast Asia Energy Transition Partnership (ETP) The Southeast Asia Energy Transition Partnership (ETP) brings together governments and philanthropies to work with partner countries in the region. We support the transition towards modern energy systems that can simultaneously ensure economic growth, energy security, and environmental sustainability. Enabling the transition toward greener energy systems will greatly contribute to the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement objectives.

ETP focuses on Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam, which are the countries in the region with the highest energy demand, a substantial pipeline for fossil fuel-based projects, and a significant and cost-effective potential for renewable energy and energy efficiency. ETP provides High Level Technical Advisory Support, Holistic Support to Governments on financing and technical needs, capacity and skill development and facilitation of dialogues in all related areas.

A Secretariat, incorporated into UNOPS will support the Steering Committee (SC) and facilitate the implementation of SC’s decisions. The Secretariat will operate as per defined Terms of Reference approved by the SC. The Secretariat will undertake day-to-day management and operation of the ETP Fund: (1) it launches Calls for Proposal and carries out proposals assessments; (2) it provides assistance and support to implementing partners; (3) facilitates the design, development and implementation of an overall M&E strategy; (4) monitors progress made by each project during the implementation phase.

The Secretariat will work in close cooperation with the SC, the Advisory Committee and the Senior Programme Manager (Fund Manager), as well as UNOPS Services. The members of the secretariat will be selected following the UNOPS rules and regulations. Within the framework of the delegated authority, the incumbent is assigned all or part of the following duties which are performed according to organizational needs and structure:

Functional Responsibilities

Reporting to the ETP Secretariat Director (Fund Director), the incumbent will be responsible for improving and maintaining an effective, transparent and efficient results-based management framework, the baseline data, design and undertaking a process for a periodical monitoring and reporting on results of ETP’s programs in concert with the ETP Secretariat, under the Rules and Regulations of UNOPS, and in accordance with the strategy approved by the ETP Steering Committee. The Incumbent will also be responsible for reporting on the Results Based Monitoring Framework (RBMF) and its components, which requires M&E Advisors regular follow up of updates sourced from ETP’s implementing partners and ETP’s Aligned programs. The Incumbent will also be responsible for clear and catchy presentation of the results, making the results aggregation and escalation pathways vivid and easily understandable.

Purpose and Scope of Assignment:

Under the direct supervision of the Fund Director, the M&E Specialist will continuously seek to improve ETP’s monitoring and evaluation strategy and presentation of ETP’s results, using the results-based monitoring framework agreed with ETP’s Steering Committee. The M&E Specialist will review and upgrade ETP’s strategy for results management and monitoring, identification of baseline indicators and data, data sources and processes for updating and reporting on data on ETP’s activities and results. The M&E Specialist provides technical leadership on M&E systems development and implementation, accounting for potential interfaces with national M&E systems and those of other partner agencies and programs, and facilitates external/internal assessments, evaluations and responses to data requests regarding ETP’s programmes and funds managed by ETP Secretariat.

The incumbent will be responsible for:

• Developing effective, efficient and highly communicative M&E systems for ETP’s projects and its own performance as well as that of aligned programs.
• Providing technical input and strategy for the design, implementation and recurrent monitoring activity, M&E reporting, and improvement of M&E systems, policies, tools, processes.
• Designing baseline, mid-term and final evaluation surveys using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Conducting and/or overseeing survey and other studies’ implementation and analysis.
• Coordinating with the Program and Fund Managers undertaking periodic monitoring and evaluation of activities, including supporting the preparation of periodic and annual M&E work reports, plans and budgets.
• Ensuring that M&E data are readily available, as appropriate, to the ETP Steering Committee and the ETP Secretariat and to other stakeholders, particularly on input, output, outcome results, impact and lessons learnt from Fund activities.
• Improving and maintaining a dashboard with user-friendly presentations of the results data, including in clear and compelling graphical presentations, ensuring effective IT solutions and their integration in ETP’s website and intranet configurations.
• Ensuring and incorporating feedback to/from Fund beneficiaries on data and analyses. Identify lessons learned, pursue their incorporation in ETP’s project activities and overall all operations and strategy and identify and develop communication tools to provide useful information on these for a wider dissemination.
• Overseeing data compilation, analysis and reporting processes to measure progress and achievements.
• Developing and revising M&E-related guidance on energy transition topics as they pertain to ETP’s activities, including data quality management procedures under calls for proposal and procurement actions under ETP, and design of evaluation TORs.
• Contributing to the development of the ETP Secretariat's work plans and reports, and of the terms of reference for its staff and consultants.
• Contributing to specific contracts and contractors work related to evaluation and audits on results of the ETP Program’s M&E activities.
• Reviewing and providing strategic advice related to theories of change, measurement frameworks, log frames and/or indicators on proposals submitted to the ETP Secretariat.
• Reviewing implementing partners’ internal M&E systems, to update and revise ETP M&E methodology ensuring its relevance, incorporation of innovation, and advocacy in energy transition.
• Advising to ensure the final evaluations of Implementing Partners’ projects are undertaken by independent experts to a suitable standard.
• Providing support to implementing partners to ensure participation in the ETP M&E process and an adequate flow of information and data.
• Ensuring the incorporation of M&E findings into relevant programme reports and providing relevant recommendations to the ETP Secretariat and the Steering Committee.
• Identifying ways to promote information sharing related to ETP M&E among stakeholders.
• Supporting monitoring and evaluation missions commissioned by the ETP Steering Committee or UNOPS.
• Other duties, as may be assigned by the supervisor.

The incumbent will be responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and those of UNOPS.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education - Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) preferably in Energy Engineering, Economics, Climate Change, Social Sciences, Political Sciences, Development or related field is required. - A first university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in above-mentioned fields with two (2) additional years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree or higher degrees.

Work Experience

• At least five (5) years of work experience in M&E in development programs is required with a Master's degree; or a minimum of seven (7) years professional M&E experience with a Bachelor's Degree.
• M&E experience in the energy sector, energy transition, climate change, or other development related programs in developing countries is an asset.
• Significant professional experience in more than one country context is desirable.
• Significant professional experience in Southeast Asia is preferred.
• Experience in training would be an asset.
• Previous successful involvement with, and good knowledge of, government, private sector and civil society is desired.
• Experience with the M&E of multi-donor trust - funds is desired.
• Knowledge of the political, economic and social situation in Indonesia, Philippines and Viet Nam is desirable.
• Willingness to undertake regular field visits in difficult conditions is required.
• Computer literacy in Microsoft packages (MS Word, MS Excel, MS Access, MS Power Point) and GSuite are required and SPSS is an asset.
• Excellent technical skills in energy sector research and programme performance assessment.
• Excellent skills in quantitative and qualitative analysis.
• Extensive experience in developing logframes/results frameworks and identifying appropriate performance indicators.

Language

• Fluency in both written and spoken English is essential.
• Knowledge of Southeast Asian languages is considered an asset.

Contract type, level and duration

1. Contract type: IICA / LICA (Home-based Retainer)
2. Contract level: ICS 10/ IICA 2/LICA 10
3. Contract duration: One year with possibility of extension.

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Disclaimer: In duty stations where the NPO category has been established by the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), a Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA) will be issued for a home-based contract

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.