Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist (Roster)

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

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organisations. With over 6,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, where they need it. By implementing around 1,000 projects for our partners at any given time, UNOPS makes significant contributions to results on the ground, often in the most challenging environments.

Based in Geneva, Switzerland, the UNOPS Geneva office (GVA) is part of the Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (ECR). The GVA manages a diversified portfolio of global and country specific Hosted Engagements (HE), funds, programs, and projects. The GVA services includes hosting, fund management, advisory services, project/program implementation, and procurement,financial and human resources support.

The purpose of this position is to establish a roster for a pool of approved monitoring and evaluation specialists on retainer contracts to be used as and when needed by the different portfolios/entities under the UNOPS Geneva Office.

Under the overall direct supervision of the Head of Advisory Service Unit, and in collaboration with the technical units within the GVA HEs and programs, the monitoring and evaluation specialist will provide guidance and support to the GVA’s project managers, programme managers, grants and M&E practitioners in the implementation of their M&E activities. Whilst the role specifically works to strengthen the quality, availability of and access to country and programmatic data and working on M&E dashboard, the role is envisaged to provide support across the full range of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning functions required by GVA’s HEs and programs. The monitoring and evaluation specialist will support the GVA management as well as GVA’s programs and HEs to foster a strong utilisation focus and greater transparency as part of an evidence-based culture.

The specialist might be requested to travel to the different programs and project sites.

Functional Responsibilities

The monitoring and evaluation specialist will be responsible for the below functions and key results :

1. Monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning
2. Planning, reviews and reporting
3. Data Collection, Management & Use
4. Knowledge Management and Capacity building on M&E

1. Development and implementation of the M&E plans, systems and tools - Work with the project management office team and the different programs/HEs in developing the overall M&E framework/strategy and establishing a results-based M&E system. - Support program/project design including the development of theories of change, MEL plans, assumptions and risk analyses. - Support for the development and implementation of Programme/project performance indicators, log frames, results frameworks, M&E plans and theories of change. - Advance analysis and technical support to facilitate the design of the program's results frameworks, including baselines, indicators, indicator reference sheets, targets, means of verification and reporting tools, ensuring alignment to funder requirements. - Develop new indicators and procedures which are aligned with programme strategies and/or international frameworks that facilitate the quality monitoring and reporting of programme results. - Establish and coordinate plans for collection and analysis of data.

2. Planning, reviews and reporting - Provide guidance and technical assistance in the area of annual planning, performance monitoring, reviews and reporting, promoting a results and performance improvement mindset and M&E culture. - Provide specialist support to the HoP in the implementation, monitoring and reporting of mid-term and end-of-year reviews. - Draft programme/donor reports for relevant approvals. - Draft monitoring and lessons learned reports that are evidence-based, practical and emphasise learning and utilisation. - Work on evaluation data collection and identify evaluation findings, conclusions and recommendations and input them into programme reporting appropriately. - Review progress reports submitted by partners and provide feedback to improve the quality and timeliness of reporting, and ensure the capture of lessons learned. - Ensure alignment of reports with corporate, donors or other stakeholders reporting templates and regulations.

3. Data Collection, Management & Use - Plan, design, and set-up data collection tools and management systems including electronic data collection tools. - Implement strategies to ensure data quality, including data validation checks, consistency checks, and error reduction techniques. - Create data visualisations (charts, graphs and dashboards) to effectively communicate results, achievements and findings to stakeholders. - Support the integration of data into the decision- making process to adjust strategies, and allocate resources. - Document and collate available and relevant internal and external data, conduct data verification and quality control. - Work on evaluation data collection and identify evaluation findings, conclusions and recommendations and input them into programme reporting and learning appropriately.

4. Knowledge management and capacity building on M&E - Disseminate strategic information and share best practices and technical expertise. - Interact and follow up with the different programs team to solicit case studies, lessons learned, success stories, and best practices for internal and external sharing. - Lead the preparation of success and impact stories, lessons learned, and best M&E practices for inclusion in internal and external communication products. - Contribute to the development and introduction of innovative practices to ensure the office/programs are continually incorporating best practice approaches. - Assess Monitoring & Evaluation capacity of implementing partners. - Provide M&E Training on developing results based M&E frameworks, M&E and data management systems, and M&E Plans - Provide coaching and support to facilitate learning-focused monitoring and evaluation processes, including the use of participatory methods (such as Most Significant Change, Outcome Harvesting), beneficiary and stakeholder feedback mechanisms and facilitation of peer-learning events etc. - Promote collaborative efforts through community of practice between programmes for learning and exchanging lessons learned and good practices

Impact of Results :

The Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist will directly contribute to the design of M&E systems and the availability of M&E results and performance data.

The incumbent will ensure the quality and timeliness of execution of services and of submission of key deliverables in the programmatic and monitoring and evaluation area, and if needed, propose innovative and proactive solutions. This will involve close coordination with the HoP and different programs/HEs technical team members, as relevant;

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• A Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Public Administration, International Development, Political Science, International Relation, Public Health is required.
• A Bachelor's degree with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the education requirements outlined above.

Experience

• A minimum of Five (5) years of relevant experience in Monitoring and evaluation, programme/project assessments, and/or programmes development and/or, including experience in more than one developing country is required.
• Experience with large donors or international organizations is required.
• Experience in coordinating the delivery of advisory services or assessments and managing experts is required.
• Experience in the UN is a strong advantage.
• Proven experience in developing M&E framework and reporting tools is a strong advantage.

• Experience working in a post-conflict environment is desirable.

  Language

• Fluency in English is required.

• Working knowledge of French, Spanish or Russian language will be considered a distinct advantage.

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. 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. 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.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) Contract level: International ICA Level 2/ICS-10 Contract duration: Up to 100 days per year renewable subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

******As per UNOPS policy, in duty stations where the NPO (National Professional Officer) category has been established by the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), a home-based contract may be issued as a Local ICA Specialist position.******

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

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.