Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Senior Officer

Contract

This is a IICA-1 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 2 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-1 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

Cities Alliance, which is hosted by UNOPS, is a global partnership promoting the role of cities in poverty reduction and sustainable development. Managed by a Secretariat based in Brussels, it is a unique partnership with a diverse membership that has come together to strengthen both impacts and coherence in urban development. Cities Alliance is a global leader with a strong track record in grant-making, which supports strategic city planning, slum upgrading strategies, and national policies designed to make cities more inclusive and sustainable. Through UNOPS, the Cities Alliance operates a Multi-Donor Fund supported by an efficient, flexible grant-making mechanism with global reach.

As per its Charter, the main objective of the Cities Alliance is to reduce urban poverty and promote the role of cities in sustainable development. To assess the extent to which its efforts and those of partners are making progress toward that objective, the Cities Alliance monitors, evaluates, and publicly reports its activities within an agreed-upon corporate results framework and through a dedicated result-based management system. The Cities Alliance is also strengthening its learning systems and approaches and integrating learning into the project cycle and Monitoring and Evaluation.

Project Information

Starting in 2024 for a period of 48 months, Cities Alliance (UNOPS) will be responsible for the indirect management of the “Sustainable Urban Integration of Displacement-Affected Communities” (SUIDAC) in Sub-Saharan African cities – financed by the European Union. The Action will address the nexus between forced displacement and urban development in five Sub-Saharan countries: the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, and Uganda.

The Action aims to:

1. Improve social cohesion and self-reliance of Displacement-Affected Communities (DACs) in urban and peri-urban areas and expand legal protection (e.g., access to rights, documentation), with specific attention to forcibly displaced populations (refugees, returnees, and IDPs) and including persons with specific needs.
2. Strengthen local authorities’ capacities to adopt integrated approaches to forced displacement management in urban contexts and promote political and evidence-based policy dialogue at regional, national, and local levels to improve policy frameworks and influence future policy discussions on urban forced displacement.

The Action target beneficiaries are Displacement-Affected Communities (DACs), as well as their hosting cities. Cities are a new environment for the implementation of EU financed forced displacement programs. SUIDAC will be the first urban displacement program financed through the 'Neighborhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe' ('NDICI-Global Europe') in the SSA region.

The Action builds on and expands the EU Trust Fund program “CRRF: Inclusive Urban Development and Mobility” ending in 2023. Moving forward, SUIDAC will help tackle the challenges arising from sudden and/or sustained forced displacement currently happening in the secondary cities targeted by the Action.

Functional Responsibilities

The M&E Senior Officer Accountability and Learning works under the supervision of the SUIDAC Programme Coordinator and the Cities Alliance M&E Specialist.

The role is envisaged to provide support across the full range of MEAL activities for the programme. The M&E Senior Officer Accountability and Learning will ensure the accurate and timely monitoring, evaluation, risk management, and reporting of progress of individual projects funded by SUIDAC. The M&E Senior Officer will track the performance of geographic and thematic programmes composed of multiple projects, assist in the monitoring of SUIDAC's progress against its own log frame and in risk monitoring, and support the quality of evaluation activities and the timely identification and use of learning.

Specific responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, assisting in the design of all aspects of the MEAL system, including developing and implementing MEAL plans, systems, and tools (including indicator development, definitions, data collection and storage tools, and data quality processes); and supporting the capacity building of partners and stakeholders in the MEAL system and risk management through the development and use of standard data collection tools and methodologies and through providing technical support as required; quality control of the MEAL system including data verification and quality improvement processes. The SUIDAC MEAL system requires continuous development and refinement as new programs are designed and new partners are engaged.

Under the secondary supervision of the Cities Alliance M&E Specialist, the M&E Senior Officer will support all aspects of monitoring and evaluating SUIDAC-funded activities including supporting designing and implementing MEAL processes (including feedback mechanisms such as participant surveys or participative processes, such as Most Significant Change) and specific studies and evaluations and assisting in designing and managing studies/surveys that are either implemented by SUIDAC personnel or more commonly contracted to national and international consultants. The M&E Senior Officer will be responsible for the regular updating of accurate information in the donor MEAL system, the capture and dissemination of lessons learned and reporting against the Cities Alliance RBM system.

The M&E Senior Officer will coordinate with SUIDAC Technical Advisors, Local Advisors and the SUIDAC Management team. This position requires regular travel to the SUIDAC project sites.

In accordance with UNOPS policies, procedures and practices, and in alignment with the Cities Alliance Corporate MEL system, the MEAL Specialist will be responsible for

1. Support the Cities Alliance M&E Specialist with the development and implementation of MEAL and risk mitigation Plans, Systems, and tools:

• Work with and advise the programme teams on MEAL needs, such as providing technical support relating to log frames, indicators, targets, and data quality.
• Support the and implementation of the MEAL Plan including indicator reference sheets and other M&E-related guidance, a learning plan, and tools and templates that facilitate the quality monitoring and reporting of results.
• Assist with continual development and updating of an effective MEAL system for actions - an online system - supported by the SUIDAC Program and the programmes own performance.
• Document and collate available and relevant internal and external data, conduct data verification and quality control.
• Ensure the maintenance of the database of performance data, including data verification processes for all SUIDAC - funded activities.
• Assist in the coordination of SUIDAC’s monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning activities, including the preparation of annual MEAL work plans and MEAL-related budgets.

• Regularly revise and update the risk assessment and mitigation plan.

  • Ensure that emerging risks are identified through regular monitoring and are fully documented.
  • Ensure that contextual and external risks are updated, identified, tracked, and managed.
  • Regularly update the SUIDAC programme coordinator on emerging or evolving risks.
• When required visit project sites for M&E activities and provide recommendations.
• When required, attend all relevant technical meetings, events, monitoring, evaluation, and learning missions and ensure adequate documentation.

2. Coordination and MEAL Capacity Strengthening

• With the support of the Cities Alliance M&E Specialist, introduce SUIDAC Program grantees and cities to SUIDAC MEAL requirements and design and implement capacity-strengthening processes to ensure compliance.
• Assist with the review of implementing partners’ internal MEAL systems and needs, conducting data quality assessments, and providing advice when required.
• Under the Supervision of the Cities Alliance M&E Specialist, provide technical assistance to implementing partners to ensure participation in SUIDAC MEAL process and an adequate flow of information and data.

Assist the Cities Alliance M&E Specialist with the support to partners in strengthening participatory monitoring systems and the collection and use of feedback. Support partners to collect, analyze and use stakeholder feedback, document resulting programme decisions, and share the learning with other partners and Cities Alliance.

• Ensure adequate feedback to/from SUIDAC beneficiaries on data and analyses.
• Promote information sharing on all aspects related to MEAL activities among stakeholders and promote cross-learning between project sites.
• Contribute to the development of the terms of reference for national and international consultants on MEAL.

3. Support to Specific Studies and Evaluations

• Under the guidance of the Cities Alliance M&E Specialist, support the design of baseline, mid-term, and final evaluations to ensure credible methodologies for assessment and the identification of learning.
• Assist in the design, procurement, implementation and quality control of specific monitoring and evaluation activities.
• Support contract management and quality control relating to SUIDAC’s MEAL activities.

4. Reporting - Assist in reporting in accordance with the funder requirements including drafting progress reports, updating online reporting systems and annual reporting against the Cities Alliance Corporate Results Framework. - Review and quality control implementing partner reports, particularly relating to MEAL aspects. - Draft lessons learned and internal evaluation/review reports that are evidence-based, and practical and emphasize learning and utilization. - Ensure that MEAL data and risk management information is readily available, as appropriate, to the SUIDAC team and other stakeholders, particularly on performance data and results, lessons learned, and risk management relating to the Program activities.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education - A Masters Degree, preferably in Monitoring and Evaluation, Social Sciences, Political Sciences, Development, or a related field is required. - A Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in Monitoring and Evaluation, Social Sciences, Political Sciences, Development, or a related field with an additional two years of similar experience is considered equivalent.

Experience - A minimum of two years of professional M&E experience is required. - Demonstrated experience in projects implemented in Africa is required. - Demonstrated knowledge of sub-regional and local African contexts is required. - Experience in the development of log frames/results frameworks and identifying appropriate performance indicators is an asset.

• UNOPS experience and/or experience in implementing EU-funded projects is an asset.

• Experience in quantitative and qualitative analysis, identification of lessons learned, and report drafting is an asset.

• Willingness to travel frequently to project sites across the country and sub-region is required.

Language - Fluency in written and oral English is required. - Basic knowledge of French is an asset.

Competencies

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.

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.

• Disclaimer : Contract issuance will be subject to the signature of project agreement and availability of funds.

• 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.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: International ICA (IICA) Contract level: IICA1/ICS9 Contract duration: 12 months initially, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance

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