Specialist in Peacebuilding Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

Guinea-Bissau has been one of the six countries on the agenda of the Peacebuilding Commission since 2007. The Commission plays an active role in accompanying the evolution of the situation in Guinea-Bissau, mobilizing the member states around the peace agenda for the country. As one of four countries on the agenda of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), GNB is entitled to support from the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF). Building on the UN’s value-added, agency mandates, and comparative advantages, the Peacebuilding Fund portfolio currently consists of 07 projects, involving 9 UN organizations and one international CSO. Implementation oversight and technical advice, M&E, and communications support are provided by the PBF Secretariat. The new project document outlining the function of the PBF Secretariat approved at the end of 2019 calls for a reinforcement of the M&E and communication work of the Secretariat. The M&E functions of the PBF Secretariat encompass providing tailored technical assistance to the implementing entities on the development and implementation of quality M&E Plans with emphasis on data collection methods and use of disaggregated data, ensuring usability and coherence, and looking for synergies in monitoring, data collection, and analysis. The M&E Specialist is also charged with organizing and conducting structured M&E visits to project sites, with the PBF Coordinator and the members of the PBF Joint Steering Committee technical team and officials of relevant ministries to review the implementation of the PBF portfolio as well as support project review and trouble-shooting mechanisms to ensure that implementation challenges are discovered and addressed early and reported to UN management and PBSO for further action. The M&E Specialist is also required to support the review of half-year, annual and final reports prepared by the RUNOs, to support monthly coordination meetings, support new project development, and to review ToRS of consultants for the Final Evaluations of RUNO projects and support evaluation exercises.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Coordinator/PBF Secretariat or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Specialist in Peacebuilding Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting will:

Ensure a functional Peacebuilding Monitoring System: • Conducts a desk review of existing PBF M&E strategies/frameworks from other countries to better understand expectations of the PBSO with regard to peacebuilding M&E and propose improvements. • Support projects in developing and implementing M&E system and tools for the PBF projects, such as data collection tools, baseline studies, surveys, templates, and/or databases for the collection of output and outcome data that expedites analysis, reporting, decision-making, and impact assessments. • Provide technical support to the teams developing new projects with relevant SMART Peacebuilding outcomes and outputs, indicators, targets, and baselines. • Ensures gender considerations are integrated into PBF results frameworks and relevant data is collected and analyzed, including through gender-specific indicators and indicators disaggregated by sex and age. • Identify relevant data gaps that may impact the monitoring of results and proposal on how to collect required additional data. • Enhance Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting functions of the PBF Secretariat • Prepare ToR, schedule, organize and carry out monitoring field visits of all PBF-funded projects and report on project implementation status, identify potential challenges and provide advice on how to overcome constraints. • Organize and support mid-year, annual, and end of project reporting of projects under the PBF portfolio and ensure quality assurance and control of these reports. Supply relevant data and analysis and provide recommendations for improvement. • Organize, support, and take part in end-of-project and portfolio evaluations, ensure implementation of recommendations resulting from evaluations.

Provide Support and Capacity Building in M&E to PBF Recipient Organizations and National Counterparts • Actively participate in relevant RUNO planning meetings and other stakeholders including relevant Outcome Groups, ensuring the PBF contribution to the UNSDCF is captured and reflected in the Cooperation Framework Joint Work Plan; • Ensure a close and effective collaboration with project M&E focal points. • Provide support to RUNOs monitoring efforts for effective use of field missions, including collection of relevant data and information and follow up of field missions’ feedback and reporting • Enable compilation of result indicator tracking tables to enable measurement of implementation progress and impacts. • Provide capacity development through training and tailored technical assistance to RUNOs on the development of peacebuilding related indicators, targets and baselines for PBF supported projects. • Provide technical support for the integration of cross-cutting themes such as gender, human rights and the inclusion of evaluation methodologies for determining contribution of projects to social cohesion.

Support Communication Efforts of the PBF Secretariat (not to exceed 20% of Specialist’s time) • Ensure appropriate media coverage of the work of PBF/PBC in the country – including contributions to articles for publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, social media posts in collaboration with the relevant counterparts. • Support a heightened profile of PBF/ PBC efforts in-country through the drafting of press releases, organization of events, and overall advocacy for PBF/PBC strategies/activities as well as presentation to donors, government counterparts, and other stakeholders on the progress of PBF projects. • Identify success stories and help prepare written and video case studies on peace building best practices and lessons learned to enable the development of other media products for advocacy/educational purposes as well as to improve project performance. • Liaise with the communications team at PBF headquarters in New York.

Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the 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.

• • Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNDP/PBF Secretariat; technical knowledge relevant to UNDP/PBF Secretariat; Good judgement, discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy, responsiveness and client-orientation; initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to work independently under established procedures; Accurate management of information. • Integrity: demonstrates values and ethical standards of the UN and UNDP/PBF Secretariat and acts without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority. • Teamwork and respect for diversity: establish and maintain effective partnerships and relations in the work environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity, of culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implement the goal of gender equality. • 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: organizational and problem-solving skills; ability to manage the volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities, plan, coordinate and monitor own work. • Communication: ability to prepare clear and concise reports, conduct presentations, make and defend recommendations and transfer information and knowledge to different target groups. • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions; willingness to travel and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary. • Commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance and commitment towards UNDP/PBF Secretariat GNB’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

At least 3 years of experience in Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, preferably in developing countries and in the peacebuilding field. Experience of integrating gender into M&E is an asset.

• Master’s or equivalent, in a relevant area, e.g. Statistics, Economics, Social Sciences, Public Administration or area related to International development; a first-level university degree or equivalent in combination with relevant training and/or professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree; • At least 3 years of professional work experience at the national and/or international level in Monitoring and Evaluation or other relevant programmes; experience with integrating gender into M&E is an asset. is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization; • Excellent writing and oral communication skills, capacity to analyze and synthesize complex information and data, proven experience in the communication of results. • Excellent drafting, formulation, and 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; • 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; • Sound security awareness; • Have affinity with or interest in peacebuilding, conflict management and resolution, mediation, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

The Republic of Guinea-Bissau, a small country in Western Africa, is one of the world’s poorest nations. The capital is Bissau and the official language is Portuguese. However, many people outside of Bissau speak only an indigenous language or Creole. English is not commonly used. The country’s 1998-99 civil war and the persistent political instability devastated the economy and progress in development. Infrastructure in general is very limited and not up to common minimum standards, also with respect to the tourism industry.

Guinea-Bissau continues to experience periodic political disruptions and instability, although with no violent incidents. All travellers to the country should closely monitor the political situation. Visitors should avoid political gatherings and street demonstrations. Demonstrations typically begin or end in front of the former Presidential Palace. For safety and security issues, UN Security in the country will provide security advisory and guiding procedures. Guinea-Bissau is a hardship E duty station but considered a family duty station. It has many limitations in terms of reliable education and health services (there is a UN Clinic for UN staff). There are recurrent electricity cuts even in the capital city. Little markets and some restaurants are available.

Guinea-Bissau is a unique country and 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 the willingness to live and work under harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.