Vaka Pasifika Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officer

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.

Pacific Islands countries (PICs) boast “big ocean” economies, with young and mobile populations and highly resilient and adaptative societies. Past and recent investments have however fallen short of developing diverse economies offering inclusive services and opportunities, resilient to external shocks and the increasing pace of climate disasters. While the scale of Pacific economies does not allow them to respond to all these challenges alone, public investment and revenues would gain from empowered officials accountable to keep basic service delivery and development priorities in mind while driving fiscal decisions.

For this reason, the “Accountable Public Finances to serve Pacific people – Vaka Pasifika” project (hereafter Vaka Pasifika project) builds on the results of the “Strengthening Public Finance Management and Governance in the Pacific” (PFM) project implemented between 2018 and 2022 thanks to the support of the European Union. The proposed overarching goal of this project is to strengthen the governance mechanisms enabling Pacific countries to deliver public services that are better calibrated to meet specific needs of the people. Its specific focus will be to ensure scarce Pacific resources are better managed and the resource base available for achieving national development goals will be increased. To achieve this goal, PIC economies require stable and reliable institutions implementing the right mix of creativity and rigor informed by ground reality. The Project will contribute to this vision by (a) supporting oversight institutions and decision makers to define and implement their priorities through leadership and institutional capacity strengthening and (b) enhancing responsiveness of service delivery and public finance management by developing institutional mechanisms for engagement and openness and strengthening civil society capacity.

The Vaka Pasifika project is implemented through a team based in Suva, Fiji in the UNDP Pacific Office. As part of the Effective Governance unit, the team is responsible for implementation of the project, its various activities and corresponding institutional processes and requirements. The Vaka Pasifika project focuses on the human and networked resources available to public finance stakeholders in the Pacific, one of the core focuses of the project is to grow a pool of resources working on tailored public finance and accountability tools for the Pacific.

The Vaka Pasifika Monitoring and Evaluation team member acts across all outputs and activities and supports the Project Manager in reporting on and learning from activities and results. The M&E team member is expected to be a dynamic profile, with an ability to lead on designing the M&E processes, support other team members, conduct research, and propose new solutions but most importantly with the ability to lead the team in its learning process and support grantees and partners in reporting duties.

This UNV assignment is to integrate the Vaka Pasifika project team within the Effective Governance Unit of the UNDP Pacific Office. The Vaka Pasifika project is an iterative project with learning embedded in its core activities and workplan design – the M&E team member is in this regard an essential part of the project implementation and philosophy. The Vaka Pasifika project additionally is deeply engaged in discussions on decolonisation and localisation of development project, part of the focus is to alleviate the burden of reporting and monitoring for our local partners, the M&E team member is hence expected to support and take ownership of M&E activities and capacity support for the project partners.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Vaka Pasifika Project Manager or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Vaka Pasifika Monitoring and Evaluation Officer will:

• Take overall responsibility for the project’s reporting activities: draft, compile inputs, finalise, ensure design and synthetic infographics for all ad-hoc, donor and corporate reporting requirements. Coordinate with UNDP focal points for corporate requirements (RMU, EG teams); • Take overall responsibility for the monitoring and update of risks, results and adaptative action in the workplan, log frame and on Quantum. • Support with the reporting requirements and needs of partners and technical specialist in collaborating with activity Manager and grants officer (generate templates, provide training, review and ensure quality or, support drafting where necessary); • Capture lessons learnt and facilitate regular learning sessions for the project team and support the Project Manager and Activity Manager in monitoring risks, emerging opportunities and support and take ownership of developing annual workplans, draft internal and external reports; • Design systems to constantly improve data collection notably disaggregated data, coordinate the baseline assessment and other feedback mechanisms, support project evaluation if necessary as well as spot-checks, HACTS and other administrative requirements (drafting, contracting, operational facilitation); • Support preparation of the regular board meetings (documentation, reflection, presentations); • Constantly seek exposure to global and regional communities of thinking and learning, bring back ideas and proposals to the project. • Maintenance of database and tracking of visibility outputs and production of communication and media reports. • Conduct learning events, seek and disseminate opportunities for project and technical learning, constantly update the Vaka Pasifika network on opportunities for growth and learning; • Support the learning process of the Vaka Pasifika fellowship – organise annual meeting for the community of practice and participate in the facilitation and organisation of the annual cohorts; • Where possible, support communication activities, management of the community of practice, event management and reporting. • Ensure that results are visible and communicated appropriately to the identified target audience of the project; • 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.

Results/expected outputs:

• As an active UNDP Pacific Office team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNDP Pacific Office and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: - Support Vaka Pasifika Fellowship: Organization of learning component of Vaka Pasifika fellowship (3 events/year) - Project reports: Quarterly reports, annual reports, annual UNDP results reports - M&E capacity building and support to partners: Grantees report QA and drafting where necessary, training with PIANGO network. Develop package of templates and tracker tools. - Communication support: Develop infographics/visibility material for each report produced for wider dissemination (coordination with comms and graphic designer) - Learning process: Organize learning workshops for the Vaka Pasifika team and partners, facilitate design of workplans and review of risk monitors. Monthly basis. GESI plan. • 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 UNDP; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNDPprocedures 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 UNDP 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 UNDP’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

writing reports, ideally for multilateral organisations with an audience of donors (portfolio to be provided if possible), as a mid-level or senior M&E or Learning Specialist or equivalent; • Proven understanding of at least one of the following: knowledge management, learning, GESI, community of practices, monitoring and evaluation innovation, innovation, iterative or agile project management, risk informed development, anticipatory governance. • 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; • 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 governance development work, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System. • Fluency in Pacific Islands Country language or dialect is an advantage.

Fiji, one of the larger countries in the South Pacific region, has a relatively high level of human development and is one of the most developed economies in the region. Fiji became independent in 1970. Its multi-ethnic population, which numbers approximately 900,000, is growing slowly due to a moderately low level of fertility and a high level of emigration. The economy rests primarily on sugar production and tourism but is becoming more diverse, with manufacturing now an important sector of employment. The unit of currency is the Fiji dollar. Fiji comprises approximately 330 islands, approximately a third of which are inhabited. Fiji covers about 1.3 million square kilometers of the South Pacific Ocean. The two major islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. The capital city is Suva, which is located on the south-eastern side of the main island of Viti Levu. The population is made up of a mixture of native Melanesian and Polynesian islanders and a blend of Indian, European, Chinese, Rotuman, and Rabi islanders, making it a rich and vibrant mix of cultures, sights, sounds, and exotic island delicacies. English is spoken widely on the island, and it is the common language of communication, although the native indigenous Fijian language is spoken by many, as is the Hindi language. Fiji enjoys a mild and stable climate most of the year, due to the large expanses of open water that surround its islands. The wet season extends from November to April, but rainfall occurs throughout the year. Tropical cyclones can blow up between November and April, although they are rarely dangerous. Fiji enjoys year-round tropical temperatures of between 25 and 29 degrees with generally high humidity, making it a perfect location for sun-lovers. Suva, the capital of Fiji, has a population of approximately 141,000 and is a multiracial and multicultural city. Suva is the largest city in the whole of the region, but it remains easy-going and friendly. It has reasonably modern facilities, including two large hospitals, sporting facilities, restaurants, and supermarkets. Modest accommodation is readily available in Suva, but the availability of small apartments is limited. An open mind and flexibility come in handy when looking for housing in Suva. The public transport is quite good: local buses run every day of the week, and taxis are affordable. Public transport is also available for exploring and visiting other parts of the country, which provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and tropical nature.