Monitoring & Evaluation Advisor, IICA-2, Dili At UNOPS

UNOPS is recruiting for the position of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Advisor on behalf of its partner, the United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment).

The United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment.

The Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Advisor is responsible for designing a performance monitoring and evaluation framework to track the Project’s progress towards achieving its targets, including gender responsiveness of Project implementation. Working closely with the Chief Technical Advisor and the Project Manager in the PMU, under the oversight of the UNEP Task Manager, the M&E Advisor will be responsible for continuously monitoring progress during Project implementation as outlined in the monitoring and evaluation framework. This will be achieved by i) measuring the indicators to assess the progress of the Project; ii) reporting the Project’s performance to the PSC and PMU based on inputs from EEs. At key points (i.e., baseline, annual performance reports, mid-point and end of Project) the M&E Advisor will coordinate evidence-gathering exercises to verify this progress together with the PMU. Project targets and results will be triangulated with baseline surveys that will be completed in the Project’s first year.

The M&E Advisor will organise training for staff members of the national Executing Entity (EE) and Technical Partners in data collection and analysis, and on the Project cycle, particularly on effective monitoring and reporting of activities. All training should take a strengths-based approach, both in the training process and in the principles and practices taught. These skills will be reinforced by follow-up training at least annually, to ensure that monitoring activities are collecting meaningful information and that the information is able to be used both for adjusting inputs throughout the implementation phase and for continuous evaluation of progress.

Project Information:

The project “Enhancing Early Warning Systems to build greater resilience to hydro meteorological hazards in Timor-Leste” was approved by the Green Climate Fund Board in October 2021, with a total budget of USD 21.7 million. The United Nations Environment Programme serves as the Accredited Entity for the project. Activities will be executed by the State of Timor-Leste through the Secretary State for the Environment (SSE) and UNEP. The project will be implemented across five years and aims to deliver transformative impact to the entire population of Timor-Leste, including 1.03 million as direct beneficiaries (80% of the population), directly contributing to the attainment of selected targets and indicators of Article 7 of the Paris Agreement, Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 on Climate Action, SDG 3 on Good Health and Well-Being and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

The project will address the urgent need for integrated and end-to-end climate information services and multi-hazard early warning systems (MHEWS) through comprehensive institutional, technical and technological capacity building from national to local level to generate and disseminate robust climate data and information at all stages of the climate services value chain. This will be achieved through four inter-related components – the Project Results:

Result 1. Strengthened delivery model and legislation for climate information and multi-hazard early warning services.

Activity 1.1 Establish institutional and policy frameworks, legislation and delivery models for climate services.

Result 2. Strengthened observations, monitoring, analysis and forecasting of climate and its impacts.

Activity 2.1 Enhance infrastructure and technical support for observations and monitoring.

Activity 2.2 Strengthen climate modelling and impact-based forecasting.

Activity 2.3 Establish climate services for health.

Result 3. Improved dissemination and communication of risk information and early warning.

Activity 3.1 Establish targeted multi-hazard early warning information systems.

Result 4. Enhanced climate risk management capacity.

Activity 4.1 Build capacity to prepare for and respond to climate risks and hazards.

Activity 4.2 Establish Forecast-based Financing (FbF)

Local Context:

Timor-Leste is a Least Developed Country (LDC) and a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) whose infrastructure and governmental systems were devastated by a 25-year war of independence. Timor-Leste is highly vulnerable to both extreme climate and slow-onset events, with very limited capacity to prepare for and recover from climate impacts. As these events increase in frequency and intensity, Timor-Leste needs accurate, timely and actionable information and early warnings on local weather, water, climate and ocean conditions and related risks to human and environmental health.

Functional Responsibilities

Functions / Key Results Expected

Summary of functions:

Strategy and evaluation
Technical and Institutional Support
Implementation and Outreach
Monitoring and Reporting
Knowledge management and innovation

1. Strategy and evaluation

In consultation with Project Team, make significant refinement of project Monitoring and Evaluation plans, and develop relevant systems and tools to ensure project activities are being monitored and evaluated effectively in line with the project results framework and GCF requirements.
Design a Project performance monitoring and evaluation framework to track the Project’s progress towards achieving its targets, including gender responsiveness of Project implementation.
Review established baselines, indicators, mid-term targets and final targets established in the approved funding proposal for the project and suggest modifications as necessary. Develop and conduct baseline surveys using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods as necessary.
Advise Project Team, Technical Partners and PMU on best practices and systems to collect on an on-going basis data and evidence, which can be used for tracking Project Results and Outcomes, and reporting and to contribute to increased learning, impact, and accountability.
Support the PMU in facilitating implementation of M&E plan and reviews for staff and partners to critically reflect and adapt the project strategy, results, theory of change, conflict analysis, assumptions, and risks.
Coordinate and facilitate internal evaluations with UNEP HQ, PMU and Project teams, including through the design of data collection activities.
Support teams with the analysis of their monitoring and evaluation data.

2. Technical and Institutional Support

Continuously monitor progress during Project implementation as outlined in the developed monitoring and evaluation framework by compiling and analyzing data and measuring the indicators to assess the progress of the Project and reporting the Project’s performance to the PSC and PMU based on inputs from EEs and Technical Partners.
Monitor the delivery of activities where UNEP acts as Executing Entity and manage for results and outcomes.
Coordinate structured collaboration and communication with the national Executing Entity and Technical Partners for monitoring the progress of the targeted project activities, based on the indicators, Means of Verification (MoV) and timeline of the approved Funding Proposal and agreed PCAs/UN to UN agreements.
Organise trainings for EEs and Technical Partners in data collection and analysis, and on the Project cycle, particularly on effective monitoring and reporting of activities. All training should take a strengths-based approach, both in the training process and in the principles and practices taught.
Ensure that monitoring activities are collecting meaningful information and that the information is able to be used both for adjusting inputs throughout the implementation phase and for continuous evaluation of progress.
Ensure data collected is sex- and age-disaggregated where possible.
Provide operational management support, including measures to address challenges to Project implementation, participate in training activities, write reports and facilitate relevant expert activities.
Support project audit and evaluation activities, including planning, preparation and coordination during the audits, midterm evaluation and terminal evaluation, and follow up on observations/recommendations, assist UNEP with developing management responses to findings of the audits and mid-term and terminal evaluations

3. Implementation and Outreach

Ensure participatory approaches in monitoring & evaluation are followed and that stakeholders and community members are informed and involved in the implementation and monitoring of activities, as relevant.
Ensure communication and gathering of lessons learned across the Project Steering Committee and focal points.

4. Monitoring and Reporting

Ensure monitoring and evaluation of the project is done in compliance with both GCF and UNEP rules and regulations, monitoring and evaluation expectations, Results Based Management (RBM) principles, and requirements for reporting on not only project activities, but against the approved funding proposal. This includes the Logical Framework Core Indicators, Fund-Level Impacts, Fund-Level Outcomes, Performance Indicators, Activity Outputs, Gender Assessment and Action Plan, and the Consultations and Stakeholder Engagement Plan.
Support the Project Team in populating the monitoring and evaluation sections of reports to the GCF based on the GCF report templates, particularly in obtaining relevant information from country-level project focal points and consolidating reports from the Executing Entity and technical partners.
Ensure documentation of the lessons learned in monitoring & evaluation, and that best practices are recorded and acquired by the National Executive Entity and Technical Partners during project Implementation to include in relevant sections of the Annual Performance Report.
Support in regular review of project status, evaluating performance criteria (scope, cost, schedule and quality).
Conduct field visits to project sites as needed to monitor progress.
Embed monitoring and evaluation practices and RBM principles into project implementation, in line with the Monitoring and Evaluation Plan
Monitor project progress and propose corrective actions, risk mitigation options, and practice adaptive management in the event of delays and implementation challenges in coordination with the Chief Technical Advisor, Project Steering Committee, and UNEP Task Manager
At key points (i.e., baseline, annual performance reports, mid-point and end of Project) coordinate evidence-gathering exercises to verify this progress
Ensure that M&E data are readily available, as appropriate, to the Project Team and other stakeholders, particularly on outcomes, results, impact and lessons learnt from project activities

5. Knowledge management and innovation

Ensure the exchange of information and knowledge on monitoring & evaluation across the Executing Entity and Technical Partners
Identify, analyze and communicate lessons learned on Monitoring and Evaluation to UNEP HQ that may be useful in design and implementation of similar projects. The duty of identifying and analyzing lessons learned is an on-going one, and the duty to communicate those lessons is on an as needed basis
Share knowledge on the Project and its achievements. Promote identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learned from Project implementation, for organizational sharing and learning. Promote a knowledge sharing and learning culture.
Contribute to the oversight of lessons learned procedures, ensuring that lessons learnt are shared in a timely and appropriate manner.

Impact of Results

Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor directly impacts on achievement of project results by promoting results-based monitoring and evaluation to track progress, improve activities, objectively verify outcomes and impact, and facilitate learning of lessons that can inform more effective future interventions. This consequently reinforces the visibility and image of UNEP as an effective Executing Entity and Accredited Entity in project services and management and strengthens its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services.

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.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

A advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in International Relations, Political Science, Natural Sciences, Economics, Statistics, or related social sciences.
A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in combination with a minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent).

Experience:

A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, evaluation, administration, or related area with an advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) is required.
Previous experience of working with government entities and other stakeholders in implementing activities at national levels, particularly in the Asia Pacific region, is desirable.
Demonstrated technical expertise in results-based planning, monitoring and evaluation is desirable.
Demonstrated experience working with and reporting on bilateral or multilateral funding, such as the Green Climate Fund, is desirable.
Experience in the United Nations system or other comparable international organization is desirable

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English is required.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: IICA
Contract level: ICS 10 / IICA-2
Contract duration: One year renewable subject to satisfactory performance and budget availability

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: If the selected candidate is a national of the duty station, a Local Individual contractor Agreement will be issued.

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.
Dili, Timor Leste is a family duty station.

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.