M&E Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI) was founded in 2012 by artist and social activist Forest Whitaker, who was appointed as UNESCO Special Envoy for Peace and Reconciliation. WPDI is a non-governmental organization dedicated to fostering peace and resilience in areas affected by violence, poverty, environmental disruption, and marginalization. The organization operates in Africa, Europe, Latin America, and North America, developing a variety of programs aimed at training and supporting underprivileged individuals and groups, particularly focusing on youth and women. WPDI empowers these individuals to become mediators, educators, entrepreneurs, and leaders, thereby fostering positive transformation within their communities and beyond. To achieve its objectives, WPDI collaborates with communities to design and implement integrated programs in four key areas: Peacebuilding, Livelihood, Health and Well-being, and Sports. The organization works closely with UNESCO and other United Nations agencies, including UN Women, IOM, and UNHCR, to enhance the impact of its initiatives.

Job Overview:
The M&E Officer will play a crucial role in the effective implementation of the Reporting, Monitoring, and Evaluation (M&E) framework for joint programs between the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI) and UNESCO. This position is vital for promoting the roles of youth and women in peacebuilding and sustainable development. The officer will be responsible for ensuring that monitoring and reporting tools are effectively utilized across programs distributed in 11 locations, including South Africa, South Sudan, Uganda, Mexico, France, and the United States. The M&E Officer will work under the direct supervision of the Liaison Officer for the UNESCO Special Envoy for Peace and Reconciliation, contributing to the overall success of the programs by providing high-quality data analysis and reporting.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The M&E Officer's duties and responsibilities include assisting the management team in designing documents related to reporting, partnerships, fundraising, and strategic planning. The officer will review and revise existing monitoring and reporting tools to support field office managers and teams in fulfilling their M&E responsibilities. Regular collection of reports from field office managers and teams in a timely manner is essential. The officer will liaise with relevant units of the Secretariat, including the Executive Office of the ADG (SC/EO), to provide necessary data and reports regarding the impact of the partnership between UNESCO and the UNESCO Special Envoy for Peace and Reconciliation. Analyzing and presenting high-quality data generated from WPDI activities is a key responsibility, as is providing input to the management team on evaluation needs based on agreements with donors and partners. The officer will also support the team in identifying, documenting, and synthesizing lessons learned and best practices to be integrated into the M&E framework.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s Degree in social sciences (such as Economics, Sociology, etc.), Statistics, Public/Non-Profit/Business Administration, or other relevant fields of study. Additionally, a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), preferably in the field of international development, is required. The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to draft clear and concise documents and produce strong analytical and synthesis reports, demonstrating strong attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality work while meeting deadlines. Excellent IT skills, including proficiency in standard office software, database management, and data visualization, are essential. The ability to work effectively in a team environment and maintain trust-based working relationships within a multicultural team is also crucial.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s Degree in relevant fields such as social sciences, statistics, public/non-profit/business administration, or other related areas. This advanced degree is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively contribute to the M&E framework and the overall objectives of the organization.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), with a preference for candidates who have experience in the field of international development. This level of experience is necessary to ensure that the candidate is well-versed in the complexities and challenges associated with M&E in diverse and often challenging environments.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English, both spoken and written, is mandatory for this position. Additionally, the ability to work in French and/or Spanish would be considered a valuable asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a multicultural and multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is 11 months, and it is classified as a Consultant Contract Level 2 - Middle. The position is open to external candidates and allows for remote work. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence, and integrity in its personnel appointments. The organization applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment and encourages individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities to apply. All applications will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years, and the organization does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.