Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Officer - GEF Small Grants Programme

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global organization that operates in approximately 170 countries and territories. Established with the mission to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities and exclusion, UNDP focuses on helping countries develop policies, leadership skills, and institutional capabilities to sustain development results. The organization emphasizes a whole-of-society approach, engaging civil society, empowering women, youth, and vulnerable groups, and ensuring that no one is left behind. The UNDP Multi-Country Office (MCO) in Samoa covers the Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa, and Tokelau, implementing the UNDP Subregional Programme Document for the Pacific Island Countries and Territories (2018-22), which aligns with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, donors, private sectors, civil society organizations, and local communities, to provide integrated development solutions to address development challenges.

Job Overview:
The Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Officer will play a crucial role in the GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) by maintaining and updating the portfolio-level monitoring and evaluation framework. This position involves ensuring alignment with project documents and GEF requirements while supporting the SGP National Coordinator in monitoring grant implementation. The MEL Officer will be responsible for reviewing grantee reports, establishing data collection tools, and conducting field verification exercises. Additionally, the role includes compiling and analyzing data, preparing reports, and facilitating learning sessions with stakeholders. The MEL Officer will contribute to the development of analytical products and ensure effective communication of M&E information among grantees and the SGP coordination-team" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Coordination Team. This position requires a commitment to inclusive and gender-responsive approaches to monitoring and learning, ensuring community perspectives inform assessments of results.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain and periodically update the GEF SGP portfolio-level M&E framework, results framework, indicator tracking tools, and monitoring plan.
• Support the SGP National Coordinator in monitoring grant implementation against agreed results, indicators, milestones, workplans, and targets.
• Review and quality-assure grantee monitoring and progress reports, assisting grantees in improving the reliability of reported results.
• Establish and maintain practical data collection and verification tools for grants, ensuring data is disaggregated by relevant dimensions.
• Support baseline, outcome monitoring, spot checks, and field verification exercises, participating in field missions to document progress.
• Compile, clean, analyze, and interpret portfolio data, generating evidence-based analysis for program management.
• Prepare annual and periodic monitoring and reporting requirements, including GEF/SGP reporting and UNDP corporate reporting.
• Support preparation for mid-term reviews, terminal evaluations, and other evaluation exercises.
• Develop and maintain an organized digital M&E/data repository for the SGP portfolio. 1
• Identify and document lessons learned and promising practices from community-based projects. 1
• Support periodic learning and reflection sessions with the SGP team and stakeholders. 1
• Develop analytical products such as learning briefs and success stories. 1
• Facilitate the flow of M&E information between grantees and the SGP Coordination Team. 1
• Provide guidance and coaching to grantees on results frameworks and data collection. 1
• Promote participatory and gender-responsive approaches to monitoring and learning. 1
• Contribute to workshops and training sessions on M&E and results-based management.

Required Qualifications:

• Strong understanding of monitoring and evaluation principles and practices.
• Experience in developing and implementing M&E frameworks and tools.
• Knowledge of results-based management and reporting requirements.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working with community-based organizations and stakeholders.
• Familiarity with environmental and sustainable development issues is an asset.
• Proficiency in using data analysis software and tools.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in social sciences, development studies, environmental science, or a related field is required. A master's degree in a relevant discipline is preferred and may be an advantage in the selection process.

Experience:
A minimum of 3 years of professional experience in monitoring and evaluation, preferably in the context of development programs. Experience working with non-governmental organizations or community-based organizations is highly desirable. Familiarity with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and sustainable development initiatives is an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory. Knowledge of Samoan or other Pacific languages is considered an asset and may enhance communication with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is office-based in the UNDP Samoa MCO, with travel to project locations in Samoa, Niue, and Tokelau as required. The assignment requires cultural awareness, flexibility, and a willingness to work collaboratively with government and community organizations. Living conditions in Apia are generally comfortable, with access to essential services. The position may involve adapting to local conditions during travel to outer islands and community locations. Applicable UNV benefits and allowances are governed by the UNV Conditions of Service.