Programme Specialist, Monitoring and Evaluation

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, working to ensure that every individual has access to sexual and reproductive health services and rights. The organization is committed to achieving three transformative results: ending preventable maternal deaths, ending unmet needs for family planning, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 emphasizes the importance of addressing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on women's and girls' health and rights, and it calls for a collective effort to build forward better while realizing the goals of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The Programme Specialist, Monitoring and Evaluation, is responsible for overseeing UNFPA's activities in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) and plays a crucial role in analyzing political, social, and economic trends that affect the organization's work. This position involves providing foresight analysis and technical input for country programme development, project formulation, evaluation, and joint programming initiatives. The specialist will ensure that programme results are tracked, reported, and evaluated in accordance with UNFPA standards, linking internal and external data and M&E systems. This role is essential for connecting country-level planning with evidence-based decision-making and will involve leadership in planning, monitoring, and evaluation of the Country Programme. The specialist will engage with inter-agency working groups for UNSDCF coordination and support national partners through the UN Data Group and Data for Development platforms. The position is pivotal in ensuring that the Country Office's M&E activities align with the strategic objectives of UNFPA and contribute to the overall mission of the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Specialist will be responsible for a variety of duties, including: A. Programme Management: Analyzing population trends, risks, and data impacting the ICPD agenda and SDGs; coordinating the Country Office's M&E activities for Somalia Country Programme implementation; identifying key evaluation topics and timelines; facilitating inter-agency M&E coordination; and providing technical advice for results-based management (RBM) and M&E to staff and partners. B. Quality Technical Support and Capacity Development: Providing technical support for national and sub-national capacity development in population data production and use; integrating current population data into programme work; coordinating information systems management; documenting and sharing M&E best practices; conducting field monitoring; and managing risk and donor reporting. C. M&E Framework: Developing and refining the M&E framework, ensuring alignment with organizational policies and international best practices; building capacity among staff for effective implementation. D. Results and Resources Framework (RRF): Facilitating the development of the RRF in coordination with programme and finance teams; ensuring outputs and outcomes are SMART; linking results to budget allocations. E. Population Dynamics and Data: Providing technical support for national census and surveys; building national capacity in census planning and data analysis; supporting South-South Cooperation; and reviewing new policy developments. F. Coordination and Collaboration: Working collaboratively with other team leads; organizing planning and review meetings with stakeholders; and carrying out any other duties as required by the UNFPA Country Office.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Statistics, Demography, Monitoring and Evaluation, Public Health, or a related Social Science discipline such as Gender Studies or Development Studies. They should have at least 5 years of increasingly responsible professional experience in population, data and development, results-based management, monitoring and evaluation, statistics, and/or research methodologies. Additional years of experience are essential, and postgraduate training in data use, statistics, and monitoring and evaluation is an advantage. Candidates should have strong data analysis skills and familiarity with statistical software (e.g., SPSS, Stata), as well as experience in documenting results in various formats, including qualitative research and reports. Excellent computer skills, particularly in Access, Excel, SPSS, and GIS, are required. A strong interest in development work and knowledge of the UN system is advantageous.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in relevant fields such as Statistics, Demography, Monitoring and Evaluation, Public Health, or related Social Science disciplines. This advanced education is essential for understanding the complexities of population dynamics and the methodologies used in monitoring and evaluation.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in the fields of population, data and development, results-based management, monitoring and evaluation, statistics, and/or research methodologies. Experience in capacity building on analysis and data use, as well as aspects of M&E, is considered an asset. Field experience and prior experience in the UN system are also advantageous.

Languages:
A solid command of spoken and written English is essential for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other applicable benefits. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and healthy work-life balance. The organization encourages applications from women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request. UNFPA is committed to equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all, regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Selection and appointment may be subject to background checks, medical clearance, visa issuance, and other administrative requirements. UNFPA does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process.