UNV M&E Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an international financial institution and a specialized agency of the United Nations. Established in 1978, IFAD is headquartered in Rome, Italy, which serves as the UN's food and agriculture hub. The organization focuses on investing in rural people to empower them to reduce poverty, enhance security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, improve nutrition, and strengthen resilience. Since its inception, IFAD has provided over US$24 billion in grants and low-interest loans to fund various projects in developing countries. IFAD operates in numerous countries, working closely with local communities to implement programs that address the unique challenges faced by rural populations. The organization is committed to sustainable development and aims to create lasting impacts through its initiatives.

Job Overview:
The UNV M&E Officer will play a crucial role in strengthening the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) systems of IFAD's programs and projects in Nepal and Bhutan. This position involves working under the supervision of the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director and Country Programme Analyst, contributing to the design, implementation, and analysis of M&E systems. The officer will be responsible for conducting comprehensive evaluations of existing M&E frameworks, assessing data collection methods, and ensuring the reliability and timeliness of data. The role also includes providing actionable recommendations to improve M&E systems and supporting the preparation of M&E plans that align with project objectives. The officer will engage in various activities, including technical support for surveys, participation in project missions, and promoting inclusive and participatory M&E practices that involve beneficiaries in decision-making processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The UNV M&E Officer will undertake a variety of tasks, including:

• M&E System Strengthening and Analysis: Participate in design and implementation support missions in Nepal and Bhutan, conduct analyses of M&E systems, evaluate data collection methods, assess the quality and reliability of data, and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Strategic M&E Planning and Review: Review and support the preparation of comprehensive Project M&E Plans, ensuring they include well-defined logframes, annual M&E calendars, and clear data workflows.
• Support to Surveys, Missions, and Reporting: Provide technical support for Counterpart-Implemented surveys, review survey reports, update project logframes, and assist in preparing progress reports.
• Promotion of Inclusive and Participatory M&E: Assess beneficiary participation in project processes, evaluate targeting strategies, and advocate for the collection of disaggregated data.
• General Country Programme Support: Perform additional duties as requested by the Country Director or Country Programme Analyst, including writing reports and reviewing M&E-related documents.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the UNV M&E Officer position should possess a strong understanding of M&E operations relevant to IFAD. They should demonstrate technical capabilities or knowledge that can be applied to IFAD procedures and rules. The ideal candidate will exhibit discretion, political sensitivity, and the ability to liaise with various stakeholders, particularly in senior positions. A high degree of autonomy, personal initiative, and resourcefulness are essential, along with the ability to manage information objectively and confidentially. The candidate should also be responsive and client-oriented, demonstrating integrity and ethical standards in their work.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required for the UNV M&E Officer position. Candidates should hold a degree in a field related to social sciences, development studies, or a similar discipline. Advanced degrees or specialized training in monitoring and evaluation, project management, or related areas will be considered an asset. The educational qualifications should reflect a strong foundation in analytical skills and understanding of development issues, particularly in rural contexts.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in monitoring and evaluation, project management, or related fields. Experience working with international organizations, particularly in the context of rural development or agricultural projects, is highly desirable. Familiarity with M&E frameworks, data analysis, and reporting processes is essential. Candidates should also demonstrate experience in conducting surveys and evaluations, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for the UNV M&E Officer position, as all reports and communications will be conducted in English. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Nepal, such as Nepali, is considered an asset and will enhance the officer's ability to engage with local communities and stakeholders effectively. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not required.

Additional Notes:
This is a national UN Volunteer assignment, and the selected candidate will be responsible for arranging their own housing and living essentials. National UN Volunteers are covered under a malicious insurance plan. The position may involve travel within Nepal and Bhutan, and the officer should be prepared to work in potentially challenging environments. The role is expected to be full-time, and the candidate should demonstrate a genuine commitment to the principles of voluntary engagement, including solidarity, compassion, and self-reliance.