M&E Expert Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is an international organization established to lead and coordinate international action for the protection of refugees and the resolution of refugee situations. Founded in 1950, UNHCR's mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, seeking lasting solutions to their plight, and ensuring access to asylum, safe refuge, voluntary return, or permanent resettlement. The organization operates in over 130 countries and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to humanitarian efforts. UNHCR's engagement in forced displacement is guided by the UN Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement, emphasizing the centrality of protection in humanitarian action and solutions. The organization collaborates with various partners to enhance protection and promote solutions for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and other displacement-affected populations, including host communities. UNHCR's strategic directions for 2022-2026 focus on leveraging synergies across its work with refugees, IDPs, returnees, stateless persons, and other populations affected by humanitarian crises, ensuring tailored protection and solutions in both new and protracted crises.

Job Overview:
The M&E Expert Consultant position is crucial for supporting UNHCR's mission by establishing and managing effective monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems across various country operations. The consultant will play a key role in enhancing evidence-based operational design and implementation, improving data quality and accessibility, and developing robust M&E systems that facilitate learning, accountability, and advocacy. The consultant's work will involve reviewing country-level M&E approaches, identifying gaps in information flows, and designing tailored reporting formats for various internal stakeholders. The role may also include conducting evaluations, reviews, and assessments that inform strategic planning and reporting. The consultant will be expected to engage in capacity development and organizational change, ensuring that country offices can effectively manage their M&E systems. Assignments may vary in duration from short-term (1-3 months) to longer-term (up to 11 months), and may involve both on-premise and remote working modalities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the M&E Expert Consultant include:

• Monitoring country-level M&E approaches and identifying gaps in information flows.
• Designing and implementing M&E systems, including developing reporting formats tailored to the needs of various internal stakeholders such as senior management, field staff, and donor reporting.
• Conducting evaluations and reviews of projects and programs, including desk reviews and learner-centered briefs associated with evaluations.
• Facilitating staff training and strategy development to build ownership of M&E systems.
• Drafting recommendations for sustainable M&E systems that align with UNHCR's Results-Based Management (RBM) framework.
• Collaborating with country offices to strengthen their M&E capabilities and ensure effective operational design and implementation.
• Engaging in capacity development initiatives to enhance the skills of staff in managing M&E systems.
• Providing technical expertise in humanitarian interventions, protection, and solutions for forcibly displaced populations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong technical background in monitoring and evaluation, with a focus on humanitarian contexts. They should have experience in developing and implementing M&E systems, conducting evaluations, and facilitating capacity development initiatives. Knowledge of UNHCR's operational framework and familiarity with the regions covered by the Bureau are considered assets. Candidates should also demonstrate strong analytical skills, the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams, and effective communication skills to engage with various stakeholders.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required, typically including a degree in social sciences, international development, public policy, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications in monitoring and evaluation, project management, or humanitarian assistance are highly desirable and may enhance a candidate's suitability for the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have substantial experience in monitoring and evaluation, particularly within humanitarian settings. This includes experience in designing and implementing M&E systems, conducting evaluations, and engaging in capacity development initiatives. Previous experience working with UNHCR or similar organizations is advantageous, as is familiarity with the specific challenges faced by forcibly displaced populations.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in additional languages relevant to the regions covered by UNHCR is considered a valuable asset. Candidates should demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills in English, as well as the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders in various contexts.

Additional Notes:
This position does not require a functional clearance and is not remote. The assignments may vary in duration, ranging from short-term (1-3 months) to longer-term (up to 11 months). The consultant may be required to work on-premise or engage in remote working modalities, depending on the specific needs of the country operations. Interested applicants must submit a motivation letter, a CV, and a completed questionnaire to clarify their specific areas of M&E expertise. It is important to adhere to the specified page limits and application requirements to avoid disqualification.