Regional Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (ME&L) Adviser

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights, aiming to ensure that 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 has a workforce of approximately 4,000 employees. The organization is dedicated to advancing the rights of women and girls and promoting gender equality, with a mission to support countries in achieving their development goals, particularly in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 emphasizes the importance of addressing the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women's health and rights, and it calls for a commitment to building a better future for all individuals, particularly marginalized groups.

Job Overview:
The Regional Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (ME&L) Adviser plays a crucial role in providing technical advice and quality assurance for results-based planning, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation within the region. This position is responsible for leading the strengthening of capacities and knowledge generation related to monitoring and evaluation. The adviser will work closely with the Independent Evaluation Office and the Programme Division to ensure that evaluation processes align with UNFPA's Evaluation Policy and quality standards. The role requires a commitment to promoting a culture of evidence-based program management and ensuring that evaluation findings are integrated into regional and country-level programming. The adviser will also be responsible for developing and implementing annual work plans for evaluations and ensuring that monitoring and evaluation plans are executed effectively at both country and regional levels.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Regional ME&L Adviser include:

• Strategic Results Support: Contributing to the formulation of the Regional Programme by analyzing evaluative evidence and ensuring the integration of evaluation findings into programming. Supporting planning, monitoring, and reporting for regional and country programs, and promoting results-based monitoring.
• Capacity Development: Conducting capacity-building initiatives and workshops to enhance the culture of results-based management within UNFPA and partner institutions. Ensuring that M&E officers are knowledgeable about UNFPA policies and procedures.
• Evidence and Knowledge Development: Analyzing and disseminating knowledge related to monitoring and evaluation practices, and developing a comprehensive Learning and Knowledge management strategy for the Regional Office.
• Oversight and Technical Support: Advising on planning and funding for evaluations, supporting the development of evaluation capacities, and leading the implementation of the regional evaluation strategy.
• Additional Duties: Carrying out any other responsibilities as required by UNFPA leadership, ensuring timely and quality support to country offices, and monitoring the implementation of evaluation plans.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree (or equivalent) in fields such as public health, social science, demography, gender, economics, international relations, or international development. Additional training in monitoring and evaluation is considered an asset. Candidates should have at least 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in international development, with a minimum of five years at the international level. Relevant experience in managing complex evaluations and a strong track record of innovative leadership in this area are essential. Candidates should also have a deep understanding of global and regional geopolitical issues relevant to UNFPA's mandate, as well as knowledge of methods and techniques for international planning, monitoring, and evaluation.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in a relevant field such as public health, social science, demography, gender, economics, international relations, or international development. Additional training in monitoring and evaluation is advantageous and may enhance a candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in international development, with at least five years of experience at the international level. They should have substantial experience in managing evaluations at the regional, country, or program level, including inter-agency evaluations. Experience in the United Nations system, particularly with UNFPA or similar multilateral organizations, is highly desirable. Fieldwork experience is also considered a strong asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of other official UN languages, particularly French and/or Spanish, is desirable and may enhance a candidate's competitiveness for the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is expected to be full-time and may involve travel to various countries within the region. UNFPA is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds, including women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and underrepresented groups. The organization emphasizes a healthy work-life balance and gender parity in its hiring practices. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with UNFPA's policies and standards, and candidates should be prepared for background checks and other administrative requirements as part of the recruitment process.