National Consultant for Monitoring and Evaluation Framework Development

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women (UNW) is an entity of the United Nations dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. Established in July 2010, UN Women was created as part of the UN reform agenda to consolidate and enhance the impact of the UN's work on gender equality and women's empowerment. The organization merges the efforts of four previously distinct parts of the UN system that focused on gender issues, namely DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW, and UNIFEM. UN Women operates globally, with a mission to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. The organization has a significant presence in various countries, including the State of Palestine, where it has been active since 1997, and works closely with Member States to strengthen global norms and standards for gender equality and women's empowerment. UN Women also promotes coordination across the UN system to enhance accountability and results for gender equality, and it undertakes operational activities to support Member States in translating global norms into local legislation and policies.

Job Overview:
The position of National Consultant for Monitoring and Evaluation Framework Development at UN Women involves the design and operationalization of a robust, results-based Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) framework for the Third National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (NAP III) in Palestine. The consultant will work closely with the Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MoWA) and UN Women to ensure that the MEAL framework aligns with national priorities and effectively tracks progress towards the intended results of the intervention. The consultant will be responsible for developing measurement tools that facilitate systematic monitoring and evaluation of NAP III implementation, ensuring accountability to affected populations, particularly women and girls. This role requires a comprehensive understanding of the Women, Peace and Security agenda and the ability to synthesize program performance data into analytical reports. The consultant will also engage in stakeholder consultations and provide regular updates on progress and challenges encountered during the process, ultimately delivering a finalized MEAL framework and associated tools for implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties and responsibilities include conducting a desk review and analytical assessment of the NAP III results framework, indicators, and theory of change. This involves collecting and analyzing lessons learned from previous NAPs, assessing national policies related to WPS implementation, and reviewing international frameworks on monitoring and evaluation. The consultant will design a comprehensive MEAL framework that includes defining outcomes, outputs, indicators, and means of verification, as well as developing an institutional monitoring matrix to support implementation. Additionally, the consultant will create standardized data collection tools for both quantitative and qualitative data, ensuring they are adaptable to various contexts. The consultant will align the MEAL framework with national data systems and international reporting obligations, facilitate validation processes with stakeholders, and finalize the MEAL framework and tools for implementation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Political or Social Science, Economics, Business Administration, International Development Studies, or Gender/Women's Studies. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. The position requires at least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in monitoring and reporting on development projects or programs, with demonstrated experience in developing M&E frameworks and data collection tools. Familiarity with Women, Peace and Security agendas and UNSCR 1325 is essential, along with experience working with government institutions. Proficiency in using digital data collection applications is desirable, as is experience in the United Nations system and field experience. Strong analytical and report writing skills, as well as proficiency in office software packages, are also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in relevant fields such as Political or Social Science, Economics, Business Administration, International Development Studies, or Gender/Women's Studies. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with additional qualifying experience may be accepted. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of gender issues and the frameworks governing women's rights and empowerment.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of progressively responsible experience at the national or international level in monitoring and reporting on development projects or programs. Candidates should have a proven track record in developing Monitoring and Evaluation frameworks and data collection tools, as well as experience in conducting assessments and research related to MEAL activities with direct beneficiaries. Familiarity with Women, Peace and Security agendas and UNSCR 1325 is crucial, and experience working with government institutions is desirable. Additionally, candidates should have experience in using digital data collection applications and a strong understanding of UN program management systems.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is required for this position. Proficiency in both languages is essential for effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders, as well as for the development of reports and documentation related to the MEAL framework and its implementation.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is home-based, with the consultant expected to coordinate closely with UN Women and MoWA throughout the assignment. The consultant may need to travel to various locations within the West Bank for meetings with stakeholders. Data collection and consultations with stakeholders in Gaza and Jerusalem can be conducted using online methods. The position emphasizes the importance of integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity, aligning with UN Women’s core values and competencies. The consultant will be expected to adhere to UN Women’s policies and procedures, including a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the organization's aims and objectives.