Monitoring and Evaluation Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead United Nations agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, 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 reproductive health services and the ability to make informed choices about their bodies and futures. The organization is dedicated to promoting human rights and gender equality, and its mission is guided by the principles of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNFPA employs a diverse workforce of over 4,000 staff members worldwide, committed to addressing the complex challenges of population dynamics and reproductive health.

Job Overview:
The Monitoring and Evaluation Associate is a pivotal role within the Gambia Country Office, responsible for enhancing the results orientation of project interventions and ensuring compliance with reporting standards set by both UNFPA and the European Union (EU). This position is crucial for the effective monitoring, evaluation, and evidence generation related to the EU-ISEY project. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the coordinator" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Technical Coordinator and will contribute significantly to the overall guidance provided by the Assistant Representative and Head of Programmes. The role involves tracking project results, supporting data entry into reporting systems, conducting field monitoring visits, and building the capacity of implementing partners and grassroots civil society organizations (CSOs) on results-based management and project reporting. The Monitoring and Evaluation Associate will also facilitate collaboration among various stakeholders, including government ministries and other UN agencies, to ensure the successful implementation of project activities and adherence to established milestones.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Monitoring and Evaluation Associate will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including but not limited to:

• Project Results Tracking: Providing technical support to monitor the progress of all UNFPA-led activities within the EU-ISEY project, ensuring quality implementation and achievement of set milestones.
• EU Compliance & Reporting: Assisting with data entry into the EU’s OPSYS result reporting system and contributing to the regular submission of bi-annual and yearly progress reports.
• Field Monitoring: Conducting site visits and spot checks at schools and teacher training institutions to monitor mentorship programs and leadership initiatives for female educators.
• Capacity Building: Supporting the capacity building of implementing partners and grassroots CSOs on results-based management (RBM), data disaggregation, and project reporting.
• Collaboration: Facilitating the work of consultants and experts, maintaining collaborative relationships with counterparts in the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE) and the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology (MoHERST).
• Internal and External Relations: Engaging with the EU-ISEY Project Team (UNOPS, UNFPA, Expertise France) and the CO’s programme/technical team, as well as external contacts including the EU Delegation, other UN agencies, and civil society partners.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of six years of increasingly responsible experience in project monitoring and evaluation within development programs. A strong understanding of results-based management principles and practices is essential. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a commitment to the values of integrity, cultural diversity, and change, and will have a proven track record of effective communication and analytical thinking. Additionally, candidates should exemplify a results-oriented approach to program development and management, with the ability to build strategic alliances and foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include the completion of Secondary School Education as a minimum. An advanced diploma in programme and project management, or a university degree (or equivalent) in Statistics, Economics, Education, Development, or other related social science fields is considered an added advantage. This educational background will provide the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of project monitoring and evaluation within the context of development programs.

Experience:
The position requires at least six years of progressively responsible experience in project monitoring and evaluation, particularly within the realm of development programs. Candidates should have a demonstrated ability to manage and evaluate projects effectively, ensuring compliance with established standards and achieving desired outcomes. Experience working with international organizations, government agencies, and civil society partners will be beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with strong verbal and written communication skills. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if relevant to the local context or the populations served by the project.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other applicable benefits. UNFPA is committed to providing a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, and diversity. The organization encourages women to apply and promotes equal opportunities for all, including persons with disabilities. Note that UNFPA reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for consideration for other similar positions at the same grade level. Applications that do not meet the specified requirements will be disregarded, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Importantly, UNFPA does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process.