Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNHCR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which was established in 195

• Its mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to promote lasting solutions for those who have been forcibly displaced. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 employees dedicated to helping millions of people worldwide. The organization focuses on providing protection, assistance, and solutions for refugees and displaced persons, working closely with governments, NGOs, and other partners to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The Senior Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting UNHCR's mission by generating and utilizing credible evidence regarding the organization's results and the situations of the people it serves. This position involves assisting in the development of multi-year M&E plans, ensuring consistency in monitoring methodologies, and coordinating evaluations. The Senior M&E Assistant collaborates with various stakeholders, including the Planning Coordinator, Results Managers, and Information Management colleagues, to facilitate effective decision-making based on assessment and monitoring data. The role also includes engaging with external partners and representing UNHCR in M&E-related matters, thereby contributing to the organization's advocacy efforts and results-based management cycle.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Assistant include assisting in the development of multi-year M&E plans, supporting Results Managers in selecting and developing relevant indicators, coordinating primary data collection exercises, and promoting participatory approaches to assessment and evaluation. The incumbent will also assist in the development of coherent M&E frameworks, prepare advice for management on evaluation needs, facilitate communication between country operations and evaluation teams, compile and maintain an evidence base of data, and assist in the design and delivery of M&E training initiatives. Additionally, the Senior M&E Assistant must ensure compliance with UNHCR policies and ethical considerations, manage risks, and perform other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma, or 1 year of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Essential qualifications include experience in planning and implementing monitoring systems, managing evaluations within the UN system, and coordinating stakeholders in a cross-cultural environment. Desirable qualifications include experience with UN development or humanitarian actors, data management, and strategic planning processes. Candidates should also demonstrate knowledge of Results-Based Management and Research and Evaluation Methods, as well as experience in programme management and capacity building activities.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a High School Diploma for candidates with 2 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor’s degree or higher for those with 1 year of relevant experience. While specific fields of education are not mandated, a background in Administration, Social Science, Data Science, Economics, or related fields is considered desirable. Completion of UNHCR Learning Programmes or specific training relevant to the function of the position is also advantageous.

Experience:
The level of experience required for the Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Assistant position includes a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience for candidates with a High School Diploma, or 1 year of relevant experience for those with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Essential experience includes planning and implementing monitoring systems, conducting evaluations, and coordinating with various stakeholders in international development or humanitarian contexts. Desirable experience encompasses collaboration with UN agencies, government institutions, and expertise in data management and statistics.

Languages:
For this position, knowledge of English is mandatory, as well as proficiency in the UN working language of the duty station if it is not English. For General Service jobs, knowledge of English and/or the UN working language is required. Additionally, knowledge of Spanish is considered a desirable language skill, enhancing communication capabilities within the diverse operational context of UNHCR.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a General Service role at the GS5 level and is temporary, with a target start date of April 1, 2026, and an end date of December 31, 202

• The role is family-type, indicating that it may accommodate family members of the staff. Candidates must be Costa Rican or possess a valid work permit and be present in Costa Rica at the time of application, recruitment, and hiring. The recruitment process adheres to UNHCR's policies, ensuring a fair and inclusive approach to hiring, with no fees charged at any stage of the recruitment process.