Regional Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Adviser

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on delivering a world where 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 mission to promote the right of every woman, man, and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity. The organization emphasizes the importance of sexual and reproductive health and rights, and its strategic plan for 2022-2025 aims to address critical issues such as maternal health, family planning, and gender-based violence. UNFPA is committed to building forward better in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, ensuring that the rights and health of women and girls are prioritized in recovery efforts. The organization values principled and ethical staff who embody international norms and standards, and who are dedicated to delivering high-impact results.

Job Overview:
The Regional Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (ME&L) Adviser plays a crucial role in providing technical advice and quality assurance for results and evidence-based planning, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation within the region. This position involves leading the strengthening of capacities and knowledge generation, management, and dissemination related to monitoring and evaluation. The adviser will oversee the evaluation and results-based management functions, ensuring that all evaluation processes and products adhere to the UNFPA Evaluation Policy and quality standards. The role requires collaboration with various divisions, including the Independent Evaluation Office and the Programme Division, to ensure effective results planning and reporting. The adviser is expected to promote a culture of results-oriented management and provide leadership in implementing corporate policies and procedures at both regional and national levels. This position is integral to ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of UNFPA's work in the region, aligning with the organization's strategic goals and commitments to the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Regional ME&L Adviser is responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• 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 programmes, promoting results-based monitoring, and overseeing regional and country programmes. Developing and leading the implementation of annual work plans for evaluations and ensuring that monitoring and evaluation plans are executed effectively.
• Capacity Development: Conducting capacity-building initiatives and workshops to enhance a culture of results-based management within UNFPA and partner institutions. Ensuring that M&E officers are well-versed in UNFPA policies and procedures. Participating in training and workshops, contributing to the development of tools and guidance for monitoring and evaluation, and supporting the capacity development of partner institutions.
• Evidence and Knowledge Development: Analyzing and disseminating knowledge related to monitoring and evaluation practices, ensuring that lessons learned are incorporated into strategies and policies. Developing a comprehensive Learning and Knowledge management strategy to promote the uptake of research and materials among country teams and partners.
• Oversight and Technical Support: Advising regional and country offices on planning and funding for evaluations, supporting the development of evaluation capacities, and managing regional evaluation strategies. Providing technical advice and quality assurance for evaluations managed by country offices, ensuring that evaluation plans are of high quality and implemented effectively.
• Additional Duties: Carrying out any other responsibilities as assigned by UNFPA leadership, ensuring that all tasks align with the organization's goals and standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree (or equivalent) in fields such as public health, social science, demography, gender, economics, international relations, international development, public administration, or management. Additional training in monitoring and evaluation is considered an asset. Applicants 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, particularly at the regional or country level, is essential. A strong track record of innovative leadership in evaluations and a deep understanding of global and regional geopolitical issues related to UNFPA's mandate are required. Candidates should also demonstrate excellent knowledge of programme formulation, implementation, and Results-Based Management, along with strong quantitative, qualitative, and analytical research skills. Communication skills are crucial, as the adviser must effectively translate complex evaluation results into actionable insights for program colleagues.

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

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in international development, with at least five years of experience at the international level. Candidates should have substantial experience in managing complex evaluations, including inter-agency and joint evaluations, and a proven ability to produce high-quality evaluations. Experience working in UNFPA or other multilateral organizations, as well as fieldwork experience, is highly desirable. Familiarity with UNFPA's transformative areas is considered an asset, and candidates should demonstrate strong leadership and management skills, particularly in the context of evaluation and monitoring.

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

Additional Notes:
This position is likely to be full-time and may involve international recruitment. UNFPA is committed to promoting gender equality and diversity within its workforce and encourages applications from women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. The organization emphasizes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all candidates, regardless of personal characteristics. The work environment at UNFPA reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance.