UNV Specialist - Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries, working to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization aims to promote gender equality and empower women and girls, addressing issues such as family planning, maternal health, and gender-based violence. UNFPA's mission is to end unmet needs for family planning, preventable maternal deaths, and harmful practices by 2030, making it a crucial player in global health and development.

Job Overview:
The UNV Specialist - Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) position is integral to the UNFPA Country Office in Sierra Leone. The role involves providing technical and administrative support to implement the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting (MER) framework effectively. The incumbent will contribute to results planning, monitoring, reporting, communication, and evaluation of various programs and projects. This position requires a proactive approach to data collection, tracking program performance, conducting monitoring visits, managing data systems, and enhancing the capacity of UNFPA's implementing partners. The Specialist will work closely with the Country Representative and the Head of Programme, ensuring that the agency's strategic goals are met through rigorous monitoring and evaluation practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Results Planning: Provide technical inputs for program formulation, ensuring results are well-defined. Develop quality M&E frameworks and support the formulation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). Assist in creating annual and multi-year results plans and operationalizing them through implementing partner workplans.
• Monitoring: Track results against targets, conduct annual project reviews, and support field monitoring. Collect and analyze data, ensuring data quality checks are performed regularly.
• Results Reporting and Communication: Facilitate reporting to internal and external audiences, design data collection protocols, and ensure datasets are disaggregated appropriately. Create user-friendly reporting templates and synthesize data into analytical reports.
• Evaluation: Support the implementation of the UNFPA Evaluation Policy, participate in interagency M&E coordination, and promote the use of evaluation findings in decision-making.
• Expected Outputs: Timely support to the program team, quality tracking systems, accurate reports, and successful review meetings.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and accountability. They should possess knowledge of M&E methodologies and the ability to work under pressure. Teamwork and respect for diversity are essential, as the role requires collaboration across different thematic units. Strong analytical skills and the ability to communicate effectively are also critical.

Educational Background:
A degree in social sciences, public health, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees or specialized training in monitoring and evaluation, data analysis, or program management are highly desirable. Candidates should have a solid understanding of the principles of sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 2-3 years of relevant experience in monitoring and evaluation, preferably within the UN system or similar organizations. Experience in data collection, analysis, and reporting in the context of health or development programs is essential. Familiarity with statistical software and data management systems is also required.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Sierra Leone would be an asset, enhancing communication with local partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is categorized as a family duty station, and the living conditions in Freetown are generally peaceful, with a moderate crime rate. The role is full-time, and candidates should be prepared for a dynamic work environment. The UNFPA does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applicants are encouraged to report any suspicious solicitations.