Programme Specialist, M&E

Programme Specialist, M&E

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

August 26, 2026September 27, 2026LilongweMalawi
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN 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 that their rights are respected. The organization is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, particularly in areas related to family planning, maternal health, and gender-based violence. UNFPA's mission is driven by a commitment to human rights and the empowerment of women and girls, and it seeks to transform lives through evidence-based policies and programs that address demographic changes and promote gender equality.

Job Overview:
The Programme Specialist, M&E is tasked with providing comprehensive guidance in defining results for programs, leading the development of theories of change, and establishing quality monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks. This role involves overseeing the monitoring and tracking of results against defined targets, leading annual results plans, and ensuring adherence to results-based management (RBM) principles. The Programme Specialist will also contribute to knowledge management and foster a culture of results within the organization. The position requires a proactive approach to using results information for program adaptations and improvements. The Programme Specialist will work closely with the M&E Specialist and the Head of Office to ensure effective planning, monitoring, reporting, communication, and evaluation of programs and projects, ultimately contributing to the achievement of UNFPA's strategic goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Specialist, M&E will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:
  • Results Planning: Providing guidance to the country office in defining results, leading the development of theories of change, and creating quality M&E frameworks.
  • Monitoring: Offering technical guidance to Country Offices, overseeing the tracking of results against targets, and leading annual reviews and midterm evaluations of projects.
  • Results Reporting: Overseeing the reporting of results to both internal and external audiences, collecting and analyzing data, and developing quality results reports.
  • Evaluation: Supporting the implementation of the UNFPA Evaluation Policy, managing evaluation processes, and ensuring quality standards are met.
  • Knowledge Management: Contributing to knowledge management efforts and promoting a culture of results within the organization.
  • Advocacy and Resource Mobilization: Assisting in advocacy efforts and preparing relevant documentation for resource mobilization.
  • Funds Management: Preparing and managing budgets, monitoring expenditures, and ensuring timely financial reporting.
  • Additional Duties: Carrying out any other responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor and UNFPA leadership.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's Degree in political sciences, social policy, economics, health, social mobilization, population demography, business administration, international relations, statistics, development studies, or any other relevant social science discipline. Additionally, candidates should have at least 5 years of relevant national or international experience in monitoring, reporting, and evaluation, with a proven track record in designing and implementing comprehensive monitoring systems. Experience in the United Nations or other multilateral organizations is highly desirable, as is familiarity with data collection and analysis software. Strong analytical and report writing skills, as well as the ability to synthesize program performance data, are essential for this role.

Educational Background:
A Master's Degree in a relevant field such as political sciences, social policy, economics, health, social mobilization, population demography, business administration, international relations, statistics, development studies, or any other social science discipline is required. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of program evaluation and monitoring within the context of UNFPA's mission and objectives.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in the areas of monitoring, reporting, and evaluation. This experience should include a proven track record in designing and implementing comprehensive monitoring systems, as well as familiarity with data collection and analysis software. Experience working within the United Nations system or other multilateral organizations is highly desirable, particularly in roles that involve fieldwork and program evaluation. The ability to provide critical analysis of program result frameworks and to interact effectively with donors is also important.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, while knowledge of other official UN languages is considered desirable. This linguistic proficiency is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the international context of UNFPA's work.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other applicable benefits. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. The organization encourages applications from women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA is committed to equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all candidates, regardless of personal characteristics.
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