Planning and Monitoring Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF employs a large workforce dedicated to serving children and communities globally, fostering a culture of inclusivity and growth, and providing attractive compensation and benefits.

Job Overview:
The Planning and Monitoring Specialist position is integral to the Resilience in Secondary Education (RISE) Programme, which is supported by the Mastercard Foundation. This role is based in the Country Office and is part of the PME Section, focusing on monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) operations for the RISE Programme. The specialist will collaborate closely with the UNICEF RISE Team and Consortium Partners to ensure effective data management, high-quality evidence production, and results-based management. The role involves establishing a management information system (MIS), coordinating data collection, analyzing monitoring data, and facilitating learning processes to enhance program quality and accountability. The specialist is expected to uphold ethical standards in all MEL processes, ensuring compliance with donor requirements and operational needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key functions of the Planning and Monitoring Specialist include:

• Developing and implementing the MEL framework and systems for the RISE Programme.
• Managing data collection, ensuring quality assurance, and conducting data reviews and reporting.
• Overseeing field monitoring and verification processes to ensure program accountability.
• Facilitating learning and adaptive management processes across the Consortium.
• Providing capacity building and technical support to partners and stakeholders involved in the RISE Programme. The specialist will also be responsible for producing decision-ready briefs based on monitoring data and ensuring that all MEL activities are conducted ethically and in line with safeguarding standards.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as Education, Social Sciences, Statistics, Economics, Public Administration, Information Management, Monitoring and Evaluation, or related disciplines. Additionally, candidates should have at least 5 years of relevant work experience in Monitoring and Evaluation, Data Analytics, Programme Coordination, Results-based Management, or Programme Reporting. Strong coordination, data systems management, writing, editing, planning, organizational, analytical, and synthesis skills are essential, along with a drive to achieve results and the ability to manage ambiguity.

Educational Background:
Candidates are required to have a Master's degree or an advanced university degree in fields related to education, social sciences, statistics, economics, public administration, information management, monitoring and evaluation, or other relevant areas. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of the role and effectively contributing to the RISE Programme.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience is required, particularly in Monitoring and Evaluation, Data Analytics, Programme Coordination, Results-based Management, or Programme Reporting. Experience in managing large programmes with a strong monitoring and learning component is highly desirable, as is experience in coordinating field monitoring and partner reporting in decentralized settings. Familiarity with UNICEF programme processes and reporting expectations is also an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and based in Nairobi, Kenya. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization offers a range of benefits, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates should be aware that UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and abuse. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks and must comply with medical clearance and vaccination requirements as mandated by UNICEF.