Consultant (Unesco Youth Project)

Parent Sector : Social and Human Sciences Sector (SHS) Duty Station: Syrian Arab Republic Job Family: Social and Human Sciences Type of contract : Non Staff Duration of contract : From 7 to 11 months Recruitment open to : External candidates Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 10-JUN-2021 UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST The protracted humanitarian crisis and its sluggish economic growth have hit the young population hard in Syria– they are among the most vulnerable segments of society, especially under challenging social and economic conditions. 5.67 million young people constitute 21 % of the total population.With limited opportunities, and uncertain about what the future has in store, youth have grown increasingly, disillusioned, frustrated and disempowered. Aged 15-24 years by the UN definition, young men and women comprises today 21% of the total population of the country is projected to increase at least 50 % in the 30 years between 2015 and 2050. Young men and women needs access to learning, skills building and employment opportunities. They need spaces and platforms for social participation and community engagement. There should be mechanisms to ensure that their rights are fulfilled and to maximize their potential to enable them to become citizens driving the economic and social development of Syria. In response, UNESCO launched the “Syria: The Treasures Within: an intersectoral project for Syria as a means for reconciliation and early recovery” addresses through civic engagement of young people seeks to contribute to reconciliation and resilience in Syria. Combining UNESCO’s sectors of social sciences, education, communication and information and culture, the project aims to enable young people as agents of change in inclusive social transformations in their diverse communities. The project is funded by the Japanese Government and aims to create, at a difficult time of COVID-19 pandemic, an environment in Syria where young women and men are empowered, heard, and engaged meaningfully for a better livelihood and in reconciliation and recovery in Syria. The effort is carefully aligned with the draft National Framework of Action on Adolescent and Youth Development and Participation in Syria. The office seeks support from an expert that may assist build a robust M&E framework and mechanism to ensure successful implementation and completion of the project. OBJECTIVES: UNESCO Beirut ensures the overall project implementation through the Results-based Management (RBM) approach, defined as “a participatory and team-based management approach to programme planning that focuses on performance and achieving results and impacts.” SCOPE OF WORK: TASKS:

• Assist in the revision of the project log frame matrix, particularly in the areas of performance indicators and their measurement;
• Assist in the development and/or finalization of the project Work Plan and keep it updated in accordance with project activities and timeframes as relevant.
• Develop a monitoring plan on spot checks and meetings (physical & virtual) with partners
• Develop and maintain an online reporting tool by collecting updates from implementing partners
• Review and inform the quality of collected information from implementing partners from gender equality lens and by RBM approach
• Organize and undertake training with collaborating partners on M&E as required.
• Support project progress reporting namely the mid-term report (August 2021) & the final report (Feb 2022)
• Provide Beirut office information she/he may require.
• Check that monitoring data are discussed in appropriate forum and in a timely fashion in terms of implications for future action. If necessary, create such discussions to fill any gap.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned by the Project Manager and the Director of UNESCO Beirut.

KEY OUTPUT(S)

1. Virtual training on Monitoring for youth organizations (1 day)
2. Field visits
3. Draft Mid-term report (Aug)
4. Draft final report (Jan)

REPORTING Throughout the assignment, the Consultant will work under the overall guidance of the Regional Director of UNESCO Beirut Office and will report to the Programme Specialist for Social and Human Sciences. During the fulfilment of his/her work, the Consultant will communicate and coordinate closely with the UNESCO team in Damascus and Aleppo. DELIVERABLES

• Monitoring plan and tools adapted to the project : Due Date: 20 July  2021
• Bi-Monthly Monitoring Reports based on: spot checks, review and compilation of activity reports from youth NGOs/ CSOs/ Universities : Due Date: Aug 2021- Jan 2022
• Draft mi-term report: Due Date: 10 Sept 2021
• Draft report highlighting good practices and lessons learnt: Due Date: Jan  2022
• Final report: Due Date: 10 March 2022

DURATION The estimated duration of this assignment is from July 2021 to Feb 2022 (8 months, part time). COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial) Accountability (C) Communication (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) Professionalism (C) For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Education: First level university degree in statistics, demographics, public policy, international development, economics, or related field. Advanced certificate in M&E, statistics or economics preferred. Experience:

• Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in M&E activities of international development projects.
• Experience in designing, implementing, and operating project M&E systems from project initiation to closeout stages.
• Experience in designing and managing beneficiary monitoring and database systems.
• Experience in Results-Based Management (RBM)
• Knowledge of the major evaluation methodologies (e.g. qualitative, quantitative, mixed-method, and impact) and data collection and analysis methodologies.
• Experience in planning and managing surveys.
• Experience in developing and refining data collection tools.

Languages: Excellent written and spoken command of English and Arabic. COMPETENCIES

• Good knowledge of programme implementation, monitoring and evaluation techniques and practices.
• Familiarity with youth challenges and needs in Syria
• Good knowledge and experience regarding gender mainstreaming.
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Ability to work in a team and good interpersonal skills.
• Good computer applications skills.
• Good organizational skills.
• Ability to work under time pressure and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work in diversified environments.

TRAVEL: The consultant is expected to be resident in Syria and to commute regularly to Damascus and Aleppo ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES:

• The Consultant is expected to work in his/her residence and carry out the assignment in close consultation and collaboration with UNESCO team.
• The consultant will provide his/her own laptop and cell phone;
• The payment will be made against approved deliverables.

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted. The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates. Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided. Footer UNESCO applies a zero tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieve and sustain gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities, as well as nationals from non-and under-represented Member States (last update here) are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts. UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.