Project Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officer

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Position Title: Project Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officer
Location: Baghdad
Country: Iraq
Deadline Date: 10-Dec-2024

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The UNESCO Office in Iraq is dedicated to promoting education, science, culture, and communication in the country. Established to support Iraq's development goals, UNESCO works closely with various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education and UNICEF, to implement programs that enhance educational access and quality. The organization operates in multiple countries, focusing on fostering inclusive and equitable education for all, particularly for marginalized groups. UNESCO's mission is to build peace through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture, and it emphasizes the importance of quality education as a fundamental human right.

Job Overview:
The Project Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officer will play a crucial role in the implementation of the ITALEEM Programme, which aims to improve access to quality education in Iraq. This position involves designing and executing a comprehensive MEL framework to ensure that all program activities are effectively monitored, evaluated, and reported. The MEL Officer will collaborate with various program teams, including UNICEF, to collect and analyze data, generate insights, and facilitate learning to enhance program outcomes. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying challenges and proposing solutions to improve educational access and quality for all learners, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The MEL Officer will be responsible for a range of duties, including:

• Monitoring and Evaluation: Developing and implementing the MEL plan for the ITALEEM programme, conducting field visits to monitor activities, collecting and analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data, and preparing detailed MEL reports that highlight key findings and recommendations.
• Learning and Knowledge Management: Facilitating learning sessions and workshops to share findings, documenting best practices and lessons learned, and maintaining a comprehensive database of MEL data for accessibility by project teams.
• Capacity Building: Training program staff and partners on MEL concepts and tools, providing ongoing support and mentorship to enhance MEL capacity within the team and among partners.
• Collaboration and Coordination: Working closely with the programme manager and stakeholders to integrate MEL activities into project management, participating in project meetings, and contributing to strategic discussions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in project planning and management, Monitoring and Evaluation, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 5 years of experience in MEL roles, preferably within the education sector in a development or humanitarian context, is required. Proven experience in designing and implementing MEL frameworks and tools is essential, along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Proficiency in data analysis software and excellent communication skills are also necessary for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree in relevant fields such as project planning and management, Monitoring and Evaluation, Social Sciences, or Development Studies. An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in these areas is desirable and may enhance a candidate's competitiveness for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning roles, particularly in the education sector. Candidates should have a proven track record of designing and implementing MEL frameworks and tools, as well as experience in project planning, implementation, and monitoring. Previous experience with international NGOs or UN entities is considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of other UNESCO official languages, such as French, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered a desirable asset that could enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
This position is a non-staff service contract with a duration of 1 year. It is open to both internal and external candidates. The role is based in Baghdad, Iraq, and candidates should be prepared for potential travel within the country as part of their monitoring responsibilities. The application deadline is set for midnight Paris time on December 10, 202

• UNESCO emphasizes its commitment to diversity and encourages applications from candidates of various backgrounds, including those from under-represented Member States, minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities. The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and is dedicated to achieving gender parity and equitable geographical distribution among its staff.