Policy Specialist, Performance Monitoring and Analytics

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global development network established in 1965, with a mission to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working with governments and people to address development challenges. The organization emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion as core principles, aiming to empower all personnel to contribute to its mission. UNDP has implemented stringent measures since 2017 to enhance its business model and increase operational efficiency, engaging with its Executive Board to strengthen oversight of organizational performance.

Job Overview:
The Policy Specialist, Performance Monitoring and Analytics will play a crucial role in conducting evidence-based research to support decision-making processes, particularly focusing on the UNDP Strategic Plan (SP) and the Integrated Results and Resources Framework (IRRF). This position involves designing, collecting, modeling, aggregating, and statistically analyzing data related to performance metrics. The incumbent will also provide organizational support for data analysis and performance monitoring, fostering a data-driven culture within UNDP. The role requires collaboration across various units and functions to enhance strategic goals and ensure effective program management. The incumbent will be expected to build a network of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) specialists and data analysts to facilitate lesson learning and promote best practices in data utilization.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct data analytics and evidence-based research to inform senior management decision-making regarding the UNDP Strategic Plan and IRRF.
• Network with analysts across various UNDP units to facilitate the exchange of ideas and innovative approaches to data analysis.
• Produce strategic materials such as briefs and proposals for senior management based on data analysis and performance results.
• Design, collect, model, and analyze data related to performance against the Strategic Plan, ensuring timely and efficient reporting.
• Liaise with focal points on indicator design and data collection to support performance analytics.
• Provide support to field offices in designing indicators and reporting on program resources and results.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of training materials to enhance staff capacity in Results-Based Management (RBM) tools.
• Perform other duties as necessary for the efficient functioning of the office.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Statistics, Social Sciences, International Development, or a related field is required.
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the mentioned areas, combined with two additional years of qualifying experience, may be considered in lieu of the advanced degree.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional work experience in policy advice and program support related to data collection and statistical modeling is required.
• At least 3 years of experience managing an organizational accountability framework, including data collection and reporting, is required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, and statistical programming in STATA is required.
• Experience with data visualization tools, particularly Power BI, and programming skills in Python are essential.
• Familiarity with UNDP’s Strategic Plan and Integrated Results and Resources Framework is preferred.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s degree) in relevant fields such as Statistics, Social Sciences, or International Development. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) combined with two years of additional qualifying experience will be considered. This educational background is critical for understanding complex data analysis and performance metrics in the context of international development.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of professional experience for candidates with a master’s degree, or 7 years for those with a bachelor’s degree. This experience should include providing policy advice and program support in data collection, processing, and statistical modeling within the international development sector. Additionally, candidates should have at least 3 years of experience managing an organizational accountability framework, which includes designing data collection methods and reporting mechanisms.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. A working knowledge of another UN language is preferred, as it enhances communication and collaboration within the diverse international environment of UNDP.

Additional Notes:
The initial appointment is for 12 months, contingent upon successful completion of a probationary period. The position is based in New York, and candidates should be aware of the implications of accepting a staff position with UNDP, particularly for US Permanent Residents. UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, and all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from marginalized and underserved populations.