Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, was established in 1945 with the mission to contribute to peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security by promoting international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms. With a presence in over 190 countries, UNESCO aims to build peace in the minds of men and women through education, science, culture, and communication. The organization employs thousands of staff members globally, working towards sustainable development and fostering intercultural dialogue.

Job Overview:
The Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Specialist will play a crucial role in ensuring the effective implementation of MEAL mechanisms within the UNESCO Office in Pakistan. This position requires a comprehensive understanding of monitoring and evaluation processes, as well as the ability to provide technical guidance and quality assurance on various project components. The incumbent will be responsible for developing and maintaining the MEAL framework, ensuring that all project activities are aligned with UNESCO's standards and regulations. The role also involves capacity building for relevant sector colleagues and partners, ensuring that they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively implement MEAL practices. The MEAL Specialist will be expected to produce reports, analyze data, and communicate findings to stakeholders, thereby contributing to the overall success of UNESCO's initiatives in Pakistan.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the MEAL Specialist include but are not limited to:

• Providing technical guidance and quality assurance on the development and revision of project log frame matrices, ensuring that performance indicators are effectively measured.
• Collaborating with sector colleagues to develop and maintain project work plans, ensuring they are updated in accordance with project timelines.
• Establishing a comprehensive MEAL framework and data collection mechanisms in coordination with relevant colleagues.
• Reviewing existing data collection methods and ensuring they provide reliable baseline statistics for impact evaluation.
• Developing baseline data for project components and indicators in collaboration with sector colleagues.
• Assessing implementing partners' management information systems and recommending necessary changes to align with MEAL requirements.
• Planning and conducting capacity-building sessions on MEAL for colleagues and partners.
• Collecting and reviewing data from various platforms to measure project performance against indicators.
• Ensuring compliance with UNESCO rules and regulations in project deliverables. 1
• Maintaining the MEAL database and undertaking field missions to monitor project progress. 1
• Leading mid-term reviews and evaluations, identifying areas for technical support and capacity building. 1
• Producing reports and presentations based on MEAL findings and participating in relevant coordination mechanisms. 1
• Preparing visualizations of data for internal and external stakeholders and ensuring that monitoring data is discussed in appropriate forums.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in statistics, demographics, public policy, international development, economics, or a related field from a recognized institution. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 4 years of relevant work experience in monitoring and evaluation, demonstrating comprehensive expertise across the project lifecycle, including planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting. Strong organizational and coordination skills, as well as the ability to maintain effective working relationships in a multicultural environment, are essential. Candidates should also have strong analytical skills, particularly in financial data and budget monitoring, and the ability to draft high-quality documents and reports.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as statistics, demographics, public policy, international development, economics, or a related area from a recognized institution. A PhD degree or equivalent in these fields is considered desirable, as it indicates a higher level of expertise and understanding of complex issues related to monitoring and evaluation.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 4 years of relevant work experience in the monitoring and evaluation sector. Candidates with experience working within international organizations, particularly the United Nations System, are preferred. Additionally, experience in emergency or conflict-sensitive environments is advantageous, as it demonstrates the ability to navigate challenges and apply results-based management effectively. Candidates should also have experience in integrating gender mainstreaming approaches within development initiatives, which is increasingly important in today's global context.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. Additionally, a good knowledge of Urdu is required, as it facilitates communication within the local context and enhances collaboration with stakeholders. Proficiency in other languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the region or the organization's work.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is a Service Contract at Level SC10, with a duration until 31 December 2025, subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance. The recruitment is open to both internal and external candidates, and the application deadline is set for 13 June 2025, based on Pakistan time. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages candidates from under-represented Member States, minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities to apply. The organization is committed to maintaining a non-smoking environment and does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.