UNDP Jobs - 52785- Programme Specialist - M&E, Compliance and Reporti

Programme Specialist - M&E, Compliance and Reporting - (Open to Liberian Nationals Only)

Location :

Monrovia, LIBERIA

Type of Contract :

FTA Local

Starting Date :

01-Feb-2015

Application Deadline :

11-Jan-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

NO-C

Duration of Initial Contract :

One year (Renewable)

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

The Liberia Country Office is in the process of implementing the new Country Programme under a new cycle (2013-17) having had its Country Programme Document (CPD) for the same period approved by the Executive Board in early 2013. The CPD is in line with the UN in Liberia’s One Programme, which is aligned to the priorities articulated in the Government of Liberia’s National Vision 2030 and the Agenda for Transformation, the Government’s medium term strategic planning framework. A key priority for the CPD and the new programme is to develop capacity for a more cost-effective implementation, monitoring and evaluation as well as a speedier and simpler narrative and financial reporting. Thus the need to fill the post of a Programme Specialist, M&E and Head of the Programme Support Unit responsible for compliance monitoring and reporting and overall contribution to the establishment of an enhanced and sound management, monitoring and reporting system.

Under the guidance of the Deputy Country Director/Programme, the incumbent will be responsible for facilitating strategic programme planning, ensuring that all the projects are operating with full compliance to UNDP’s rules and regulations as well as ensuring full mainstreaming of M&E in all projects, and ensuring timely evaluations. He/she will also ensure compliance with the programming tools such as results based management, ATLAS and Prince2.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

Ensure effective application of RBM tools, establishment of management targets (BSC) and monitoring achievement of results including stringent application of all Prince2 and ATLAS applications;
Ensures the design and implementation of an M&E system in line with the applicable policies and ensures the effective management of the monitoring and evaluation processes;
Organize the planning activities in the annual programme planning;
Ensure Effective Management of Audits and Risk management;
Facilitate programme strategic planning in relation to the CPD, UNDAF/UN ONE Programme and monitoring thereof.

Ensures the implementation of evaluation policies and strategies, focusing on achievement of the following results:

Responsibility for planning, preparation, budgeting, reporting and oversight of project evaluations and other types of evaluations conducted under the programme;
Support tracking and reporting of donor resources towards outcomes;
Responsibility for promotion of evaluation standards, quality assurance/control and capacity development within the programme.

Ensures effective management of the monitoring and evaluation process for the CO programme, focusing on achievement of the following results:

Provision of technical advice for projects within the CO programme portfolio, including setting up an M&E framework with defined indicators to facilitate evaluation at later stages;
At key intervals/review periods throughout the year (quarterly, mid-year, annual reviews), facilitates review of information provided by projects on indicators and targets to assess progress, identify constraints and gaps in implementation and provide appropriate recommendations;
Provision of evaluation feedback into policy/programme/project design and ensure optimal use of evaluations by providing guidance in preparation of timely management response to all evaluations;
Provide methodological support to various programme units during the formulation, approval and implementation of M&E procedures and instruments and select RBM tools, in particular related to monitoring;
In collaboration with relevant programme and operations teams, carry out programme analysis, at outcome and sub outcome level, in order to capture lessons learned and ensure that risks are properly monitored and mitigated;
Undertake regular field visits to ensure compliance and timely execution of the planned monitoring & evaluation by various programme and project units;
Evaluation of projects and programme in collaboration with ARR-Ps and UNDP programme in consultation with Evaluation Office in HQ.

Ensures effective management of audits and risks:

In consultation with relevant programme and operations teams and under the oversight of the CO Management Team, assess risk areas and work with project staff to minimize risk exposure levels;
Prepare annual audit plan for projects and the CO and coordinate with senior management and relevant teams and partners and IPs regarding audit exercises of the CO;
Monitor the implementation of previous audit recommendations and advise the CO Management Team on status at its regular meetings activities.

Ensure Effective reporting of Programme Activities focusing on the following areas:

Ensures proper documentation of the experience of UNDP assistance through its projects. In this regard, prepares monthly, quarterly and annual project reports, publication serials and information/communication materials. Similarly, ensures use of UN and other web sites for dissemination of information;
Provides thorough progress reporting and contributes to analysis of the achievements, facilitates project reviews, evaluation and audits.

Ensures proper maintenance of sound filing system and appropriate use and recording of all UNDP experience, best practices, activities and results.

Jointly with the CO communications officer, act as the first point of contact for local press inquiries, and participate in planning a press relations strategy to ensure a wide dissemination of information concerning UNDP/ programme objectives, the progress of its projects and their concrete outputs and achievements;
Ensure that full acknowledgement of the financing role of donors and UNDP is given in such information.

Ensures provision of top quality policy advice services to the Government and facilitation of knowledge building and management focusing on achievement of the following results:

Facilitate knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the area of monitoring and evaluation, focusing on achievement of the following results:
Ensures and promotes close co-operation and co-ordination between and among projects and programmes in terms of monitoring of both process and impact of UNDP Liberia interventions;
Support the actual conduct of evaluation of projects and programme in collaboration with Team leaders and in consultation with Evaluation Office in HQ;
Orient and train staff in understanding and applying monitoring & evaluation policies, tools & methods, particularly at outcome level;
Facilitate dissemination of best practices & advocate UNDP’s successful experiences in results-based monitoring & evaluation as well as substantive areas of expertise through global knowledge networks.

Provide quality assurance in programme activities in the following areas:

Support the development of systems to foster improvements in the application of internal control systems and in the maintenance of compliance standards in the CO;
Advise project staff and implementing partners regarding control systems, assess their effectiveness and general operational compliance with UNDP rules, regulations and policies;
In consultation with the Programme Managers and Pillar Team Leaders, assess work processes and procedures to ensure that tasks are carried out with maximum efficiency.

Ensures creation of strategic partnerships and implementation of the resource mobilization strategy focusing on achievement of the following results:

Support the establishment of partnerships with the UN Agencies, government institutions, bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors, private sector, civil society in the specific thematic areas based on strategic goals of UNDP, country needs and donors’ priorities;
Analysis and research of information on donors, preparation of substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation, identification of opportunities for initiation of new projects, active contribution to the overall office effort in resource mobilization;
In collaboration with the Strategy and Policy Unit and Communication Unit, draft a plan and strategy for resource mobilization in support of the achievement of the CO’s programme objectives.

Impact of Results

The M&E and Reporting Specialist post aims to have an impact on the overall effectiveness and success of UNDP’s development interventions in support of the CO Programme strategy. Effective implementation of M&E policies and procedures, as well as efficient management of the M&E process will enhance the organization’s accountability, transparency, evidence base and learning for implementation of valuable programmes with sustainable outcomes. Accurate analysis, data entry and presentation of information ensure proper programme implementation.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning;
Shares knowledge and experience;
Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.

Development and Operational Effectiveness

Ability to perform a variety of specialized tasks related to Results Management, including support to design, planning and implementation of programme, managing data, reporting;
Ability to provide input to business processes re-engineering, implementation of new system, including new IT based systems;
Good knowledge of Results Management Guide and Toolkit;
Leadership and Self-Management;
Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s Degree or equivalent in Statistics, Demography, Development Planning, Social Sciences or related field;
Prince2 training and certification, RBM.

Experience:

Five years with Master’s relevant experience, hands-on experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of development projects including knowledge of Logical Framework and establishing inter-relationships among international organization and national governments;
Work experience in various international organizations and Government institutions at high level and in relevant fields is highly desirable;
Financial and/or audit background or related work is an asset;
Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, experience in handling of web based management systems.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English and language of the duty station.