UNDP Jobs - 2882- M&E and Learning Specialist

M&E and Learning Specialist

Location :

Kabul, AFGHANISTAN

Type of Contract :

ALD International

Starting Date :

30-Nov-2007

Application Deadline :

31-Oct-07 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

ALD-3

Duration of Initial Contract :

One Year

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

UNDP Afghanistan has been providing gender technical support to the Government of Afghanistan through the Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MoWA) since 2002. In 2007 UNDP signed a new project titled Institutional Capacity Building for Gender Equality (Gender Equality) with the MoWA and the Ministry of Economy (MoEc) to strengthening capacity of selected state institutions for the advancement of gender equity and women’s empowerment in Afghanistan. The project aims to develop effective gender mainstreaming models to strengthen the capacity of government ministries and institutions at national and sub-national levels. The project is in line with the goals set out in the Interim Afghanistan National Development Strategy (I-ANDS) for gender equity and consistent with the Millennium Development Goals of gender equality and empowerment of women.

Gender Equality projectis geared towards strengthening the capacity of the two main technical counterparts and other ministries and institutions involved in the implementation of the project. One of the key features of the project is the sustainability of the knowledge gathered and capacity built. In this respect monitoring of the processes, outputs vis-à-vis expected results and lessons learned will be of paramount importance. The position of the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) and Learning Specialist has been created to facilitate institutionalisation of a gender mainstreaming monitoring mechanism and ensure availability of adequate capacity within the institutions for systematic monitoring, documentation and reporting mechanism.

The M&E and Learning Specialist will function under direct supervision and with guidance from the Programme Manger, Gender Equality project and will work in close co-operation and collaboration with other experts and specialist of the project, Provincial Co-ordinators and government counterparts of the project.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Gender Equality Programme Manager, the M&E and Learning Specialist will have overall responsibility for developing and implementing a gender responsive monitoring mechanism and ensuring learning of relevant project counterparts and team members. S/he will be responsible for activities on learning in gender mainstreaming monitoring, which is designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of staff of ministries/institutions concerned and relevant project staff to promote gender mainstreaming in various sectors/fields/institutions.

The M&E and Learning Specialist is responsible to:

Monitor the implementation of the Gender Equality project Implementation Plan through collection and analysis of data on indicators, as provided by the project specialists, provincial coordinators, partner agencies, and other relevant sources of information;
Develop and institute a gender mainstreaming M&E mechanism and guidelines that are comprehensive, simple and user friendly involving the role of the different stakeholders in information sharing, reporting and experience sharing;
develop gender sensitive indicators in selected sectors, institutions and choose tools for data collection, analysis and reporting;
develop periodic assessment and reporting template and user guidelines;
define systematic documentation process and develop necessary tools and help ministerial staff learn use of the documentation process;
Organize periodical monitoring meetings/missions and annual review meetings;
Preparation of analytical reports using relevant information available from the project specialists, provincial coordinators, partner agencies to advise the Programme Manager and the Project Board on the implementation of the project;
Guide the documentation processes for the best practices and lessons learnt based on programme approaches pertinent to implementation of various components and sub-components;
Design in consultation with partners agencies a common reporting system that is acceptable by the Project Management Team;
Encourage common information collection strategies amongst the partners and counterparts;
Assist MoWA in establishing baselines, design database of socio-economic indicators for planning, implementation and follow-up of development plans and strategies;
Advise the Programme Manager, Project Board and stakeholders on the progress and contribute to analysis as to causes behind the differences between planned and actual achievements;
At key intervals/review periods throughout the year (Mid Year Review, Work Plan Development, and End Year Review), review information provided by the project specialists provincial coordinators, partner agencies on indicators and targets to assess progress and identify constraints and gaps in implementation and response;
Provide input into the Work Plan reports;
Advise the Programme Manager on constraints on implementation of the Implementation Plan;
Support counterpart/partner agencies in developing their own information strategies, including advising on setting appropriate indicators, for collecting and analyzing information, etc;
Review existing M&E and management information systems of counterparts/ partners and identify where support is needed;
Work with various teams under three components to implement the M&E plans, regularly revising and updating performance questions, indicators, methods, formats and analytical processes;
Help train designated staff of counterpart agencies on M&E methodologies and support M&E design and implementation processes with partners and primary stakeholders;
Work with partners and primary stakeholders to develop events where M&E data are analyzed and corrective actions can be agreed upon and assist to streamline various planning processes;
Ensure dissemination of learning and lessons and best practices;
Provide advice to MoWA, MoEc and UNDP in strengthening internal M&E capacity;
Facilitate individuals and organizations contracted to undertake studies required for evaluating project effects and impacts;
Any Other tasks and duties assigned by the Programme Manager.

Impact of Results:

The key results have an impact on the overall effectiveness and success of UNDP’s interventions and activities in achieving the country’s development and the MDG. Effective implementation of evaluation policies and strategies, as well as efficient management of the evaluation process, enhance the organization’s capacity and credibility in implementation of highly effective programmes with strong impact.

Competencies

Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
Knowledge Management and Learning;
Shares knowledge and experience;
Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan;
Strong analytical abilities, particularly in the areas of governance, learning, training and capacity development/transfer;
Ability to establish effective working relations in a multi-cultural environment;
Ability to manage multiple tasks in an effective, pro-active and timely manner and apply newly acquired skills;
Focuses on result 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;
Analytical and communication skills;
Understanding of post conflict environment, ever evolving development challenges;
Familiar with computer-based analysis and data-bases.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Masters degree in development studies, business administration, Social Science, Education, or International Development.

Experience:

A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience working with learning and capacity development initiatives, preferably in the context of a developing country;
Knowledge and understanding of public sector institutional capacity development requirements;
Fluency in English is required (written and verbal);
Knowledge and understanding of gender disparity and its negative impacts on development processes;
Working knowledge of Dari is an asset. Excellent computer/information systems skills;
Previous experience of working in UNDP, UNICEF or the UN system highly desirable.

Language Requirements:

Excellent command of written and spoken English. Knowledge of Dari or any other local languages will be of great value.