Background

UNDP is a key partner to the Global Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) and is the UN agency assuming the role of Principal Recipient of GFATM grants in Sudan. As the Principal Recipient of 6 grants (2005-2014) from the Global Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) amounting to USD 300 million,  UNDP is managing the largest fund portfolio in the Arab region. UNDP‘s management role consists in implementing grants, ensuring financial accountability, and training of a variety of national and international counterparts on programme management and financial accountability. In its role as Principle Recipient, UNDP ensures quality financial management, timely procurement of supplies and service delivery as well as efficient monitoring and evaluation of grant implementation activities.
 
Under the guidance and direct supervision of the GFATM Programme Manager, the M&E Specialist will directly supervise the staff within the M&E section and hold responsibility for the oversight of this section, performance management, knowledge sharing and capacity building of relevant staff. The M&E Specialist promotes a collaborative, client-focused, quality and results-oriented approach in the team. The M&E Specialist works in close collaboration with the procurement, supply, finance-admin and grant staff within the Global Fund unit and the Management Support Unit within the UNDP Sudan Country Office.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions: 
  • Implementation of the GFATM programme monitoring and evaluation strategy & guidelines;
  • Preparation and submission of required project reports;
  • Promotion of the standardization of M&E systems across programs through provision of technical assistance in M&E as well as the development and dissemination of M&E tools;
  • Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing on planning and management, performance management.
Proposes and ensures the implementation of the GFATM programme monitoring and evaluation strategy & guidelines, focusing on achievement of the following results: 
  • Monitor and evaluate the programmatic, procurement and financial aspects of grant implementation by UNDP and its key partners (SRs, national programmes etc.) including quarterly verification and reporting to management, stakeholders and donors;
  • Ensure that the GFATM grants is being implemented in compliance with the GFATM rules and UNDP rules, regulations and procedures related to M&E;
  • Work closely with the grant section to identify and address any bottlenecks, constrains, challenges and opportunities in grants implementation;
  • Establish constructive communication and collaborate closely with different grant sections, including implementing harmonized approaches with respect to grant tracking and staff management;
  • Identify innovative approaches and modalities to achieve grant targets;
  • Work closely with grant sections to monitor progress of grants including routine follow up of SR’s work plans and organize periodic joint grant performance review meetings;
  • Conduct regular joint monitoring field visits to ensure timely and quality implementation of projects vis-à-vis approved plans and contracts, with the involvement of the relevant grant colleagues, local and regional authorities and SRs.
Ensure timely preparation and submission of required projects reports (quarterly, annual or any other required report) to GTATM and UNDP, focusing on achievement of the following results: 
  • Ensure the development and monitoring of performance frameworks for the various grants, in close cooperation with the respective grant sections;
  • Work closely with grants and operations sections towards effective monitoring, timely development of reports (quarterly, annual, ad-hoc, grant closure, etc.) and analysis of results of projects to incorporate lessons learnt into recommendations for improvement to be implemented by partners;
  • Ensure regular communication and timely feedback the Sub-Recipients on quarterly and semi-annual reporting issues including timeliness, correctness, and availability of all required supporting documents and the overall implementation of the agreed work plans;
  • Ensure the successful joint (including SRs and National Programmes) compilation of reports to be submitted to the GFATM;
  • Maintain effective communication and collaboration with the Local Funding Agent (LFA).
Ensures promotion of the standardization of M&E systems across programs through provision of technical assistance in M&E as well as the development and dissemination of M&E tools, focusing on achievement of the following results: 
  • Ensure the grants M&E activities are harmonized into the national M&E framework, i.e. work towards one M&E framework per disease;
  • Design and disseminate M&E reporting tools and templates that supports UNDP to effectively shoulder the PR role and enables key partners to effectively plan, implement, monitor and evaluate the assigned grant activities;
  • Identify areas of strengthening M&E systems in every grant ensuring synergy and complimentarity with the national M&E system, wherever existing;
  • Assess the M&E needs of national counterparts and provide capacity development support, resulting in effective participation in GFATM M&E activities, such as MESS-workshops, On Site Data Verification, and LFA PUDR assessments;
  • Provide technical assistance to Sub-Recipients and national systems in strengthening M&E activities.
Ensures facilitation of knowledge building, knowledge sharing and performance management in the area of planning and management, focusing on achievement of the following results:
  • Supervise, energize and motivate the section team and ensure staff capacity building in areas of work;
  • Develop M&E knowledge products based on lessons learned, experiences and data generated through grant implementation and provide sound contributions to UNDP knowledge networks and communities of practice;
  • Liaise with the communication to identify success stories and best practices learnt from the grant and ensure proper documentation and dissemination;
  • Provide training and guidance to the grant and M&E staff within the PMU and develops work plans and priorities, monitors achievements and evaluates performance of M&E staff.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies: 
  • Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
  • Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
  • Treats all people fairly without favoritism.
Functional Competencies:
 
Knowledge Management and Learning
  • Promotes knowledge management in UNDP and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example;
  • In-depth practical knowledge of planning and inter-disciplinary development issues;
  • Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills;
  • Seeks and applies knowledge, information and best practices from within and outside of UNDP.
Development and Operational Effectiveness
  • Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting;
  • Excellent knowledge of Results Management Guide and Toolkit;
  • Ability to lead formulation, implementation, monitoring of development programmes and projects;
  • Ability to formulate and monitor budgets, monitor contributions and investments, monitor transactions, conduct financial analysis, reporting and cost-recovery;
  • Ability to lead business processes re-engineering, implementation of new systems (business side), and affect staff behavioral/ attitudinal change.
Management and Leadership
  • Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
  • Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
  • Leads teams effectively and shows mentoring as well as conflict resolution skills;
  • Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
  • Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: 
  • Masters Degree in Public Health/Health Sciences or related field.

Experience: 

  • 5 years of professional experience which includes international experience in which includes international experience in programme management in developing countries, including in the field of HIV/AIDS, Malaria, and Tuberculosis;
  • Out of 5 years of professional experience, a minimum of 3 years experience in monitoring and evaluation, epidemiological literacy and skills in epidemiological surveillance required. Excellent managerial, interpersonal and analytical skills, including solid experience in the management of people and systems in high-pressure environments.
  • Excellent oral and written communications skills;
  • Knowledge of the UNDP and/or GFATM financial and programme management procedures is highly desirable;
  • Strong IT skills;
  • In-depth knowledge of UNDP/UN policies and programmes in crisis and post-crisis situations is an asset.
Language Requirements: 
  • Fluency in English. Strong writing skills required. Knowledge of Arabic is an advantage.