Assistant Monitoring and Evaluation Officer – P1

Accountabilities:

Under supervision of and working closely with the Specialist of the Planning, Performance Monitoring and Evaluation (PPME) Unit, the incumbent will:

• Provide support to the conduct of independent evaluations that are impartial, independent and credible and that meet UNITAR Evaluation Policy requirements and the standards of United Nations Evaluation Group (UNEG) by preparing draft terms of reference and supporting data collection, interpretation and visualization; applying up to date evaluation techniques and approaches; ensuring that biases and errors are reduced in the design and conduct of evaluation using professional/technical standards; and reviewing and formatting draft reports as required.

• Provide support in the promotion of managing-for-results and evaluation functions by updating the database of evaluation recommendations; regularly developing results-based management and evaluation related content for the website and relevant intranet pages; contributing to the Impact Story Initiative by applying quantitative and qualitative data collection tools; providing guidance to programme units for self-evaluation undertakings, including survey and other data collection design; preparing draft good practice and guidance documents; compiling and synthesizing lessons learned for organizational learning and quality improvement; organizing brownbag sessions to strengthen knowledge of self-evaluation and promote the use of evaluations; keeping abreast of developments in the area of evaluation through learning and networking with the United Nations system and relevant professional bodies; and actively sharing results-based management and evaluation related information including through the UNITAR Yammer channel.

• Contribute to corporate measurement, planning and reporting exercises by collecting and analyzing performance and other data and information, integrating and visualizing data, as well as drafting and reviewing reports and other documents as part of strategic planning and reporting exercises, including alignment with SDGs and other international frameworks, SDG synthesis papers, UNITAR key performance indicators and application of knowledge and skills measurements.

• Perform any additional activities that may be required to ensure the success of the work team to which assigned.

The job requires frequent interaction with staff and personnel in UNITAR programme and other divsional units, counterparts working in other UN and international organizations, and consultants.

Supervision:

None. It may happen that the incumbent supervises interns and collaborators of the unit under his/her direct responsibility.

Results Expected:

Key results include the delivery of timely, accurate and comprehensive data collected, information gathering, analysis and visualization; independent evaluations of learning and broader capacity development programmes managed and implemented; impact stories written; quality performance and independent evaluation reports formatted; key performance indicators  visualized; recommendations and lessons learned uploaded into monitoring tool; measurement of application of knowledge and skills undertaken; knowledge management entries on UNITAR intranet and Yammer published; guidance provided to programme units on self-evaluation and managing-for-results; data analysed for SDG and other frameworks’ alignment and synthesis papers; brownbag sessions organized. Effective and timely liaison and interaction with colleagues and concerned parties internally and externally. High quality work in terms of both substantive depth and adaptive relevance to needs.

Competencies:

Professionalism: Sound knowledge and experience in the fields of evaluation and results-based management; knowledge of evaluation designs for both learning-related and broader socio-economic development-related programming; knowledge of and ability to apply a range of evaluation data collection and analysis methods, using multiple and mixed methods and understanding of current issues in evaluation practice. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges. Remains calm in stressful situations.

Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments. Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules. Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services. Offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs. Promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas. Takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks "outside the box". Takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things. Is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.

Commitment to Continuous Learning: Keeps abreast of new developments in own occupation/profession.. Actively seeks to develop oneself professionally and personally. Contributes to the learning of colleagues and subordinates. Shows willingness to learn from others. Seeks feedback to learn and improve.

Technological Awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology. Understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office. Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks. Shows willingness to learn new technology.

Planning and organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently.

Teamwork:  Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Minimum requirements

Education/Experience:

Advanced university degree in social science, development studies. First level university degree in combination with relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of advanced university degree. No work experience is required for candidates with advanced university degree. For candidates holding a first level degree, a minimum of two years of responsible professional experience in the field related to evaluation is required, preferably within the UN system. A background in the learning and development field and knowledge of current development issues and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development are an asset.

Languages: Fluency in English and Spanish is required; knowledge of French language is desirable.

Special Notice:

UNITAR is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Qualified women, individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.

English and French are the two working languages of UNITAR. Priority will be given to the applicants from the under-represented regions at UNITAR. There will be a probation period of 3 months.

UNITAR staff members are subject to the authority of the UNITAR Executive Director and their appointments are limited to service with the Institute.

Considerations:

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation or sexual abuse, or crimes other than minor traffic offences, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. UNITAR is a non-smoking environment.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable Staff Regulations and Rules and UNITAR administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

No Fee:

UNITAR DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). UNITAR DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.