M & E Knowledge Mgt Specialist

• Lead the operationalization of effective monitoring and evaluation systems which focus on project results and impact monitoring, and contributes to organization learning and reflection, in order to inform project review, design and resource mobilization.
• Ensure the integration of knowledge management, communications/outreach practices in Programmes/Projects
• Lead the preparation of high quality donor and corporate UNDP reports and other communication products with the provision of evidence-based, results and analysis 
• Support Programme/Project design and resource mobilization efforts 
• Manage a M&E, Knowledge Management and Outreach Support Team (subject to the availability of funding) 

• Lead the operationalization of effective monitoring and evaluation systems which focus on project results and impact monitoring, and contributes to organization learning and reflection, in order to inform project review, design and resource mobilization.
• Working together with the relevant Project Teams, lead the development of fully costed monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks and plans for each Project/Programme.
• Ensure indicator, baseline, and target information is clearly reflected (ensuring linkages to the respective Programme/Projects M&E Frameworks) in Programmatic Tools such as Letters of Agreement, Micro-Capital Grant Agreements and Project Corporation Agreements, used to partner with entities as Responsible Parties (RPs). A review and analysis of reports submitted by the RPs must also be undertaken.
• Design, pilot and roll out simplified/innovative tools to support the project monitoring process.
• Use information derived from monitoring to provide brief analyses of trends or relevance to context, which may be used for project review or Board meetings, in consultation with the Project Teams.
• Ensure timely conduct of evaluations (where relevant), including through the use of innovative evaluation methodologies/practices, working in close consultation with the Management Support Unit.
• Provide principal guidance on developing external studies and evaluations and provide support to external consultants in ensuring high quality standards and rigour are maintained in methodology as well as presentation of findings. 
• Support the Project teams to put in place processes for data gathering.
• Lead the process of data analysis, and strategic presentation of findings.
• Work closely with project staff and partners to strengthen systems for qualitative data gathering and analysis. 
• Support conduct of quarterly reviews of projects.
• Working together with the UNDP M&E Analyst, provide required training for UNDP colleagues and project partners on RBM/ M&E/use of new tools etc., based on identified capacity/training needs. 

• Ensure the integration of knowledge management and outreach practices in Programmes/Projects
• Work closely with the Programme/Project Teams and the UNDP Communications Unit to develop a communication and advocacy/outreach strategy, identifying target groups and messaging, and associated risks, for the above mentioned portfolio.
• Ensure the identification and documentation of programmatic linkages, synergies, lessons learnt and best practices across projects that can be useful in the institutional learning process and increasing the results of projects.
• Identify cost-effective, and constructive means through which data and analysis generated through the Projects can be widely disseminated, including outputs from evaluations and strategic research studies, commissioned by UNDP.
• Support to institutionalize an active knowledge sharing practice within UNDP and with partners
• Analyze/synthesize data and project findings into creative, digestible/useful/targeted knowledge packs, working together with the Communications and Management Support Unit 
• Support the UNDP Communications Unit to develop case-stories, infographics and other creative communications/outreach materials. 
• Maintain a simple database with Programme/Project generated data, including audio/visual materials.

• Lead the preparation of high quality donor and corporate UNDP reports and other communication products, including with the provision of evidence-based, results and analysis 
• Maintain a donor and corporate reporting calendar for relevant Programmes/Projects
• Support the Cluster to prepare required material for Board meetings.
• Compile data and analytical information for the preparation of donor and corporate reports, from the projects
• Prepare project data/information required for UNDP’s corporate reporting requirements such as Results Oriented Annual Report, Integrated Work Plan updates, etc.   

• Support Programme/Project Design and Resource Mobilization 
• Engage and contribute substantively to the design of Programmes/Projects from the onset; including through the engagement with relevant Technical Advisory Teams/Missions, and other key stakeholders
• Engage and contribute substantively in the design of Joint Programmes/Projects with UN Agencies.
• Undertake the development of Programme/Project Results Frameworks that test and strengthen intervention logic against intended programme objectives 
• Where required lead the methodology design and facilitate the conduct of Participatory Context and Needs Assessments with communities/stakeholders/partners, to inform Project/Programme design.
• Contribute substantively towards strengthening proposal development, in support of resource mobilization efforts.

• Programme/Projects for the above mentioned thematic areas are designed based on strong intervention logic, and supported with comprehensive Results and Resources Frameworks, which enable meaningful, needs based initiatives to be carried out by UNDP. Overall effective and efficient Programme/Project management is also enabled through the implementation of clear results-based monitoring, evaluation and reporting processes.  Knowledge management and outreach processes are integrated in to projects, contributing to wider organizational and partner learning, also contributing to the better positioning of UNDP as Sri Lanka’s leading development partner.

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP
• Displays cultural, gender, religious, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism

• Strong conceptual and research/analytical skills, coupled with the ability to think strategically and to rapidly analyze and recommend corrective steps to either fill the gaps or dovetail the processes to achieve the set objectives.
• Strong writing skills.
• Ability to use predominantly qualitative data/information collection tools and appropriately use qualitative data /information collection tools in innovative ways.  
• Proven in-depth knowledge and experience on inter-disciplinary governance issues, peacebuilding, reconciliation, transitional justice, access to justice, rule of law and/or gender empowerment.
• Ability to identify monitoring and evaluation related risks and opportunities and provide timely feedback to rectify/fill the gaps.
• Fully proficient computer skills and use of relevant software and other web-based applications, e.g. word processing, spreadsheets, internet, PowerPoint 
• Seeks and applies knowledge, information and best practices inside and outside UNDP.
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
• Actively learning and sharing knowledge and encouraging the learning of others. (Promoting learning and knowledge management/sharing is the responsibility of each staff member).
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.
• Proven networking, organizational and communication skills and be an effective team player.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• A self-starter with capacity to work under pressure and to meet strict deadlines
• Willingness to undertake frequent visits outside of duty station.

• Master’s Degree in Development Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, Business or Public Administration, Statistics, Economics, Political Science or Social Science OR an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience will be considered in the absence of a Master’s Degree  with minimum of 2 years of relevant experience 

• Bachelors is required at the national or international level with a minimum of 3 years’ experience

• Proven knowledge and experience on governance, peacebuilding, reconciliation, transitional justice, access to justice, rule of law and/or gender empowerment is essential. 
• Demonstrable experience in designing monitoring and evaluation systems, designing development projects, and conducting medium-large scale applied research projects and reporting on findings. 
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web based management systems.  

• Demonstrates strong oral and written English communication skills, along with Tamil and/or Sinhala. Tri-lingual candidates would have an advantage. 

Important applicant information

All posts in the SC categories are subject to local recruitment.

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