Research & Evaluation Specialist, NOC, Lilongwe, Malawi #107667 (OPEN FOR MALAWIAN NATIONALS ONLY)

Under the general guidance of the Chief of Research, Evaluation and Knowledge Management, and in close collaboration with the Chief Social Policy, the incumbent is responsible for providing technical support in relation to: a) strengthening the research and evaluation function b) forging and maintaining partnership with research institutions to bridge evidence gaps on children c) analyzing data on child deprivation & vulnerability for increased use for policy and programme action and social inclusion

UNICEF works to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, help:

UNICEF Malawi Country Programme (2019-2023) is aligned with the Government of Malawi’s Growth and Development Strategy (MDGS III) and the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF). The programme supports the Government of Malawi to meet its commitment to respect, protect and fulfil children’s rights in line with international conventions and standards. The country programme is guided by the principles of children’s rights, equity, gender equality, inclusion and resilience, and supports evidence-based, integrative and innovative programming. The vision is that ‘all girls and boys in Malawi, especially the most disadvantaged and deprived, realize their rights’.  The programme focuses on: early childhood (parenting, high-impact social services, early stimulation and learning), middle childhood and adolescence (learning, multi-sectoral services, active citizenship), communities (decentralized services and systems, community ownership, social norms), programme effectiveness (monitoring, evaluation, HACT, Innovation, Social Protection and Social Policy and External Communication.  The programme is based on ‘leaving no child behind’, realizing ‘rights for all children in Malawi’.

How can you make a difference?

Under the general guidance of the Chief of Research, Evaluation and Knowledge Management, and in close collaboration with the Chief Social Policy, the incumbent is responsible for providing technical support in relation to:

1. strengthening the research and evaluation function
2. forging and maintaining partnership with research institutions to bridge evidence gaps on children
3. analyzing data on child deprivation & vulnerability for increased use for policy and programme action and social inclusion

The incumbent will operate in a matrix management model, where s/he will also support achievement of the one of the three functions related to Social Protection and Social Policy. The secondary supervisor for this role is therefore Chief, Social Policy.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

1. RESEARCH AND EVALUATION PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION 

• Ensures that MCO and National partners use a well-prioritized and realistic plan of research and evaluation activities that will provide the most relevant and strategic information needed to manage the Country Programme, including tracking and assessing impact of UNICEF’s distinct contribution.
• Develops, manages and carries out thematic research and evaluation to feed into the country programme monitoring for the realization of children's rights.
• Promote research and evaluation on emerging issues of child rights to support policy and UNICEF advocacy. Identify partners, develop research and evaluation designs, terms of reference and work plans for specific studies. Organize expert consultations; identify data and reference materials; prepare technical reports; manage review processes and oversee the finalization of studies.

2. IMPROVED ANALYSIS OF DATA ON CHILD DEPRIVATION & VULNERABILITY FOR INCREASED USE FOR POLICY AND PROGRAMME ACTION

• Supports the collection, analysis and user-friendly presentation of data on multi-dimensional and monetary child poverty, including strengthening national capacity to collect routinely, report and use data for policy decision-making.
• Supports correct and compelling use of data and evidence on the situation of children and coverage and impact of child focused services – in support of the country programme and effective partnerships between UNICEF and the Government, bilateral and multilateral donors, NGOs, civil society and local leaders, the private sector, and other UN agencies.
• Identifies other critical partners, promotes awareness and builds capacity of partners, and actively facilitates effective collaboration within the UN family.

3. RESEARCH, EVALUATION AND KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT PARTNERSHIP AND CAPACITY BUILDING 

• Ensure that the monitoring and evaluation capacities of the MCO staff and national partners – government and civil society – are strengthened enabling them to increasingly engage in and lead research and evaluation processes.
• Promote knowledge management by exchange of knowledge, information, experience or lessons learned on research and evaluation activities.
• Actively seek partnerships with knowledge institutions for the identification of evidence and capacity gaps and development of strategies to address them.

4. UNICEF PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT 

• Supports and contributes to effective and efficient planning, management, coordination, monitoring and evaluation of the country programme.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have: 

• An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: Economics, Social Sciences, Demography, Statistics or another relevant technical field.
• A minimum of five years of relevant professional work experience is required.
• Capacity or experience in quantitative and qualitative analysis in relation to deprivation or social exclusion is a strong asset
• Experience working in a developing country is considered as a strong asset.
• Background and/or familiarity with emergency is considered as an asset.
• Fluency in English and the local working language of the duty station.

 For every Child, you demonstrate:

UNICEF’s core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

The functional competencies required for this post are:

• Formulating strategies and concepts (II)
• Analyzing (III)
• Relating and networking (II)
• Persuading & Influencing (II)
• Planning & Organizing (III)

View our competency framework at:

http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

Remarks:

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.