International Consultant – Planning and (real-time) monitoring Officer, Bujumbura, Burundi ( 4 months)

The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Planning and Monitoring Specialist (PME Section) and in close collaboration with other programme sections in humanitarian and development fields. The Monitoring Officer will support the PME Section with multiple deliverables.

Scope of Work

 The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Planning and Monitoring Specialist (PME Section) and in close collaboration with other programme sections in humanitarian and development fields. The Monitoring Officer will support the PME Section with multiple deliverables including, but not limited to:

1. Support the PME Section in the process of review and/or development of planning tools as part of the adoption of an integrated and harmonized monitoring approach to development and humanitarian interventions. Key outputs will include:

• In close collaboration with the relevant Sections, support the preparation, coordination and facilitation of Theory of Changes sessions;
• In close collaboration with the relevant Sections, contribute to the development of an Integrated Result framework;
• In close collaboration with the relevant Sections, contribute to the development and validation of an Integrated Monitoring Plan;

2. Working in close collaboration with the Innovation Unit, support the PME Section in the process of adoption of an Integrated Real-Time Monitoring System harmonized across development and humanitarian interventions. Key outputs will include:

• Support the PME Section in the process of selection & launch of an Integrated Real-Time Monitoring System through the 'ONA' (ODK technology) platform
• Support the PME and C4D Sections in revamping, standardizing and harmonizing the SMS-based platform 'Rapid Pro' (uReport) and ensure linkages with the 'ONA' Platform
• In close collaboration with the relevant Sections, lead the process of review and/or development of harmonized monitoring tools
• Support the PME Section in the development of integrated and harmonized Monitoring Toolkit (data collection, reporting, dashboard and other templates)
• Lead the process of conversion of Monitoring Tools in XLS format for remote data collection
• In close collaboration with the relevant Sections, pilot Third Part Monitoring for triangulation purposes in selected areas of intervention

3. Support the PME Section in the process of strengthening capacities of UNICEF staff & partners to increase quality and use of data collected. Key outputs will include:

• Develop a User Manual and a Guidance to ensure long-term sustainability of the implementation of the Integrated Real-Time Monitoring System.
• Support the PME Section in the preparation, organization and facilitation of tailored capacity strengthening sessions on Integrated Real-Time Monitoring System

The selected consultant will be responsible for delivering the following specific outputs and deliverables within the timeframe:

Payment Schedule

Payment to the consultant is dependent on the completion and submission of deliverables of acceptable quality. Monthly payment will be issued based on the approval of the monthly implementation report providing an update on the deliverables mentioned above. The monthly implementation report will summarize progress on the implementation of planned activities during the month.

UNICEF reserves the right to withhold all or a portion of payment if performance is unsatisfactory, if work/outputs is (are) incomplete, not delivered or for failure to meet deadlines. Performance indicators against which the satisfactory conclusion of this contract will be assessed include: timeliness/quality of submission and responsiveness to UNICEF and counterpart feedback. Payments will be done by direct transfer into the bank account provided by the consultant.

Desired competencies, technical background and experience

Education

• Advanced university degree in international development, social science, economics or other relevant field.
• Training in monitoring and evaluation is an asset.

Work Experience

• Minimum of 2 years of relevant professional work experience on monitoring, evaluation, knowledge management, data visualization;
• Sound understanding of Result-Based Management (RBM) approach
• Experience in designing /contributing to the design of theory of changes, result frameworks, monitoring plans is required;
• Experience in implementing real-time data collection systems is required (ONA, ODK, XLS form, Rapid Pro, uReport)
• Experience with Third Part Monitoring is recommended;
• Experience in organizing/facilitating capacity building activities for colleagues, partners, enumerators on data collection on real-time data collection systems is an asset
• Experience in qualitative data collection is an asset

Key Competencies

• Proficiency in Excel, ODK, XLS and Rapid Pro / u Report
• Good knowledge of data visualization software (Power Bi, Tableau etc.)
• Good team work, negotiating, communication and presentation skills.
• Fluency in English is required; working knowldege of French

Administrative issues

The Monitoring Officer will work under the direct supervision of the Planning and Monitoring Specialist within the Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (PME) Section in Burundi CO.

Conditions

The position is based in Bujumbura (Burundi) which is a non -family duty station. The consultant will travel to field locations if/as needed.

• All UNICEF rules and regulations related to travel of Consultants/ Individual Contractors apply.
• All travels shall be undertaken only upon the prior written approval by UNICEF
• The consultant is responsible for his/her for travel arrangements. The most economic and direct route is authorized.
• Travel costs will be reimbursed after the completion of mission. UNICEF will pay the applicable DSA rate and other travel related expenses upon submission of the invoice together with the supporting documentation.

If the final reports and documents are not submitted according to the deliverables stated in this TOR, the payments will be withheld.  UNICEF reserves the right to withhold all or a portion of payment if performance is unsatisfactory, if work/outputs is incomplete, not delivered or for failure to meet deadlines (fees reduced due to late submission: 20 days - 10%; 1 month -20%; 2 months -30%; more 2 months – payment withhold). All materials developed will remain the copyright of UNICEF and UNICEF will be free to adapt and modify them in the future.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates are requested to submit a cover letter, CV, and signed P11 form (which can be downloaded at http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/index_53129.html) Qualified candidates are requested to submit a sample of a Monitoring Plan that they developed during a previous work experience.

Interested consultants to indicate ability, availability and rate (daily? monthly?) to undertake the terms of reference.

Applications submitted without a fee/ rate will not be considered.

Remarks:

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

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