Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor (Retainer)

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner. Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations. With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it. A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.

The Southeast Asia Energy Transition Partnership (ETP) brings together governments and philanthropies to work with partner countries in the region. We support the transition towards modern energy systems that can simultaneously ensure economic growth, energy security, and environmental sustainability. Enabling the transition toward greener energy systems will greatly contribute to the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement objectives.

ETP is initially focusing on Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam, which are the countries in the region with the highest energy demand, a substantial pipeline for fossil fuel-based projects, and a significant and cost-effective potential for renewable energy and energy efficiency. ETP provides High Level Technical Advisory Support, Holistic Support to Governments on financing  and technical needs, capacity and skill development and facilitation of dialogues in all related areas.

A Secretariat, incorporated into UNOPS, will support the Steering Committee (SC) and facilitate the implementation of SC’s decisions. The Secretariat will operate as per defined Terms of Reference approved by the SC. The Secretariat will undertake day-to-day management and operation of the ETP Fund: (1) it launches Calls for Proposal and carries out proposals assessments; (2) it provides assistance and support to implementing partners; (3) facilitates the design, development and implementation of an overall M&E strategy; (4) monitors progress made by each project during the implementation phase.

The Secretariat will work in close cooperation with the SC, the Advisory Committee and the UNOPS Services. The members of the secretariat will be selected following the UNOPS rules and regulations. Within the framework of the delegated authority, the incumbent is assigned all or part of the following duties which are performed according to organizational needs and structure:

The Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Advisor works under the general guidance and supervision of the Director of the ETP Secretariat.

1. Purpose and Scope of Assignment 

Under the direct supervision of the Fund Director, the incumbent will establish a monitoring and evaluation strategy for ETP, using results-based monitoring framework agreed with ETP’s Steering Committee. The M&E Officer will establish a strategy for results management and monitoring, baseline data, data sources and processes for updating and reporting on data on ETP’s activities and results. The M&E Advisor provides  technical leadership on M&E systems development and implementation, accounting for potential interfaces with national M&E systems and those of other partner agencies and programs, and facilitates external/internal assessments, evaluations and responses to data requests regarding ETP’s programmes and funds managed by ETP Secretariat. 

The Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor engagement will involve an initial engagement of two months of services and, based on agreement, subsequent 2-3 intermittent monthly engagements over each 12-month period. 

Under the direct supervision of the Fund Director and in accordance with UNOPS policies, procedures and practices, the incumbent be responsible for: 

• Developing effective M&E systems for ETP’s projects and for the ETP’s own performance and that of aligned programs.

• Providing technical input and strategy for the design, implementation and recurrent monitoring activity, M&E reporting, and improvement of M&E systems, policies, tools, processes.

• Designing baseline, mid-term and final evaluation surveys using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods.

• Conducting and/or overseeing survey and other studies’ implementation and analysis.

• Coordinating with the Program Manager undertaking periodic monitoring and evaluation of activities, including supporting the preparation of periodic and annual M&E work reports, plans and budgets.

• Ensuring that M&E data are readily available, as appropriate, to the ETP Steering Committee and the ETP Secretariat and to other stakeholders, particularly on input, output, outcome results, impact and lessons learnt from Fund activities. 

• Designing a dashboard with user-friendly presentations of the results data, including in clear and compelling graphical presentations, ensuring effective IT solutions and their integration in ETP’s website and intranet configurations. 

• Ensuring and incorporating feedback to/from Fund beneficiaries on data and analyses. Identify lessons learned, pursue their incorporation in ETP’s project activities and overall all operations and strategy and identify and develop communication tools to provide useful information on these for a wider dissemination. 

• Overseeing data compilation, analysis and reporting processes to measure progress and achievements. 

• Developing and revising M&E-related guidance on energy transition topics as they pertain to ETP’s activities, including data quality management procedures under calls for proposal and procurement actions under ETP, and design of evaluation TORs.

• Contributing to the development of the ETP Secretariat's work plans and reports, and of the terms of reference for its staff and consultants. 

• Contributing to specific contracts and contractors work related to evaluation and audits on results of the ETP Program’s M&E activities. 

• Reviewing and providing strategic advice related to theories of change, measurement frameworks, log frames and/or indicators on proposals submitted to the ETP Secretariat.

• Reviewing implementing partners’ internal M&E systems, to update and revise ETP M&E methodology ensuring its relevance, incorporation of innovation, and advocacy in energy transition.

• Advising to ensure the final evaluations of  Implementing Partners’ projects are undertaken by independent experts to a suitable standard.

• Providing support to implementing partners to ensure participation in the ETP M&E process and an adequate flow of information and data.

• Ensuring the incorporation of M&E findings into relevant programme reports and providing relevant recommendations to the ETP Secretariat and the Steering Committee.

• Identifying ways to promote information sharing related to ETP M&E among stakeholders.

• Supporting monitoring and evaluation missions commissioned by the ETP Steering Committee or UNOPS.

• Other duties, as may be assigned by the supervisor. 

The incumbent will be responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and those of UNOPS.

• Master's Degree in Energy Engineering, Economics, Climate Change, Social Sciences, Political Sciences, Development or related field is required. Additional two years of similar experience with a Bachelor Degree is considered as equivalent.

Experience

• At least seven (7) years of work experience in M&E with at least four (4) years related to the M&E of development programs is required.
• A minimum of nine (9) years professional M&E experience with a Bachelor Degree of which five (5) years related to the M&E of energy sector, energy transition, climate change, or other development related programs in developing countries.
• Significant professional experience in more than one country context is essential.
• Significant professional experience in Southeast Asia is preferred.
• Experience in training would be an asset.
• Previous successful involvement with, and good knowledge of, government, private sector and civil society is desired.
• Experience with the M&E of multi-donor trust - funds is desired.
• Knowledge of the political, economic and social situation in Indonesia, Philippines and Viet Nam is desirable.
• Willingness to undertake regular field visits in difficult conditions is required.
• Computer literacy in Microsoft packages (MS Word, MS Excel, MS Access, MS Power Point) and GSuite are required and SPSS is an asset.
• Excellent technical skills in energy sector research and programme performance assessment.
• Excellent skills in quantitative and qualitative analysis
• Extensive experience in developing logframes/results frameworks and identifying appropriate performance indicators
• Strong communication and facilitation skills, and ability to establish good working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders in a sensitive environment.
• Experience in handling culturally and politically sensitive situations.
• Strong interpersonal and motivational skills and sensitivity to the local environment as well as the ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Excellent writing and data analytical skills. 

Contract type: ICA, Home-based Retainer Contract level: I-ICA3
Contract duration: Open ended

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.