National Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist

Islamabad

Organization: UNDP - United Nations Development Programme
Location: Islamabad
Grade: Mid level - SB-5 (SC10/SC11), Service Contract, Local Contractors Agreement
Occupational Groups:
- Monitoring and Evaluation
- HIV and Health
- HIV, Health and Development
Closing Date: Closed

Background

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 170 countries and territories, working with governments and people on their own solutions to global and national development challenges to help empower lives and build resilient nations.

UNDP has an important role in supporting health outcomes by supporting countries to address the social, cultural and economic determinants of HIV and health, in partnership with UN entities and other organizations. This is done through UNDP’s core work in reducing inequalities and social exclusion that drive HIV and poor health, promoting effective and inclusive governance for health, and building resilient and sustainable systems for health. UNDP also contributes through its coordinating and convening role in bringing together multiple partners and resources at national and local levels.

As a trusted, long-term partner of The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund, GF), UNDP’s value proposition lies in providing an integrated package of development solutions to strengthen institutions to deliver health services. Through its contributions as interim Principal Recipient (PR) and provider of technical assistance in over 53 countries since 2003, UNDP’s provision of integrated policy, implementation and capacity development support to countries has yielded significant health and development results in challenging operating environments. Proactive risk management and investing in sustainability are the cornerstones of UNDP’s portfolio management approach and providing technical assistance to national counterparts during all phases of implementation, strengthening legislation, policies and regulatory frameworks, and building capacities across key functional areas, including financial management, health information systems, procurement and supply chain management. The Global Fund – Health Implementation Support Team, HIV, Health and Development Group, Bureau of Programme and Policy Support, Global Policy Network (GF/HIST) is a dedicated team providing support to UNDP Country Offices implementing health and development programmes.

UNDP has been identified by the GF as the interim PR for the Pakistan HIV grant for the implementation period 1 July 2021 to 31 December 2023. For effective implementation of the Global Fund resources, UNDP Pakistan has established a Program Management Unit (PMU), which is responsible for the day-to-day overall programme management, risk management, policy guidance, financial accountability, procurement of goods, including health products and services, strengthening of the national systems. The GF resources are implemented in accordance with UNDP rules, policies and procedures, the grant confirmation, corporate agreements with the GF and in close coordination with the national and provincial stakeholders, Common Management Unit, Sub-recipients (SRs) and Sub-sub-Recipients (SSRs), NGOs, CSOs, communities, technical partners, UN entities and the Global Fund (Local Fund Agent) and Country Coordinating Mechanism. In the context of Global Fund’s grant, capacity development of relevant institutions, sub-recipients (SRs) and operational partners are central to all of UNDP’s work. Capacity development will represent a fundamental component that cuts across all areas of its work at country level.

The Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist (M&E Specialist) will provide overall technical leadership for the M&E approach and strategy for the project. Under direct supervision of the Project Coordinator, the M&E Specialist will provide M&E expertise in the development and implementation of the M&E strategy, build capacities of staff and local partners and ensure that data quality standards are monitored, met and reported in a timely manner. The M&E Specialist will undertake monitoring and evaluation of the Global Fund grant. S/he will lead in identifying M&E technical needs of SRs/SSRs and make appropriate recommendations, and follow up on these with the support of the M&E team. The M&E Specialist will promote a collaborative, client-oriented approach, ensuring integration across functional areas within the PMU, policy integration in coordination with the Country Office, Regional Bureaus, other UNDP business units, GF/HIST and support to the integration of capacity and health system strengthening activities in the area of monitoring and evaluation.

Duties and Responsibilities

Ensure the implementation of monitoring and evaluation policies and strategies, focusing on achievement of the following results:

Lead the finalization of the monitoring and evaluation framework of the Global Fund project and ensure its implementation in compliance with UNDP rules, policies and procedures and corporate agreement with the Global Fund;
Ensure the update of the performance framework of the Global Fund grant in coordination with the national programmes and technical partners;
Develop monitoring and evaluation tools and processes for the Global Fund grant;
Review and if necessary, revise the SR reporting system to UNDP, for processing data in accordance with agreed procedures and producing the necessary information;
Ensure regular monitoring of programmatic activities carried out in the field through the supervision provided by the Sub-recipients (SRs) and by UNDP;
Provide technical support to SRs to strengthen their monitoring and evaluation systems;
Coordinate with the SRs to ensure the finalization and updating of the Monitoring and Evaluation plan of the National Strategic Plan;
Develops and maintains an organizational structure to ensure UNDP is resourced to deliver its commitments, leads on the recruitment of monitoring and evaluation staff, contractors, service providers, fostering diversity, equity and inclusion and builds the technical, management and leadership capacity of staff for promotion of organizational excellence;
Update as necessary the Regional Monitoring and Evaluation plans, consistent with the national Monitoring and Evaluation framework, in consultation with the relevant provincial and national partners;
Strengthen systems and tools, and training materials to train staff of the implementing partner;
Conduct an assessment of the M&E capacity of SRs, and develop and lead the implementation of a capacity development plan;
Provide technical advice for the implementation of the M&E plan, through training and other types of support;
Facilitate the review of progress on a quarterly basis and ensure resolution of bottlenecks through corrective actions;
Ensure that any disparity between expected and actual results is addressed in coordination with the Project Coordinator;
Identify potential implementation difficulties and bottlenecks and recommend appropriate strategies to address them;
Manage and lead the monitoring and evaluation process of the Global Fund grant;
Prepare quarterly and annual updates of the project's programmatic progress;
Coordinate the compilation of data and report to the Project Coordinator;
Ensure detailed documentation of progress and results (report of each activity, study, etc.) and ensure reporting to the Global Fund every 6 months or as required (results, data quality, explanations of performance, and proposals for strengthening (if the results are underperforming); and
Coordinate the progress update process and ensure that all LFA queries are addressed in a timely manner.

Ensure effective management of the monitoring and evaluation process, focusing on achievement of the following results:

Ensure that project monitoring processes comply with the Global Fund grant agreement;
Support activities to strengthen the national health information system, and support cross-cutting data validation and analysis activities;
Set up and ensure the management of a project database;
Identify the strengths and weaknesses, and make consequent proposals for improving the management of the project databases (collection, quality control, processing, archiving and dissemination);
Review the programmatic reports of the SRs, provide comments on the implementation of their activities and on the quality of the reports presented by the SRs;
Ensure the implementation of project activities in accordance with work plans, with timely identification of delays and possible solutions to them;
Participate and contribute to the coordination and harmonization of interventions in the field (mapping);
Participate in external supervision and evaluation missions of the Global Fund and other agencies by facilitating access to M&E data, as required;
Coordinate monitoring and evaluation activities in relation to the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) and other the SRs;
Ensure the quarterly programming of Global Fund activities by the PMU and SRs;
Prepare terms of references for baseline, mid-term and final surveys, including preparation of methodology, selection of samples and training of staff if necessary; and
Follow up on the implementation of recommendations from assessments / spot checks and audits and under the direction of the Project Coordinator contribute to the preparation of the OAI and SR audits, meetings with auditors and the timely implementation of follow-up recommendations.

Ensure the facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the area of monitoring and evaluation, focusing on achievement of the following results:

Identify and formulate lessons learned and document best practices of evaluations and studies to be incorporated into project reports;
Collaborate and coordinate with other UN agencies, government agencies, NGOs and other organizations on monitoring and evaluation issues;
Document and disseminate the experience acquired in the country in partnership with national and provincial programs;
Ensure the implementation of training in M&E and on the health information system and / or capacity building of the SR staff and implementing partners involved in the implementation. implementation of the Global Fund grant;
Maintain cooperative relationships with all key stakeholders, including the national coordination mechanism and sub-recipients; policy makers and partners / donors. Participate in meetings with stakeholders as requested by Project Coordinator;
Participate in external supervision and evaluation missions of the Global Fund and other agencies by facilitating access to M&E data as needed; and
Actively participates in UNDP and other relevant external networks to promote the programmes and UNDP’s health and development work (e.g., conferences, community of practice, Yammer) and represents UNDP in relevant technical meetings, working groups at country, regional and global level and gathers lessons learnt to apply to the programmes.

Ensures facilitation of capacity building and transition planning focusing on achievement of the following results:

Engages with the SRs, national partners UN entities, technical partners to strengthen national systems and health institutions, across functional area of monitoring and evaluation, and implementation of a training plan/curriculum for the SRs' and PMU staff on financial and accounting staff;
Support capacity assessment of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) functions of the SRs and SSRs and propose capacity development plans to strengthen M&E;
Collaborate and coordinates with national partners, UN agencies, government agencies, NGOs, technical partners and other organizations on monitoring and evaluation good practices;
Coordinates with the PMU unit heads on the engagement with national partners and oversees the development of capacity development and transition strategies to support national entities to implement and assume the PR role, ensuring access to appropriate tools and resources;
Maintain proactive partnerships with all key stakeholders, policy makers and donor partners; and
Support capacity development of national M&E systems to facilitate the transition of the PR role to the national counterparts.

The incumbent of the position will uphold the non-discriminatory behavior and ensure that:

Human rights and gender equality is prioritized as an ethical principle within all actions;
Activities are designed and implemented in accordance with “Social and Environmental Standards of UNDP”;
Any kind of diversities based on ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, disability, religion, class, gender are respected within all implementations including data production;
Differentiated needs of women and men are considered;
Inclusive approach is reflected within all actions and implementations, in that sense an enabling and accessible setup in various senses such as disability gender language barrier is created;
Necessary arrangements to provide gender parity within all committees, meetings, trainings, etc.

Any other duty assigned by the Project Coordinator.

Competencies

Core competencies:

Innovation

Ability to make new and useful ideas workLevel 5: Creates new and relevant ideas and leads others to implement them

Level 5: Models high professional standards and motivates excellence in others

Leadership

Ability to persuade others to followLevel 5: Plans and acts transparently, actively works to remove barriers

Level 5: Models high professional standards and motivates excellence in others

People Management

Ability to improve performance and satisfaction

Level 5: Models high professional standards and motivates excellence in others

Communication

Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform

Level 5: Gains trust of peers, partners, clients by presenting complex concepts in practical terms to others

Delivery

Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement

Level 5: Critically assesses value and relevance of existing policy / practice and contributes to enhanced delivery of products, services, and innovative solutions

Functional/Technical Competencies:

Primary:

HIV, Health and Development

Understanding and practical experience of issues related to HIV, health and development social determinants of health and the ability to apply them to strategic and/or practical situations

Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

Project Management

Ability to plan, organize and control resources, procedures and protocols and to achieve specific goals

Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

Monitoring and Evaluation

Knowledge of methodologies, assessment tools, systems and apply practical experience in planning, monitoring, evaluating and reporting and ability to apply to practical situations

Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

Data Management

Ability to set goals and indicators and to interpret and synthesize results into usable information to inform policy, strategy, and/or action

Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

Data Analysis and Visualization

Ability to evaluate, transform and model data to derive relevant findings- undertake & provide analysis of data to assess Org performance and or global trends

Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

Capacity Development

Ability to strengthen and maintain the capabilities of individuals, societies, organizations and governments to set and achieve development objectives over time

Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

Coordination

Ability to manage complex relationships through pathways of knowledge exchange, capacity development, funding relationships and strategic engagement

Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

Partnerships

Ability to engage with other agencies, donors and other development stakeholders and forge productive working relationships

Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

Risk Management

Ability to identify and prioritize risks, and organize action around mitigating them

Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

Gender

Displays gender sensitivity and promotes gender equality in all aspects of work

Knowledge of systems for gender mainstreaming and ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situation

Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

Functional/Technical Competencies:

Secondary:

Knowledge Management

Ability to capture, develop, share and effectively use information and knowledge

Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

Representation

Ability to productively share UNDP knowledge and activities (at UN and other venues)

Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree (master's or its equivalent) in sociology, management, public health, statistics or a similar field.

Experience:

At least 7 years of progressive relevant experience in the design and implementation of results monitoring and evaluation systems.
Epidemiological literacy and HMIS methodologies in both quantitative and qualitative monitoring and evaluation methods.
Knowledge of routine health information systems, and literacy in management information systems.
Work experience with the national disease programme is an asset.
Knowledge of MS Excel/Access, EPI Info or similar data analysis packages.
Experience in a public health organization, preferably in international cooperation organizations, is an asset.
Knowledge and experience working in the UN or UNDP rules, policies and procedures is an asset.
Knowledge and experience with GF rules, regulations, policies and procedures is an asset.

Language Requirements:

Proficient in verbal and written English and a local language.

Disclaimer

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Workforce diversity

UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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