Background Information – Job-specific

* FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.

The New York Portfolios Office (NYPO) supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management.

The Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their Peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. It was formed by combining the following portfolios: Grants Management Services (GMS), UN Technology Support Services (UNTSS), Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio (DSIP). It provides Services to partners’ programmes that are designed, structured, and managed with a global perspective and primarily serving partners that are headquartered in New York. The SDC has a footprint of approximately 125 countries.

UNOPS has signed an agreement with the United Nations to implement the project activities for UN Global Pulse.

UN Global Pulse

UN Global Pulse is the Secretary-General’s Innovation Lab. We work at the intersection of innovation and the human sciences to inform, inspire, and strengthen the ability of the United Nations family and those it serves to anticipate, respond and adapt to the challenges of today and tomorrow.
Our teams are spread across the world, with hubs in Uganda, Indonesia, Finland and the United States. Drawing on more than a decade of experience with digital innovation in the UN family, UN Global Pulse unites specialists from the digital and social sciences in search of solutions to the world’s most pressing problems, from conflict to climate change.

We aim to reduce the risks that innovation involves and move towards the opportunities. We restore public trust in technology by making it inclusive, accessible and ethical. Our input brings value to the work of the UN and external partners in protecting the vulnerable and defending human rights.

The goals of the UN Global Pulse Network are: i) Support efforts to advance innovations ii) Contribute to the development of global frameworks, and iii) Support the transformation of the UN family.

The incumbent of this position will be personnel of UNOPS under its full responsibility.

Functional Responsibilities

 

Purpose and Scope of Assignment

In 2023, UN Global Pulse made significant strides in establishing and executing a comprehensive Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) framework and plan for the organization’s project portfolio. The primary focus of the MEL team, based in Finland, has been in implementing a thorough monitoring process for all projects within the organization’s portfolio. This process is grounded in a common Theory of Change and a common portfolio approach, that helps teams to be in sync with organizational understanding of impact. In this context, the MEL team has the following three main overarching objectives:

• Ensure systematic monitoring across all projects by aligning them with the Theory of Change, establishing clear data collection mechanisms for both quantitative and qualitative indicators, and developing detailed results frameworks at project, and organizational level.
• Establish and implement a comprehensive evaluation plan that addresses organizational evaluation needs beyond project-specific requirements, taking into account the existing capacity and resources of the network.
• Develop and implement a learning process that encourages project teams to utilize collected data for purposeful analyses, ensuring that insights are continuously reflected upon and used in existing decision-making processes.

As UN Global Pulse grows and its portfolio progressively incorporates all elements of MEL, more resources are required to support the wider MEL needs of the network. The Monitoring and Evaluation Analyst will work under the direct supervision of UN Global Pulse’s Monitoring and Evaluation Senior Analyst and in close collaboration with other colleagues across the network. The Monitoring and Evaluation Analyst will be responsible for the following activities:

• Assist in refining or further developing the organizational MEL plan, guides and tools.
  • Support in the review and update of MEL plans, guides and tools including but not limited to: MEL process guides, monitoring indicators, monitoring calendars, and quality assurance processes related to monitoring, and reporting.
  • Support in the development of an impact portfolio dashboard to visualize key organizational indicators for senior management.

• Support teams in implementing the MEL plan across all projects of the network.
  • Provide support to project teams for them to develop effective monitoring tools and plans and to implement them regularly.
  • Help coordinate with project teams across the network to ensure that quantitative data collection and analysis is coordinated and standardized.
  • Assist project teams in monitoring the projects’ progress quarterly and assist in providing inputs to leadership briefs/reports as needed.
  • Support teams in conducting qualitative data collection with partners and other project stakeholders, and analyze information.
  • Coordinate with the Creative Communications team to ensure quantitative and qualitative data is used effectively in external communications.
  • Support project teams in conducting learning activities and in ensuring that insights from reflections and discussions are useful and used for internal decision-making.

• Support in managing internal and external reporting
  • Support in the completion of results-based monitoring and reporting of projects, aiming to inform, in particular, regular donor reports, and the external annual report.
  • Assist in the drafting of summaries for project-level results framework monitoring using inputs from project teams across the network.
  • Identify and input relevant monitoring findings, conclusions and recommendations into project and general reporting.
  • Under the supervision of the Monitoring and Evaluation Senior Analyst, review progress reports submitted by project teams and provide feedback to ensure results-based reporting and adequate data analysis.
  • Support in maintaining the organizational impact portfolio database and dashboard up to date.

• Provide technical support to develop and implement UN Global Pulse’s Evaluation Plan.
  • Under the supervision of the Monitoring and Evaluation Senior Analyst, assist in the development of an evaluation plan for the organization that abides by the UN evaluation guidelines.
  • Help coordinate and implement the agreed evaluations based on the Evaluation Plan.

 

• Contribute to knowledge and capacity building
  • Identify good practices, and lessons learnt through project implementation, monitoring, and evaluation activities, and assist in their dissemination.
  • Contribute to the development of capacity development tools, including training materials and packages, and support in the implementation of internal training activities.
  • Support the Monitoring and Evaluation Senior Analyst to promote awareness and understanding of project teams’ shared responsibility for Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) via capacity development support and learning activities.

Monitoring and Progress Controls

The Monitoring and Evaluation Analyst will meet weekly with the Monitoring and Evaluation Senior Analyst to outline ongoing deliverables and ensure that projects and engagements have realistic deadlines and workflows.

In coordination with the Monitoring and Evaluation Senior Analyst, the Monitoring and Evaluation Analyst will report on progress to ensure the timely deliverables of the agreed outputs. The Monitoring and Evaluation Analyst is expected to exercise flexibility in the assignment regarding the potential of dynamically changing delivery requirements. The position may require international travel.

 

Education/Experience/Language requirements

 

* FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

Education:

• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent) preferably in economics, international development studies, social sciences, or a related field is required.
• An advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) may substitute for some of the required years of experience.

Required Experience:

• A minimum of two (2) years of experience in one or more of the following: monitoring and evaluation of development projects/ programmes, conducting quantitative and qualitative research of development or humanitarian projects or of projects in the social sector.

Desirable:

• Experience in leading and conducting quantitative and qualitative research in the areas of innovation, or related topics.
• Experience in quantitative and qualitative data analysis, and visualization.
• Knowledge and/or experience in integrating systems change perspective in monitoring and evaluation.
• Knowledge and/or experience in integrating elements of human rights, gender equality, inclusion and diversity, and climate change in monitoring and evaluation systems.
• Experience in designing and developing monitoring dashboards using a variety of softwares, including Excel, Google Data Studio (Locker), PowerBI, or others.
• Experience working with United Nations agencies, governments and / or international organizations.
• Knowledge and/or experience in topics related to innovation, data, strategic foresight, and behavioral science.
• Experience in developing content and stories on complex issues such as artificial intelligence, innovation, climate change and humanitarian issues.

Language:

• Fluency in English (write, read, speak) is required.
• Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an asset.

 

Competencies

 

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

 

Contract type, level and duration

 

• Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement
• Contract level: ICS 8 (IICA 1)
• Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – ‘Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.’

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Information

 

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
• 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.
• This position will be based in Helsinki, Finland which is a family duty station.

Terms and Conditions

• 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 (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.