Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist (Retainer), ICS 10, home-based

South East Asia and Pacific Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO)

The South East Asia and Pacific Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO) supports, develops, and oversees the UNOPS projects in Southeast Asia and the Pacific. EAPMCO was established in January 2023 following the merger of the Thailand Multi-Country Office, which covered 20 countries across North East Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific, and the Cambodia Multi-Country Office, which covered 4 countries South East Asia – 3 countries in the Mekong Sub-region (Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Vietnam) and the Philippines. EAPMCO currently covers 24 countries across North East Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific. With its head office in Bangkok, the Multi-Country Office comprises nine business units: EAPMCO Thailand, EAPMCO Indonesia, EAPMCO Pacific Operations Cluster, EAPMCO Papua New Guinea, EAPMCO China, SEAMCO Vietnam, EAPMCO Lao PDR, EAPMCO Philippines, and EAPMCO Cambodia.

In 2022, the UNOPS EAPMCO implemented projects worth more than USD 95.7 million, in the areas of Energy Transition, Digital Transformations, Sustainable Environmental Management, Climate Change, Waste Management, Rule of Law and Access to Justice, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Post Conflict Reintegration, Emergency Relief, Post COVID19 Economic Transformations, and Health, through HR, procurement, construction, contract management, fund and program management services.

The Multi-Country Office head office in Bangkok provides strategic direction, operational support, delivery oversight, and assurance of the excellence of business processes and quality standards across all of the entire Multi-Country Office locations. It is also responsible for developing, delivering, and managing the portfolio of engagements in the country of the MCO location itself.

Southeast Asia Energy Transition Partnership (ETP)

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 focuses 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, supports the Steering Committee (SC) and facilitates the implementation of SC’s decisions. The Secretariat operates as per the defined Terms of Reference approved by the SC. The Secretariat undertakes day-to-day management and operation of the ETP Fund: (1) launches Calls for Proposal and carries out proposal assessments; (2) provides assistance and support to implementing partners; (3) facilitates the design, development, and implementation of an overall Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) strategy; (4) monitors the progress made by each project during the implementation phase.

The Secretariat works in close cooperation with the SC, the Advisory Committee, and UNOPS Services. The staff members of the secretariat are 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:

Functional Responsibilities

The M&E Specialist plays a pivotal role in rolling out and enhancing ETP’s M&E strategy and presentation of results within the ETP’s Results-Based Monitoring Framework (RBMF). The main scope of work includes providing technical leadership on M&E framework development; maintaining and improving an effective, transparent, and efficient RBMF; overseeing data collection and analysis; designing and implementing monitoring and reporting processes for ETP programs; preparing relevant sections of the ETP’s semi and annual reports, and ensuring compliance with UNOPS regulations and ETP Steering Committee-approved strategy.

This is not a full-time position. Retainer contractors are used to carry out tasks intermittently and are called upon to work when needed. The high demand for support from this incumbent is usually between June to mid-August and December to mid-February.

The M&E Specialist works under the general guidance and supervision of the Senior Fund Manager, in consultation with the Senior Program Manager, and in close collaboration with ETP country coordinators, the ETP’s implementing partners, and the Senior Communications Officer.

Scope of Assignment

The M&E Specialist is responsible for:

Data Collection and Management:

• Ensure accessibility of M&E data to ETP SC, Secretariat, and stakeholders, covering input, output, outcome results, impact, and lessons learned from the Fund activities.
• Manage data compilation, analysis, and reporting processes to track progress and accomplishments, aligning with the RBMF. This involves defining project outputs, measuring them against approved indicators, and collaborating with implementing partners for data collection and verification quarterly.

Results Reporting:

• Consolidate M&E findings and project results into relevant program reports, including semi and annual reports to funders, M&E work reports. This could also include presenting data directly to the SC.
• Coordinate with the Senior Communications Officer to visualize results in presentations, reports, and other documents for different audiences.
• Ensure M&E products are aligned with the ETP Theory of Change (ToC).
• Maintain, update, and identify improvements for the ETP’s RBMF dashboard (Google Analytics) to be integrated into ETP’s website.
• Incorporate feedback from implementing partners and the Fund beneficiaries into data analysis, and identify lessons learned for incorporation into ETP project activities, operations, and strategy.

M&E Advice and Other Tasks:

• Provide technical expertise and guidance; develop, implement, and maintain effective M&E systems for ETP projects and aligned programs.
• Review and provide technical advice on ToC, measurement frameworks, log frames, and indicators for proposals submitted to the Secretariat.
• Enhance the effectiveness, efficiency, and communication value of ETP’s M&E framework and processes, as well as those of aligned programs.
• Support M&E missions commissioned by the SC or UNOPS, as needed, and undertake other duties as assigned requiring M&E expertise.

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

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)

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.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s degree) in Economics, Climate Change, Social Sciences, Political Sciences, Development, or a related field is required.
• First-level University Degree (Bachelor’s degree) with two (2) additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

Required:

• At least five (5) years of work experience in programme or project management of which at least three (3) years related to the M&E of development programs is required
• At least one (1) year of experience in developing logframes/results frameworks and identifying appropriate performance indicators with excellent skills in quantitative and qualitative analysis.

Preferred:

• Excellent report writing and data analytical skills.
• Experience in energy sector research or/and programme performance assessment.
• Professional experience in Southeast Asia and/or in more than one developing country context.
• Knowledge of the political, economic, and social situation in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
• Experience in handling culturally and politically sensitive situations.
• Experience working with multi-stakeholder organisations or multi-donor organisations.
• Experience in providing M&E training.

Language

• Fluency in both written and spoken English is required.
• Knowledge of local languages spoken in Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines is considered an asset.

Contract type, level and duration

1. Contract type: LICA / IICA Retainer Contract
2. Contract level: ICS 10, LICA 10, IICA 2
3. Contract duration: One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability

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

Disclaimer:

• This is not a full-time position. Retainers may be requested to carry out tasks on an intermittent and need basis. There are no minimum hours or days guaranteed.
• In duty stations where the NPO category has been established by the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), a Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA) must be issued for a home-based contract.

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.
• 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.

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.