Support the implementation of monitoring and evaluation frameworks for UNCDF Country Office (CO):
- Lead on the development of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks for the initiatives for UNCDF Afghanistan, collecting and analyzing data, and providing insights to inform decision-making and improve project performance.
- Define the indicators, data collection methods, and evaluation methodologies by reviewing project documentation, consulting stakeholders, and aligning with best practices;
- Design and implement a monitoring mechanism to check and ensure the timely implementation of all activities in country including development of performance indicators and success criteria
- Develop, implement, and maintain systems and processes to capture, organize, store, retrieve, and share knowledge within UNCDF;
- Leverage data-driven insights to improve the effectiveness of training programmes, identify areas for improvement, and drive overall learning strategy;
- Conduct data analysis and interpret the findings on digital transformation and data-driven insights for the data collected from the relevant partners and stakeholders;
- Assess the effectiveness and impact of the initiatives within UNCDF projects in Afghanistan.
- Follow up on the implementation of evaluation recommendations, ensuring the optimal use of evaluations findings by leading in the preparation of timely management responses as required
- Support in the data quality assessment process, collecting and quality assuring data for the reporting and result measurement.
- Participate in the events, meetings, discussion and other gathering required by the UNCDF.
Ensures the monitoring and data collection from partners
- Develop the data collection instruments, piloting and using the tools for regular data collection required by the UNCDF.
- Conduct regular data quality assessments to ensure accuracy, and M&E data should be analysed to assess progress, identify trends, and measure outcomes.
- Provide support in assessing the effectiveness and impact of the initiatives within UNCDF projects in Afghanistan.
- Work closely with the relevant stakeholders such as financial institutions, and other identified by the UNCDF.
- Collect regular data on digital payments and financial interventions from the relevant partners and stakeholders with active collaboration to gather and disseminate relevant reports and case studies .
- Producing visual contents from the data collected from the implementing partners, and Mobile Money Operators (MMOs) for UNCDF initiatives.
- Conduct site visits and share the visit findings with project manager and program associate for improvements.
- Review the reports and data shared by the implementing partners, stakeholder and other entities.
Support data management, knowledge sharing, and learning:
- Optimizing, and enhancing learning and development initiatives for UNCDF projects in Afghanistan.
- Develop the knowledge products considering the data collected from the implementing partners.
- Share and follow-up on recommendations, and using M&E findings to provide feedback for continuous improvement and decision-making process;
- Provide technical support to the team in drafting knowledge products such as knowledge briefs, success stories, evaluation and other reports;
- Provide support in organizing events, developing reports, and producing success stories in collaboration with project associate and project manager;
- Store the knowledge and learning products including progress reports, evaluation and studies, and briefs in the share folders;
- Contribute to building the capacity of other team members to ensure proper monitoring and evaluation of the projects;
- Prepare presentations and briefings including performance monitoring charts and tables on all the results achieved by the projects, or as deemed necessary for internal or donor reporting.
- Analyze, optimize, and enhance learning and development initiatives for UNCDF projects in Afghanistan.
- Develop, implement, and maintain systems and processes to capture, organize, store, retrieve, and share knowledge within UNCDF.
- Be responsible for leveraging data-driven insights to improve the effectiveness of training programs, identify areas for improvement, and drive overall learning strategy
Support resources mobilization and projects formulation:
- Create insights for the decision making on the basis of data analysis related to the UNCDF, and share those insights and results with management to formulate new inititatives;
- Develop the TOR for the evaluation, researches, and studies required for the UNCDF initiatives, and review the reports and provide technical inputs;
- Visualize the M&E and research data includes; tabulating the data, creating charts and themes, and using the visualization for progress;
- Prepare background information and documentation, update relevant data for the project and compile background material for donors
- Support the development of project proposals – particularly the performance indicators and M&E plans
Support the measurement of Project outcome
- Provide technical support to the project team in terms of measuring the intended results or programme outcome;
- Develop the TOR for measuring the result or impact of UNCDF initiatives that includes mid-term review and evaluation of the digitalization initiatives;
- Store the result measurement products, such as result reporting, project evaluation reports, studies, and documentaries;
- Provide technical insights related to the project results/outcomes collected and share with the relevant staff to use for future initiatives within UNCDF.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Competencies
Core Competencies:
- Achieve Results: Level 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
- Think Innovatively: Level 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
- Learn Continuously: Level 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
- Adapt with Agility: Level 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
- Act with Determination: Level 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
- Engage and Partner: Level 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
- Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Level 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:
Business Direction & Strategy
- Systems Thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system
Business Management
- Portfolio Management: Ability to select, prioritise and control the organization's programmes and projects in line with its strategic objectives and capacity Ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives with regular activities for optimal return on investment. Knowledge and understanding of key principles of project, programme, and portfolio management
- Results-based Management: Ability to manage the implementation of strategies, programmes, and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results. Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Ability to systematically monitor results of strategies, programmes, and activities with a view to make sure that they are being implemented effectively; Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback and reporting on the consistency or discrepancy between planned activities and programme management and results. Ability to make independent judgment of the management and results of strategies, programmes and activities based on set criteria and benchmark, keeping in mind the needs and concerns of client, current and upcoming. Knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, concepts, methodologies, systems, processes, and tools. Ability to make an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.
- Working with Evidence and Data: Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions and supporting decision-making
Digital
- Data Storytelling & Communications: Skilled in building a narrative around a set of data and its accompanying visualizations to help convey the meaning of that data in a powerful and compelling fashion.
Education:
- Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Economics or associated field is required, or
- A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience:
- Applicants with a master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience.
- Applicants with a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience in defining projects/programmes performance indicators, data analysis and results collection.
Desired skills:
- At least 2 years of experience in defining projects/programmes performance indicators, data analysis and results collection with UNCDF or any other UN agencies.
- At least 2 years of proven experience working in development project teams, with specific responsibilities in results-based management, data collection, analysis, and reporting for donor-funded initiatives.
- Proven experience in preparing analytical reports, briefs, and presentations, ensuring clarity of findings and actionable recommendations.
- Experience in the use of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and web-based management systems, and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages.
- At least 2 years of practical experience in monitoring and evaluation of development projects, particularly in private sector development, financial inclusion, or women’s economic empowerment.
- Experience with international development and donor-funded projects;
- Prior experience with UN or similar organizations.
- Proficiency in statistical and data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, STATA, Power BII or advanced Excel).
- Experience in designing and conducting research, assessments, and surveys.
- Project implementation experience with the international development organization.
Required Languages:
- Fluency in English is required.
- Fluency in Pashto and Dari is required.
Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.
Right to select multiple candidates
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.
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Interested applicants can apply by clicking the link below or by copying and pasting the link into their browsers to access the application for the post.
M&E and Learning Analyst (Open to external applicants) - UNDP Careers
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet. UNDP has been working in Afghanistan for more than 50 years on climate change and resilience, gender, governance, health, livelihoods, and rule of law. Under the broader framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and in close coordination with other UN agencies, UNDP is supporting the Afghan people’s aspiration for peace, prosperity, and sustainability.
Afghanistan remains one of the poorest countries in the world3 with per capita income estimated at $360 in 2022, reversing all progress made since 2007. 85% of the population (29 million people) need humanitarian assistance in 2023.[1] As of December 2022, approximately 6.5 million people remain in internal displacement[2]. Almost half of the population - 18.9 million people - face emergency levels of food insecurity.[3]6 Even prior to August 2021, social protection support only reached 12.5 per cent of the population.[4]
UNDP is currently implementing the Transitional Country Programme Strategy (TCPS) 2024-2025. The Strategy will apply six implementation principles that focus on: (a) applying the triple nexus approach bringing together the humanitarian, development and peace mandates (b) promoting a whole-of-society approach; (c) maximizing a risk managed approach and synergies between programme and operations to facilitate delivery of support; (d) prioritizing the leave no one behind agenda; (e) investing in enhancing gender equality and (f) adhering to the fundamental postulate of ‘do no harm’.
In Afghanistan, UNDP works with international partners, the UN Country Team and national implementing partners to launch and deliver a comprehensive, risk-informed crisis response programme composed of interventions, inter alia, in the areas of socioeconomic resilience and recovery as well as maintenance of key health services.
An adaptive management and risk mitigation system have been put in place to assist the gradual roll-out and implementation of TCPS activities through continuous risk monitoring, learning, and adaptation loop. At the center of this system is envisaged an Integrated Risk Management Unit (IRMU) that continuously assesses and manages risks involved in the implementation of the ABP. This action-oriented capacity is meant not only to ensure a consistent “DO NO HARM” approach to UNDP’s intervention but also to support the agile adaptation of programmes in a continuously changing context.