The Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist advises the Ethiopia Country Office on the monitoring, evaluation and learning activities within the context of the Country Programme results-based management framework, taking into account lessons learned from previous implementation and evaluations. S/He guides and supports the country office in establishing robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks and strategic information systems to ensure the collection, analysis and use of monitoring data.

S/He manages programme-level monitoring and reviews of the various projects/programmes in the country and assists the country office in positioning the project/programme results within the overall country programme Results and Resources framework.

S/He will provide technical support to ensure that up-to-date information necessary for effective programming and coordination is collected, used, stored, and shared, in line with relevant standards. The incumbent will support the M&E unit to make informed, evidence-based strategic and programmatic decisions for programming based on the collected and analyzed information on the scale/scope and coverage of the responses at woreda, zonal, regional levels and the needs of affected populations.

The M&E Specialist will work within an integrated and coordinated approach. The primary roles of the M&E Specialist are:

• Key responsibilities in M&E and strategic results achievement
• Evidence and knowledge development and dissemination
• UNFPA Representation and coordination
• Resource mobilisation and partnership

MEL Specialist would be responsible for the following:

A.   Key responsibilities in M&E and strategic results achievement

• Support the Country Office in the planning and conduct of project reviews, assessments, evaluations, and nurture a results-based planning, monitoring and evaluation and reporting culture within the Country Office.
• Engage in the strategic oversight of monitoring activities and verification efforts in the field, analysing findings at the country office level to inform programmatic adjustments and improvements.
• Develop and review relevant monitoring tools and field-based methodologies.
• Coordinate the formulation of, and monitoring of the use of results-based indicators and advise on data collection and analysis to ensure results-based management (RBM) is practiced in the programmes;
• Conduct field visits and build the capacity of IP and UNFPA staff on data collection tools, monitoring and reporting.
• Perform quality assurance of proposals and donor reports to ensure the incorporation of RBM.
• Promote the use of evaluation findings, lessons learned and findings from other studies and assessments related to UNFPA’s areas of work in ongoing strategic planning, programme development, substantive strategies, policies, tools and approaches.

B.    Evidence generation / Knowledge development and dissemination

• Strengthen data collection, visualization and utilization of the data to enhance evidence-based programming and data-driven decision-making.
• Contribute to the identification, analysis/synthesis, documentation and dissemination of good practices and lessons learned in monitoring and evaluation of the project.
• Contribute to organizational learning and knowledge sharing through the CO, ESARO regional monitoring and evaluation communities of practice, knowledge groups and assets.
• Monitor and analyze evaluation reports, synthesize evaluation findings and disseminate lessons learned to improve relevance, effectiveness, efficiency and impact of the UNFPA’s work.
• Keep abreast of the latest discussions and developments, new skills and knowledge in monitoring and evaluation through regularly reading articles, papers, presentations and publications.

C.    UNFPA representation and coordination

• Represent UNFPA as the M&E focal point in the UN M&E Working Group, actively contributing expertise and insights while coordinating within UNFPA Country Office to joint UN   initiatives in Ethiopia under the coordination of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office.

D.    Resource mobilisation and partnership

• Serve as the resource mobilisation and partnership co-focal point and contribute to the resource mobilisation efforts at the country office.
• Carries out any other duties as may be assigned by UNFPA leadership

Qualifications and Experience 

Education:

Advanced degree in Gender Studies, Computer Science, Media, Public Health, Social Sciences or any discipline related to Monitoring and Evaluation/ Information Management

Experience and Knowledge:

• At least 5 years of increasingly responsible professional experience, of which five years at the international level. At least 3 years in health and/or social sciences evaluation; including periodic updating of technical skills.
• Solid knowledge and expertise in monitoring and evaluation are required.
• Strong track record of leadership in managing programme-level monitoring and evaluation activities, and proven ability to produce good-quality, demonstrable results is required.
• Programmatic experience, including programme development, planning, monitoring and reporting, is desirable.
• Strong knowledge of RBM is essential.
• Field experience especially in fragile/conflict affected countries is desirable.
• Ability to network with academic institutions, professional associations and development community.
• Demonstrated understanding of issues related to confidentiality, data safety/security and other ethical concerns related to the sharing of sensitive data between humanitarian agencies.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills: the ability to liaise with people successfully and effectively in a wide range of functions in a multi-cultural environment;
• Ability to work productively in a team environment as well as independently, and the ability to handle requests or issues as they arise;
• Excellent verbal and writing skills in English are required;
• Strong analytical and leadership skills;
• Proficiency in current office software and statistical application

Languages: 

•  Proficiency in English required. Knowledge of the local language is an asset.