Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist

UNCDF’s organizational set up includes an Investment and Implementation Division (IID), Investment and Finance Oversight Division (IFOD), Operations and Oversight Division (OOD) and a Directorate of the Executive Office. UNCDF staff and personnel are located in regional hubs based in Dakar (Senegal), Nairobi (Kenya) and Bangkok (Thailand) with sub-regional presence in a number of locations in the Caribbean and Pacific Regions. UNCDF is led by an Executive Secretary based out of New York, USA. Pursuant to General Assembly resolution 2321(XXII, para 1.a), the Administrator of the UNDP performs the function of the Managing Director of UNCDF. UNCDF is overseen by an Executive Board comprised of UN Member States.
Within UNCDF’s thematic are of nature and climate, the Pro-Congo project is a joint initiative by UNEP and UNCDF in partnership with the Central African Forest Initiative (CAFI) aimed at mobilizing private sector investment towards sustainable enterprises in the Congo Basin across four countries: Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Republic of Congo (RoC), Gabon, and Cameroon. The initiative seeks to contribute to catalyzing long-term transformation in the Congo Basin by integrating Nature-based Solutions (NbS) into agriculture, forestry, and energy sectors. By providing technical assistance and access to capital for MSMEs, the project supports businesses that utilize sustainable practices contributing to forest conservation, biodiversity protection, job creation, emission reductions, and sustainable economic growth.
To facilitate the achievement of these objectives, UNCDF seeks to hire a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Expert to lead M&E activities of the project. The M&E Expert will also contribute to UNCDF corporate activities as required. The M&E specialist will lead on project M&E activities, and collaborate closely with project staff from UNEP and UNCDF.

Under the guidance of the Pro-Congo Project Manager, the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E ) Expert will conduct the following tasks:

a) Monitoring & Evaluation Framework and Methodological Guide

• Operationalize the project's multi-year M&E framework, along with the M&E methodological guide that orients work teams, experts, consultants, and investees involved in data collection and project monitoring in accordance with UNCDF guidelines and CAFI's Manual of Operations, the Monitoring and Evaluation Policy and Guidelines, and Spatial Reporting Guidelines.
• Update the project's Results Framework with baselines and updated data according to CAFI’s requirements.
• Monitor the implementation of the M&E plan and the results framework, following clear methodologies for data collection and analysis.
• Develop data collection tools when required.

b) Programme Monitoring

• Ensure systematic tracking of programme activities, outputs, outcomes, and impacts leveraging Geographic Information System (GIS ) verification systems.
• Oversee timely collection, management, analysis, and reporting of qualitative and quantitative data, including georeferenced spatial data.
• Facilitate regular monitoring visits and reviews, coordinating closely with programme partners and stakeholders to enhance data reliability and validity.

c) Evaluation and Reporting

• Coordinate periodic independent verifications and evaluations in accordance with UNCDF and CAFI standards, ensuring compliance with established timelines and procedures.
• Liaise closely with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP ) for their reporting on project-specific outputs and associated indicators, compiling information from both organisations for quarterly, bi-annual, and annual updates.
• Support the project manager in drafting and disseminating timely, high-quality data analysis and project progress reports including quarterly, bi-annual, and annual updates.
• Coordinate collaboration with UNCDF Headquarters on mid-term and final joint project performance evaluations.
• Provide technical input for adaptive programme management based on findings from independent verifications and evaluations.

d) Capacity Building and Technical Support

• Provide training and technical assistance to programme staff, partners, local enterprises, and experts in M&E methodologies, data collection tools, and best practices as per CAFI requirements.

e) Data Management and Learning

• Establish and maintain an effective, secure data management system capturing comprehensive programme information, including all raw and processed data from surveys and studies as per CAFI requirements.
• Document lessons learned and best practices based on analysis of the project's results, highlighting key success factors and challenges in implementing the project's activities. Facilitate knowledge exchange and continuous learning among stakeholders.

f) Compliance and Quality Assurance

• Ensure compliance with donor and UNCDF standards, environmental and social safeguards, and fiduciary transparency.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers (UNV) programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:
• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day);
• Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
• Provide annual and end of assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results, and opportunities;
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
• Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;
• Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Results/expected outputs
As an active UNCDF team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly, and high-quality support is provided to UNCDF, project partners, and beneficiaries, including:
• The multi-year M&E framework and methodological guide are operationalized for the Pro-Congo project, with clear updates to indicators, baselines, data sources, and responsibilities.
• The project Results Framework is regularly updated with reliable qualitative, quantitative, and georeferenced data in line with UNCDF and CAFI requirements.
• Programme activities, outputs, outcomes, and impacts are systematically monitored, with findings used to support evidence-based decision-making and adaptive management.
• Timely and high-quality quarterly, semi-annual, and annual progress reports are prepared through effective coordination with UNCDF, UNEP, and programme partners.
• Independent verifications, monitoring missions, and evaluations are effectively coordinated, with recommendations documented and followed up.
• A secure and well-organized project data-management system is maintained, including relevant survey, monitoring, and spatial data.
• Programme staff, partners, and supported enterprises are provided with practical guidance and capacity-building support on M&E methodologies, data collection, and reporting.
• Compliance with donor requirements, UNCDF standards, environmental and social safeguards, and fiduciary transparency is supported throughout project implementation.
• Age, Gender, and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated, and documented in all activities throughout the assignment.
• A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in, and capacities developed.