Monitoring and Evaluation Associate – UNDP

Job Description

Job Identification	16926
Locations	SUDAN
Posting Date	03/12/2024, 04:38 PM
Apply Before	03/26/2024, 04:38 PM
Grade	NPSA-11
Vacancy Type	National Personnel Service Agreement
Practice Area	Health
Bureau	Regional Bureau for Arab States
Education & Work Experience	Bachelor’s Degree – 4 year(s) experience OR High School certificate- 7 year(s) experience
Required Languages	Fluency in Arabic and English is Required
Vacancy Timeline	2 Weeks

Background

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.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 170 countries and territories, working with governments and people on their solutions to global and national development challenges to help empower lives and build resilient nations. 

UNDP has an important role in supporting health outcomes by supporting countries to address the social, cultural, and economic determinants of HIV and health, in partnership with UN entities and other organizations. This is done through UNDP’s core work in reducing inequalities and social exclusion that drive HIV and poor health, promoting effective and inclusive governance for health, and building resilient and sustainable systems for health. UNDP also contributes through its coordinating and convening role in bringing together multiple partners and resources at national and local levels.

As a trusted, long-term partner of The Global Fund (GF), UNDP’s value proposition lies in providing an integrated package of development solutions to strengthen institutions to deliver health services. Through its contributions as interim Principal Recipient (PR) and provider of technical assistance in over 53 countries since 2003, UNDP’s provision of integrated policy, implementation and capacity development support to countries has yielded significant health and development results in challenging operating environments. Proactive risk management and investing in sustainability are the cornerstones of UNDP’s portfolio management approach and providing technical assistance to national counterparts during all phases of implementation, strengthening legislation, policies and regulatory frameworks, and building capacities across key functional areas, including financial management, health information systems, procurement and supply chain management. 

In Sudan, UNDP is the interim Principal Recipient (PR) for the HIV, TB and C19RM  grants and is also implementing Cost Sharing Agreement (CSA) to support the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) in the implementation of specific activities under Malaria grants.  The UNDP-GF partnership under the 2024-2026 allocation aims to contribute towards the achievement of the vision, goals, and strategic responses, including targets of the Sudan National HIV and TB Strategic Plans.  For effective implementation of the Global Fund resources, UNDP Sudan has established a Program Management Unit (PMU), which under the overall guidance of the UNDP senior management is responsible for the day-to-day overall program management, risk management, policy guidance, financial accountability, procurement of goods, including health products and services, strengthening of the national pharmaceutical and laboratory supply chain systems, and monitoring and evaluation systems. The GF grant is implemented by UNDP rules, policies and procedures, the grant confirmation, corporate agreements with the GF and in close coordination with the Federal Ministry of Health, Sub-Receipients, national stakeholders, technical partners and UN entities, the Global Fund (Local Fund Agent, (LFA)) the Global Fund Country Team and Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM).   

To provide strategic planning, programmatic and operational management, and oversight to the GF portfolio to achieve the defined program goals, targets and effective delivery and quality services, a dedicated Project Management Unit (PMU) has been established. 

Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Global Fund Programme Manager and working in close coordination with all functional teams of the UNDP PMU, the Programme Monitoring and Evaluation Associate will support on the overall monitoring, evaluation and reporting. This will be done by full compliance with UNDP rules, policies and procedures, the establishment of targets and monitoring of achievement of results in line with the terms of the Grant Agreement, corporate agreements with the Global Fund, and Sub-Receipient ( SR) agreement between UNDP and respective SRs and the Global Fund policies.

The Programme Monitoring and Evaluation Associate will promote a collaborative, client-oriented approach, ensuring integration across functional areas within the PMU and supporting the integration of capacity building and health system strengthening activities.

Institutional Arrangement

Working under the overall supervision of the Programme Manager,  the Programme Monitoring and Evaluation Associate promotes a collaborative, client-focused, quality, and results-oriented approach across grant sub-recipients and stakeholders. The Programme Monitoring and Evaluation Associate spends about 70% of weekly working hours working in close collaboration with the assigned program/project focal persons at SRs , providing hand-on technical support in reinforcing the functioning of M&E systems and capacity transfer in the actual implementation of M&E work plans, and proactively addressing bottlenecks which could delay speedy implementation of SR work plans and budgets to ensure proper accountability for programmatic results. In delivering these important functions, the Programme Monitoring and Evaluation Associate works in close partnerships with Programme, PSM Team,  and finance and admin staff at SRs and within the UNDP-PMU and the colleagues within the Health for Development Portfolio, and other UN partners..

Duties and Responsibilities

Working under the supervision of the Head of Programme and M&E, the  Monitoring and Evaluation Associate shall be responsible for the following:

Ensures effective management of the monitoring and evaluation policies and strategies for the Programme, focusing on achieving the following results: 

• Serve as front-line focal person to the Programme Manager to reinforce full compliance with UNDP rules, policies and procedures, establishment targets, and monitor of achievement of results in line with the terms of the Grant Agreement, corporate agreements with the Global Fund, and Sub-Receipient ( SR) agreement between UNDP and respective SRs and the Global Fund policies. 
• Participate in and contribute to the finalization of Programme Monitoring and Evaluation Frameworks in coordination with national and technical partners. 
• Led the elaboration and implementation of grants Monitoring and Evaluation Plans, and Annual work plans for implementation of core M&E functions 
• Update as necessary the Performance Framework and the Monitoring and Evaluation plan, in consultation with the FMOH, SRs and main stakeholders. 
• Provide technical support in the development of monitoring and evaluation tools and processes required to ensure robust, competent, quality, and timely periodic reporting on the performance of grants. 
• Develop M&E systems and tools, and training materials for training of the e Sub-recipients (SR) and other key stakeholders for data collection, analysis, reporting and data/information use. 
• Provide technical guidance for the implementation of the Monitoring and Evaluation plan, through training and other on-site support. 
• Monitor the implementation of the program activities, review the progress on a monthly and quarterly basis; address the issues raised, and develop timely remedial actions to ensure any disparity between planned and actual outputs.
• Assist in the identification of potential implementation problems and bottlenecks and recommend appropriate timely, appropriate strategies to address them and to achieve better results and larger public health impact and ensure that any disparities between planned and actual outputs, outcomes and impact are addressed.
• Prepare periodic progress reports on the implementation of programs and ensure quarterly, semi-annual and annual reports to key stakeholders, including the FMOH, the CCM and the GF.
• Support the Programme Manager in the programmatic variance analysis for the establishment of the semester and annual reporting; and
• Support the Programme Management in the annual reporting for UNDP (ROAR) UNAIDS, e.g. UBRAF and other UNDP corporate reporting.

Ensures effective management of the monitoring and evaluation processes, focusing on achieving the following results: 

• Ensure that program monitoring arrangements comply with the agreements with the Global Fund and that the provisions of the agreement are fully observed. 
• Ensure alignment of the program activities/processes by the work plans, the Performance Framework targets and the timely identification of delays and generate appropriate and quality information for the decision-making process. 
• Verify programmatic reports from the Sub-recipient(s) (SR) and provide timely feedback on the implementation of the Programme activities and quality of reports submitted by the SRs. 
• Map and assess the quality of existing official data sources, and the methods of collecting them, and ensure that data quality standards are monitored and met and propose approaches to address identified gaps to ensure data quality. 
• Prepare Terms of Reference for baseline, mid-term, and end-line surveys and evaluations including methodology preparation, sample selection and staff training if needed, and provide overall technical direction for the conduct of the surveys and evaluations or act as official counterpart with third parties and follow up on the recommendations; 
• Identify innovative approaches and modalities to achieve Programme targets. 
• Work closely with PMU units to monitor the progress of program including routine follow-up of SRs’ performance frameworks and organize periodic joint grant performance review meetings. 
• Support the FMOH and CDCD  in the rollout of the implementation of DHIS2, and integration of DHIS2 with MIS
•   Prepare joint UNDP and SR  field visits to ensure the data collection methods follow good practices and periodically conduct on-site data verification to ensure quality and completeness of data reported at different levels of the health system 
• . Conduct regular joint monitoring field visits to ensure timely and quality implementation of program vis-à-vis approved plans, with the involvement of national programs, SRs, and technical partners and participate in external supervision and evaluation missions of the LFA, GF, UNDP Audits and other mission and facilitating access to M&E data as required; 
• Under the guidance of the Programme Managers upports the audit and investigation processes and follow up on the timely implementation of recommendations. 
• Ensure the optimal use of evaluation findings by providing guidance in preparation of timely management response to all mandatory evaluations and by developing a communication/dissemination plan. 

Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the area of monitoring and evaluation, focusing on achieving the following results: 

• Represent the programme and M&E in the areas assigned by the Programme Manager, making presentations at the national technical working groups, and in the stakeholders meeting, workshop and reviews.. 
• Identify, formulate, and systematize lessons learned and document best practices from evaluations and studies to be reflected into programme reports. 
• Develop information and communication materials relating to the programme (briefs, press-releases, presentations etc.). 
• Maintain cooperative relationship with all key stakeholders, Federal Ministry of Health, Sub-recipients, UN agencies, government agencies, NGOs, technical partners, and other organizations. 
• Identifies and supports development of communications (print, video) highlighting key programme achievements, best practices, and lessons learnt and contributes to information sharing with the FMOH, SRs, CSOs, technical partners, the GF (LFA), CCM and UNDP Country Office.

Competencies

Core
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 (insert up to 7 competencies) 

Thematic Area	Name	Definition
Business management	Evaluation	Ability to make an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks – Ability to anticipate client’s upcoming needs and concerns.
Project management	Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals
Monitoring	Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback on the consistency or discrepancy between planned and actual activities and programme performance and results
Communication	Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels
Digital & innovation	Agile’ methodologies and practices	Ability to manage projects and processes through continuous iteration, learning and improvement. Ability to manage a self-organising cross-functional teams, foster a team culture of curiosity and learning. Being nimble and being able to improvise and quickly adjust to unforeseen events or changes in conditions or context.

Required Skills and Experience

Min. Education requirements	Secondary education is required, orUniversity Degree in Public Health, Health Sciences, Medicine, Statistics, Demography, Social Sciences or relevant related field is required.  Master Degree in Public Health is an asset.
Min. years of relevant work experience	Minimum seven years (with secondary education) or four years (with Bachelor s degree) of progressive relevant experience in the design and implementation of Results Monitoring and Evaluation Systems is required
Required   skills	Good command of Statistical software (SPSS, MATLAB, SAS, other), MS Excel/Access, EPI Info or similar data analysis packages
Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section	Strong knowledge/experience of Global Fund’s strategies, policies and reporting procedures will be an asset Proven experience in designing and conducting epidemiological and/or other relevant public health studies will be an asset . Demonstrated experience in working with national diseases programme will be an asset Demonstrated experience in building capacity of national entities in the area of Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting will  be asset. Experience in developing and facilitating training in M&E and HMIS  Extensive knowledge/experience of database design and use, data processing and analysis  Knowledge/experience of routine health information systems, and literacy in management information systems,Epidemiological literacy, experience and skills in M&E and integrated Health Managegement Information System (HMIS) methodologies e.g. in both quantitative and qualitative monitoring and evaluation methods
Required Language(s)	Fluency in English and Arabic is required

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents (‘Green Card holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional-level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship before commencement of employment. 

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: 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 descriptions, experience, and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.  

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status. 

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