Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor (Value for Money)

Job Description

Background Information - Myanmar

UNOPS Myanmar is one of UNOPS’ leading offices in Asia, acting as fund manager for three of the largest development programmes in the country, namely the Access to Health Fund, the Livelihood and Food Security Fund (LIFT) and the Joint Peace Fund (JPF). In addition, UNOPS is Principal Recipient for the Global Fund in Myanmar and for the Global Fund’s regional artemisinin-resistance initiative towards elimination of Malaria, which works to accelerate progress towards malaria elimination in the greater Mekong sub-region. UNOPS provides procurement, infrastructure and project management services to a wide range of organisations in the country, including the Government of Myanmar, international development partners, other UN agencies, NGOs and INGOs. UNOPS plays a critical role in ensuring that the quality of services provided to its partners meets stringent requirements of speed, efficiency and cost effectiveness.

Background Information - Job-specific

The Livelihoods and Food Security Fund (LIFT) is a multi-donor fund set up in 2009, marking its ten-year anniversary last year. LIFT aims to strengthen the resilience and sustainable livelihoods of poor households by helping people to reach their full economic potential. This is achieved through increasing incomes, improving the nutrition of women and children, and decreasing vulnerabilities to shocks, stresses and adverse trends.

LIFT is a significant actor in Myanmar’s development. To date, over 11.6 million people in 75 per cent of Myanmar’s townships have benefitted from LIFT’s programmes. From January 2019, LIFT has been guided by a new five-year strategy that puts ‘leaving no one behind’ at the centre and will in particular focus on social inclusion and cohesion, increased support to areas affected by conflict, bringing displaced people into LIFT’s development programmes and working with Government at all levels on targeted policies that achieve gains in these areas.

LIFT has received funding from altogether 15 international donors since it was established. The current donors are the UK, the European Union, Switzerland, Australia, the United States of America, Canada and Ireland. For more details, visit www.lift-fund.org.

Background to the position

Value for Money (VfM) is an important area of concern for LIFT and its donors and a key consideration in relation to measurement of aid effectiveness. VfM is concerned with ensuring that aid investments in development interventions translate into intended results in the most economical, efficient, effective and ultimately cost-effective way as possible. Since 2015, LIFT has progressively integrated VfM analysis in its measurement of program performance. Broadly, VfM assessments within LIFT have been undertaken with the following aims:

• Ensure and demonstrate that donor investments in LIFT represent good VfM
• Ensure and demonstrate LIFT investments (i.e. in projects) represent good VfM
• Generate cost-effectiveness evidence for investments that can be used to inform project planning, scale up and replication among others.

While VfM is considered important across different levels of LIFT, the primary focus has been at two levels: LIFT FMO and LIFT Programmes levels. At the FMO level, VfM analysis has mainly focused on three areas namely; operations (how LIFT ought to ensure VfM considerations are taken into account across the project cycle), results (how much LIFT spends to reach individuals/households) and LIFT funding mechanism (whether LIFT’s design as the Multi-Donor Fund offers value for money (e.g. governance structure, coordination and management among others). At the programme level VfM analysis has focused on the following elements;

• Project selection – assessing the extent to which VfM has been reflected in partner project design and its consideration during project selection
• Operations- assessing how VfM considerations have been taken into account in the project cycle and how projects are putting VfM measures into use
• Results – assessing the extent to which the funds invested in interventions have translated into the expected results (i.e. outcomes or generated positive returns)

To ensure alignment of VfM within the overall LIFT MEAL framework, LIFT is in the process of refreshing a comprehensive VfM metrics for the LIFT Strategy 2019-23 logframe indicators. This is one of the key components of the overall VfM framework that is anticipated for the LIFT programme. In order to fully and effectively operationalize this framework across the programme, LIFT recognizes the need for sustained technical support and capacity building at all levels of the programme. The M&E Advisor-VfM is expected to provide this support across the LIFT programme.

This position will be located in the LIFT FMO which is organised around the following teams: programme, M&E, communications and operations. The M&E Advisor-VfM will work with both the LIFT Programmes and M&E teams under the co- supervision of the LIFT Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor and Head of Programs.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the UNOPS/LIFT Fund Director, the direct supervision of the LIFT M&E Senior Manager and in accordance with UNOPS policies, procedures and practices, the M&E Advisor-Value for Money will be responsible for:

Development and implementation of LIFT VfM Framework

• Review and assess the adequacy of existing VfM approaches to delivering, monitoring and evaluating VfM at LIFT FMO, Thematic/Program levels and for respective implementation partners (including any existing VFM strategies).
• Documentation of LIFT VfM framework including but not limited to reviewing and updating the VfM approaches and processes at different levels of LIFT based on documented lessons and experiences, VfM metrics for LIFT, Program and Project level indicators and reporting system.
• Support LIFT Thematic teams in the design of appropriate thematic or geographical programs by ensuring VfM requirements are adequately mainstreamed and reflected in calls for proposals
• Support thematic teams in reviewing partner proposals with a view to providing in-depth assessment of proposed VfM approaches and subsequently ensuring that VfM metrics are included in the partner MEAL systems as appropriate
• Review and amend as appropriate the existing criteria for assessing VfM of proposals submitted to LIFT FMO

Contribute towards improved quality VfM data collection, analysis and reporting at all levels of LIFT

.

• Review and where appropriate develop and test additional/complementary tools for VfM data collection at LIFT FMO and Programme/Project levels
• Support induction of key FMO Program and M&E Staffs on the VfM framework and metrics through formal training forums and continuous hands on support in utilisation of the tools
• Provide technical support for LIFT IP induction on VfM data collection tools through online, onsite and other forms of support as may be appropriate to ensure data collection meets desired quality standards
• Provide technical guidance to M&E and Program teams on VfM data collection, analysis and reporting at LIFT FMO level as may be required from time to time.
• Support the VfM data collection and analysis processes for LIFT Thematic level indicators as well as for selected LIFT IPs
• Support integration of VfM data collection processes within the LIFT implementation partners’ MEAL systems to ensure cost-efficiency in data collection
• Support LIFT IPs in drafting/finalisation and consolidation of VfM reports to LIFT donors
• Guide/contribute towards the development/adaptation of appropriate databases with a view to ensuring capture of relevant and adequate data as well as efficient management and retrieval of VfM data across LIFT

Institutionalization of VfM thinking and Strengthening capacities on applying VfM systematically across LIFT (FMO and LIFT Partners)

• Prepare a comprehensive training package on VfM aimed at ensuring LIFT FMO and IP staffs progressively develop/improve their skills in design of VfM metrics, collection and analysis of data
• Conduct regular trainings and presentations to LIFT FMO, LIFT Fund Board and Implementation partners on key VfM concepts, practices and developments based on lessons learned and documented best practices locally and in other contexts

Ensure integration of VfM analysis and research questions in program level reviews, evaluation and other studies initiated to contribute towards overall LIFT evidence base

• Contribute towards the development of a comprehensive research and learning agenda for LIFT ensuring that relevant VfM questions and research topics have been adequately mainstreamed
• Contribute towards the development of terms of reference and methodology design for program level reviews, evaluations and other studies as may be appropriate to ensure that such processes generate relevant learnings on VfM
• Provide technical support as may be required in designing tools for program level evaluations and other studies in line with the VfM research and learning questions
• Maintain up-to-date and accurate documentation of key outputs and learnings pertaining to VfM emanating from the reviews, evaluations and studies initiated by the relevant thematic/program areas

The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

Monitoring and Progress Controls

Work objectives will be set in accordance with the overall LIFT and M&E work plans and reviewed regularly with the Supervisor.

Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education

• Master’s degree in economics, finance, public policy or related disciplines from a recognized university is required.
• A First-Level University Degree (Bachelor’s) in combination with 2 years of significant relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Additional studies in community development, M&E and/or research design and methodologies are desirable.

Work Experience

• Minimum 7 years of working experience in undertaking cost-benefit/effective/utility analysis and/or value for money studies with international development projects is required;
• Previous experience of delivering training on cost-benefit/effective/utility analysis and/or value for money studies with international development projects is required;
• Previous experience of providing management advisory services on value for money at international organizations or development agencies is highly desirable.
• At least 7 year experience in conducting evaluations/studies in development and humanitarian contexts is required.
• Experience in M&E systems design and implementation is required.

Language

• Fluency in written and spoken English language is required. Knowledge of Myanmar language will be an asset.

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. Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement Contract level: IICA 3 / ICS 11
Contract duration: Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance


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


Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.
Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

• Note that this is a home-based contract with at least 30% mission travel to Myanmar. Reimbursement of travel and payment of Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) will be paid according to UN rules and regulations

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.

About the Organization

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.

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