Monitoring & Evaluation Analyst (Nationals Only)

Background

The Fund is an international cooperation mechanism where Government, donor countries and the United Nations System participate, and it has proven to be an innovative vehicle for stabilization of peace in Colombia by financing projects that strengthened the institutional framework, delivering peace dividends in areas historically most affected by conflict. 

The Fund's governance has four levels: coordination and operation (Strategic Committee, Steering Committee, Technical Committee and Fund Secretariat), design and management (MPTF Office) and implementation (implementing organizations). The Strategic Committee is the body that provides the Fund with strategic guidance, the steering committee carries out general oversight. The committee is co-chaired between the Minister of Interior and the Resident Coordinator of the UN. The Technical Committee is the authority charged with performing a technical review of projects, programmes or requests for changes to projects in implementation that are submitted to the Fund for consideration. If they are considered that projects are feasible and relevant, they will be submitted to the Steering Committee for approval, through the Fund's Technical Secretariat. 

The Technical Secretariat is the body responsible for the Fund's operational functioning and is hosted by the Resident Coordinator's Office of the United Nations in Colombia. The Secretariat provides technical and administrative support to the Steering Committee and the Technical Committee, and it is responsible for organizing the Fund's processes related to project implementation, evaluation, monitoring and reporting. 

The main functions of the Technical Secretariat are: i) Advising the Technical Committee (and the Steering Committee whenever required) on determining strategic priorities and programme/financial allocations; ii) Reviewing the formulation and development of projects, providing feedback to proponent organizations in order to ensure consistency, quality and risk management, and supervising the application of Fund's cross-cutting approaches before they are circulated to the Technical Committee; iii) monitoring and evaluating approved projects and periodically informing Fund stakeholders of progress made in the implementation of projects. Iv) Carrying out the Fund's knowledge analysis and management, including knowledge systematization, collection of good practices, lessons learned and proposed recommendations; v) Ensuring that a focus on gender equality and women's rights is integrated into the projects, including monitoring on the effective implementation of the initial gender indicator performed by implementing organizations. 

One of the main donors of the MPTF in Colombia is the Peace Building Fund - PBF. On 2017 the national government endorsed Colombia's eligibility request for support from the PBF for the first time. The Secretary-General declared Colombia eligible to access funds from the Peacebuilding Fund on June 27, 2017, following a request from former President Juan Manuel Santos and the UN Resident Coordinator. The request focused on supporting national efforts to meet the expectations created by the Peace Agreement to increase trust among populations most affected by the armed conflict in state institutions, in line with the United Nations Multi-Partner Trust Fund for Peace in Colombia (MPTF-C), which was designated to manage and coordinate the Priority Plan, to avoid duplications and ensure coherence.

Due to the strategic support given by PBF to the peace process, Colombia eligibility was renewed in 2023 for 5 years more, until 2028. The current eligibility is focused on supporting national government in issues such as the acceleration of the integral rural reform, new ways of financing productive projects for victims, former combatants and peasants; strengthening the capacities of JEP (transitional justice); innovative ways to promote employment for former combatants and housing solutions with an emphasis on people with disabilities, ethnic, gender and youth approach; and support the new peace dialogues conducted by the current government with other illegal armed groups. 

Programmes funded by the PBF are implemented by UN Agencies, Funds, and Programmes with the support of civil society organizations. PBF has invested $18.7 million to date in its Global Gender and Youth Peacebuilding Initiative (GYPI) through 6 system agencies and 8 civil society organizations, and $9.8 million in initiatives funded through PRF and IRF mechanisms to UN System agencies. But PBF has invested as well $29.6 in projects that are managed by the MPTF-C. 

Since the creation of the MPTF-C (2016), its Technical Secretariat has been responsible for monitoring the PBF portfolio through the MPTF, ensuring coherence and efficiency in resources without incurring additional direct costs. In recent years, this role has been broadened to the entire portfolio.

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Programme Analyst of the Multi Donor Trust Fund for Peace in Colombia, the Monitoring and Evaluation Analyst will be responsible of following up, monitoring and support evaluation of the all MPTF-C projects, as well the PBF portfolio in Colombia. The Analyst will be responsible for ensure strategic orientation, coordination, monitoring and reporting of results of the investments made by MPTF-C and the PBF in the country, including gender, ethnic and population approaches. 

Finally, The Monitoring and Evaluation team plays an essential role in Country Offices (CO). The team assists CO and its partners to find and implement integrated, transformational solutions across the Sustainable Development Goals and six signature areas of poverty, governance, environment, resilience, energy, and gender. In addition, the team puts in place and administers effective monitoring and evaluation, results-based management, and quality assurance frameworks in the CO to ensure UNDP remains accountable and transparent and learns from its programme implementation.

Position Purpose

Under the strategic guidance of the Programme Analyst, the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Analyst promotes results-based management and a programme effectiveness approach by leading the implementation of innovative and effective monitoring and evaluation frameworks, systems and tools.  In addition, the M&E Analyst, will analyze political, social and economic trends to support the formulation, implementation and evaluation of programmes and projects within assigned portfolio.

The M&E Analyst provides technical support on M&E and reporting practices to programme and project teams. Where relevant the M&E Analyst will also support programme quality assurance and developing relevant systems.  The M&E Analyst promotes a collaborative, efficient, client-focused, evidence-based, and portfolio management approach. The Monitoring and Evaluation Analyst must have close collaboration with UN and CSO implementers to guarantee the correct and quality development of the MPTF-C and PBF portfolio in Colombia. The Monitoring and Evaluation Analyst  works in close collaboration with the RCO, the Programme and Operations teams in the CO, programme staff in UN Agencies, external specialists, government and CSOs partners to ensure successful implementation of the projects financed by the MPTF-C and the PBF.

PBF and the MPTF in Colombia adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, MPTF-C personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.

Key Duties and Accountabilities

1.)   Implement and coordinate comprehensive monitoring and evaluation processes for the MPTF-C and PBF portfolios.

• Provide effective monitoring for all projects implemented under the MPTF-C and PBF portfolio, ensuring quality in implementation and the achievement of impactful results for peacebuilding in Colombia.
• Schedule, monitor, and ensure compliance with activities to be developed by project supported by the MPTF-C and PBF.
• Keep the information uploaded to the monitoring tool and update the monitoring tool as needed. 
• Keep the Dashboard of the MPTF-C updated. 
• Maintain an updated geography database where each project is being implemented.
• Monitor projects in the field, coordinating at least one site visit per project. 
• Monitor the Fund's target related to gender focus (30 percent of funds allocated to projects promoting women's participation, empowerment, and gender equality - gender marker 2), environmental and other mainstreaming approaches.
• Serve as the focal point for the PBF Secretariat in Colombia.
• Ensure regular communication with the PBF team on project execution, political situation, priorities, and UN planning processes.
• Support the formulation of concept notes and project documents to comply with PBF or MPTF standards and aligned proposals MPTF-C strategic plan. 
• Provide technical support to partners in developing quality theories of changes, results framework, and monitoring tools.
• Provide guidance to implementers on the rules and procedures of MPTF-C and PBF concerning reporting, implementation changes and closure requirements. 
• Guarantee the inclusion of PEAS risks in each of the projects and monitor the implementation of measures.
• Avoid duplication of initiatives and promote thematic and geographical articulation among MPTF-C, PBF, other investments in Colombia.
• Coordinate donor missions and specialist visits to projects on the field. 
• Establish mechanisms for ongoing feedback with implementing entities and the national government to ensure coordinated actions and enhance outcomes.
• Ensure visibility of the PBF and MPTF-C across all projects financed by them
• Review concept notes and projects received by the technical secretariat, provide a general assessment of relevance and alignment with the overall priorities established by the Fund, and give a specific evaluation of the theory of change and results framework ensuring compliance with the main outcomes by the Funds.

2.) Ensure timely and continuous quality reports for donors and counterparts that highlight the positive transformations achieved in the short and long term.

• Verify and validate the information reported by each project.
• Quarterly produce summary progress reports for the projects.
• Prepare periodic reports on indicator compliance.
• Analyze information and produce reports demonstrating contribution to each of the Fund's outcomes.
• Support the preparation of the Fund's annual report (MPTF-C /PBF) (photos, life stories, project results, etc.).
• Provide technical support to implementers 
• Ensure the correct implementation of PBF and MPTF-C reporting requests in a timely manner.
• Facilitate communication between donors, PBF-SO and implementers.

3.) Support and facilitate capacity building and exchange knowledge building and sharing on monitoring, evaluation and results-based in best practices of the Fund 

• Identify opportunities for the introduction of innovations and good practices in the management of projects.
• Document, analyze and disseminate best practices and lessons learned during the implementation of projects.
• Support the design of specific initiatives to involve youth in projects, ensuring their participation and promoting youth leadership in peacebuilding initiatives. (PBF projects)
• Promote dialogues with experts and exchanges of experiences at the national and international level.
• Promote academic environments in peacebuilding to update and innovate implementation mechanisms and expected results.
• Establish continuous feedback mechanisms between communities, implementers and strategic partners to promote continuous improvement of interventions.
• Facilitate exchanges of good practices and experiences learned through South-South Cooperation strategy with countries of the region eligible by PBF.
• Support systematization of a peace portfolio, with experiences from projects financed by MPTF-C and PBF.
• Identify good practices in peacebuilding and gender focus and support their documentation.
• Promote and support Colombia's participation in the PBC.
• Develop knowledge management products for the actions supported by the Fund and disseminate them with partners at the national and international level.

4.  Ensure the conduct of external evaluations for the PBF and MPTF-C projects and portfolios, demonstrating the impact of supported investments and contributing to informed decision-making in the funds' committees.

• Follow up on the baseline survey data required for each project by the Fund.
• Assist in drafting terms of reference for external evaluations, and provide necessary information to evaluators, and support external audits for CSO projects. 
• Provide effective and strategic support to the external evaluations to the MPTF-C and PBF, providing information, contacts of the projects, facilitating interviews and field visits.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: Supervise M&E support staff.

Education

• Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Development/Development Studies, Economics, Statistics, Business Administration/Management, Public Administration, Social Policy/Sciences, International Relations, or related 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, knowledge, and skills

• Applicants with 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 at the national and/or international level in providing and hands-on experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of peacebuilding portfolios and projects within assigned thematic area.   
• Proven technical knowledge of the results-based management cycle and monitoring and evaluation is required.
• Proven experience in designing monitoring and evaluation systems and designing development projects or integrated portfolios is required.
• Proven ability to work with quantitative and qualitative data, and appropriately use qualitative data /information collection tools in innovative ways is required.
• Experience in the use of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.), database packages, and web-based management systems.
• Knowledge of United Nations programmatic rules and procedures and/or functioning of the Multi-Partner Trust Fund and PBF will be an advantage. 
• Experience in managing and supporting peacebuilding portfolios and projects, with proven capacity to collaborate with UN entities, government counterparts and civil society organizations is desired.
• Experience and knowledge of the implementation of the peace agreement in Colombia and peacebuilding efforts is an asset.

Language requirements

• Fluency in Spanish and English is required

Expected Demonstration of Competencies

Core  

Achieve Results

LEVEL 2: Scale up solutions and simplifies processes, balances speed and accuracy in doing work

Think Innovatively

LEVEL 2: Offer new ideas/open to new approaches, demonstrate systemic/integrated thinking

Learn Continuously

LEVEL 2: Go outside comfort zone, learn from others and support their learning

Adapt with Agility 

LEVEL 2: Adapt processes/approaches to new situations, involve others in change process

Act with Determination 
LEVEL 2: Able to persevere and deal with multiple sources of pressure simultaneously

Engage and Partner

LEVEL 2: Is facilitator/integrator, bring people together, build/maintain coalitions/partnerships

Enable Diversity and Inclusion

LEVEL 2: Facilitate conversations to bridge differences, considers in decision making 

People Management 

UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site. 

Thematic Area
Name
Definition

Business Direction & Strategy

System 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, prioritize and control the organization's programmes and projects, in line with its strategic objectives and capacity; ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives and the maintenance of business-as-usual, while optimizing return on investment. Knowledge and understanding of key principles of project, programme, and portfolio management.

Business Management
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.

Business Development
Knowledge Generation
Ability to research information and to turn it into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches. Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations.

Partnership Management
Relationship Management

Ability to engagewith a widerange of publicand private partners, build, sustain and/orstrengthen working relations, trust and mutual understanding

2023 Agenda: Peace
Conflict Prevention, Peacebuilding and Responsive Institutions
Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding

2023 Agenda: Partnership
SDG Integration 
South-South and Triangular Cooperation Knowledge-sharing

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. 

Probation

For all new UNDP fixed term appointments (FTA), including for staff members being transferred or seconded to UNDP under the Inter-Organization Agreement concerning Transfer, Secondment or Loan of Staff, on an appointment of more than one year, continuation of the appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

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.

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see

---