Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Specialists (Retainers), Multiple positions

The Cities Alliance, hosted by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), is the global partnership for the promotion of cities in poverty reduction and sustainable development. Headquartered in Brussels and supported by a Secretariat, it is a unique partnership with a diverse membership including - global organisations of local authorities, national governments, international non-governmental organisations, foundations and multi-lateral organisations - which have come together to strengthen both impacts and coherence in urban development.

As per its Charter, the main objective of the Cities Alliance is to reduce urban poverty and promote the role of cities in sustainable development. To assess the extent to which its efforts and those of partners are making progress toward that objective, the Cities Alliance monitors, evaluates and publicly reports its activities within an agreed-upon corporate results framework and through a dedicated result-based management system. The Cities Alliance is also strengthening its learning systems and approaches and integrating learning into the project cycle and M&E. Cities Alliance is hosted by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).

Purpose and Scope of Assignment 

Cities Alliance is seeking Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Specialists to provide temporary support to the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning function for the Cities and Migration Programme and across various other programmes on and as-needed basis. 

The MEL Specialist will work under the supervision of the Senior Migration Specialist and the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist to ensure alignment to Cities Alliance MEL tools, approaches and systems.

Oversee the performance monitoring of programmes and projects as required:

• Oversee the development and implementation of programme/project performance indicators, logframes, results frameworks, MEL plans and theories of change.

• Design and implement online surveys of participants, partners and other stakeholders. Analyse responses, (including open data) and produce reports which support programme reporting, learning and performance improvement.

• Document and collate available and relevant internal and external data, conduct data verification and quality control.

• Prepare and draft data analysis for reporting to donors through providing analysis, include narrative text and visualisations, and draft findings.

• Conduct key informant interviews of programme/project participants, partners and stakeholders.

• Design and/or conduct desk reviews and research studies. 

Advise on evaluations of programme and projects as required:

• Oversee evaluation design. Construct and select methods to generate the highest quality and most credible evidence that corresponds to the evaluation questions and generate evidence-based recommendations and are consistent with the Cities Alliance approach to local ownership.

• Design and/or implement quantitative methods and approaches including indicator design, household and online participant surveys, sampling frame design, data analysis, management and training of enumerators.

• Design and implement qualitative methods and approaches including semi-structured interviews (face-to face or online), focus group discussions, participatory workshops and others. 

• Facilitate and document participatory monitoring, evaluation and learning processes, such as Most Significant Change, Outcome Harvesting, structured interviews, semi-structured interviews (face-to face or phone), focus group discussions, participatory workshops, peer-learning events etc.

• Draft lessons learned and internal evaluation/review reports that are evidence-based, practical, and emphasise learning and utilisation. 

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD level) in Social Sciences, Political Science, Development Studies, International Affairs, Urban Studies or related topic is required.
• A bachelor’s degree with a combination of two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the master’s degree. 

Work Experience 

• Minimum of 5 years experience in monitoring, evaluation and/or learning facilitation relating to development issues, including designing and implementing quantitative, qualitative and participatory approaches, data analysis, and report and lessons learned drafting. 

• Demonstrated advanced skills across the following: quantitative methods and analysis and/or qualitative and/or participatory and complexity-aware methodologies and analysis and/or survey design (including online) and/or administration and analysis, and/or other data collection methods, Excel/SPSS and/or other data management software, data representation and infographics is required. 

• Experience in MEL in urban development is an asset.

• Experience with gendered MEL systems is an asset.

Languages

Fluency in English is required, other languages including French, Spanish and Arabic would be an advantage.

• Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA)
• Contract level: International ICA Specialist Level 2 (Contract may be issued as Local ICA Specialist Level 10 based on the duty station of the successful candidate).
• Contract duration: Up to 100 working days within a year. Contract may be renewable subject to programme requirements, funding availability, and satisfactory performance.

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.