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Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor (Household Surveys and Humanitarian Needs Assessments), Multiple positions

  • April 19, 2022
  • Posted by: humanitarianweb
  • Category: Humanitarian Jobs
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Closing date:

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 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

Livelihoods and Food Security Fund
LIFT is a multi-donor fund established in 2009 with the overall aim of reducing by half the number of people living in poverty in Myanmar. LIFT has received funding from altogether 15 international donors since it was established. The current donors are the UK, the EU, Australia, Switzerland, the US, Canada, Ireland and Norway. 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. To date, over 12.8 million people in 77 per cent of Myanmar’s townships have benefitted from LIFT’s programmes.

LIFT’s first strategy (2009-12) focused predominantly on supporting the recovery of rural households affected by cyclone Nargis. The second strategy (2012-2014) shifted toward a more development-oriented approach that prioritised food security through agriculture and non-farm livelihoods. The third strategy (2014-2018) took a development-oriented approach underpinned by support to differentiated household livelihood strategies, introduced a much stronger focus on nutrition, added a new stream of work on migration and sought greater private sector engagement in LIFT’s agricultural and financial inclusion portfolios. The fourth and current strategy (2019-2023) sought to capitalise on LIFT’s achievements and was driven by an optimistic outlook on Myanmar’s growth, democratic transition and more conducive policy environment for pro-poor policy making. A central focus was placed on ‘leaving no one behind’ with an explicit focus on reaching the most vulnerable and those in conflict-affected areas.

In the last two years of the 4th strategy period (2020, 21), Myanmar has experienced major crises linked to the Covid-19 pandemic and the February 2021 Coup. Both, and more specifically the latter has contributed to a rapidly deteriorating socio-economic and political situation leading to decreased livelihood opportunities, increased vulnerabilities as well as an overall decline in basic service provisioning. It is now estimated that 40-50 percent of the population are living in poverty (compared to 25 per cent in 2017). As part of its initial response to the twin crises, LIFT adapted its interventions with a view to mitigating the impact of the crises on the livelihoods of its beneficiaries and target groups in general. Subsequently, LIFT embarked on a comprehensive review of its 4th strategy with a view to aligning it with the prevailing realities in Myanmar. This process has culminated to a broader LIFT reset strategy (2022-23) geared towards addressing programming challenges in a rapidly evolving conflict context characterised predominantly by humanitarian needs.

Purpose and Scope of Assignment

Both COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent military coup have had a significant impact on implementation of LIFT’s MEAL strategy. The immediate consequences of the multiple containment measures against COVID-19 pandemic were restrictions on mobility and limited feasibility of face-to-face interviews amid an increasing need to gather outreach data on LIFT’s relief activities. The military coup intensified and expanded MEAL-related challenges as mobility was further affected and security concerns affected data collection and management for LIFT and its partners. The rapidly evolving context continues to place an increased demand for contextual information for program decision making as well as regular monitoring and evaluation to assess the immediate and longer term effects of LIFT interventions. Access related challenges in multiple locations place significant constraints on the capacity of LIFT partners to undertake regular assessments that will yield required data and information. Consequently, LIFT is seeking to provide support in ensuring that appropriate large scale assessments are undertaken as needed to inform ongoing and planned program interventions. LIFT and its partners undertake periodic surveys to assess the immediate outcomes and impact of LIFT interventions.

The purpose of this position will be to support the LIFT M&E and program teams in the design and execution of regular and periodic surveys and assessments (national and region specific) aimed at generating both contextual and performance related data and information. LIFT anticipates that in the light of the prevailing protracted crises in many locations humanitarian needs assessments (multi-sectoral) would be undertaken to assess/verify the needs of affected communities. Other related assignments include development and adaptation of relevant M&E tools and guidelines that are relevant to the prevailing context in Myanmar as well as support towards M&E systems strengthening. Specific assignments will be detailed through individual task notes/TORs that will outline the scope of work and expected deliverables for each assignment. The M and E Advisor will work under the auspices of LIFT M&E Team lead but will be available to support assignments within LIFTS thematic and geographical teams.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the UNOPS/LIFT Fund Director, the direct supervision of the LIFT M&E team lead, and in accordance with UNOPS policies, procedures and practices, the M&E Advisor will perform the following tasks:

  1. Prepare comprehensive study designs and methodology – Relating to household surveys and rapid assessments that may be commissioned from time to time at different levels of the LIFT program. Granted the prevailing context in Myanmar, study designs and methodologies must incorporate conflict sensitivity considerations.
  2. Prepare/Adapt context appropriate tools for data collection. In light of the prevailing context, LIFT anticipates that most of the surveys would be undertaken through mobile phone platforms. The M&E advisor would be expected to adapt or design tools that can be efficiently administered through the phone platform.
  3. Data Management – Train survey firms and provide overall guidance on the key data management processes including – correct cleaning, coding, labelling, de-identification, and encryption of survey data including correct use and application of unique id numbers and how to correctly link respondents across survey components and, for panel data, across years. Where needed be responsible for correctly linking datasets and creating panel datasets
  4. Instruct survey firm(s) on how to maintain version control, document procedures used for cleaning, coding, labelling, de-identification, and encryption of survey data, and development of a codebook and/or dataset guidance note.
  5. Using the cleaned dataset, construct variables needed for calculating and reporting on LIFT logframe indicators following the approach described in LIFT indicator references sheets.
  6. Assist LIFT in logframe indicator calculation and reporting as may be requested from time to time
  7. Assist LIFT in further calculations and additional data analysis as needed for reporting and research
  8. Quality oversight- Act as quality control on all of the above and ensure high quality of final datasets and documentation
  9. Promoting information sharing on the survey and assessment reports among stakeholders including LIFT Fund Board and FMO.
  10. Designing qualitative assessments to provide complementary performance and context information pertaining to LIFT implementation areas
  11. Training on Qualitative approaches – Develop appropriate guidance tools on qualitative approaches and provide training on the same to LIFT Implementation partners
  12. Provide the necessary oversight during the data collection process
  13. Reporting – Drafting of survey and assessment reports to publishable standards.
  14. Third Party Monitoring systems and tools – Develop appropriate third party monitoring guidelines and tools and provide appropriate trainings to LIFT stakeholders in execution of the same.
  15. Providing technical assistance and capacity development to implementing partners to ensure participation in the Programme’s MEL processes and an adequate flow of information and data.

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

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

  • A Master’s degree in econometrics, economics, statistics, or similar subject matter is required. PhD preferred but not 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. Technical Experience/Other essential qualifications
  • At least seven years’ experience of working with survey data including practical experience of overseeing and carrying out data cleaning, coding, and survey weighting is required.
  • Strong econometric skills and broad experience undertaking econometric analysis of survey data from developing countries, including construction of complex composite indices and calculation of consumption expenditure for poverty measurement is highly preferred.
  • Previous experience in humanitarian response to emergencies, needs assessment, baseline and end line studies would be an asset.
  • End-line design and reporting is an asset.
  • Strong STATA, SPSS, SAS or R programming skills are highly desirable.
  • Familiarity with survey research literature, methods, and processes are highly desirable.
  • Experience in designing large scale surveys for livelihoods, agriculture, and nutrition and food security programs would be an asset.
  • Experience in training would be an asset.
  • Experience with the M&E of multi-donor trust – funds is desired.
  • Knowledge of the political, economic and social situation in Myanmar is desirable
  • Willingness to undertake regular field visits in difficult conditions is required.
  • Computer literacy in office software packages is required and SPSS is an asset. Language
  • Fluency in both written and spoken English is essential.

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: ICA (Individual Contractor Agreement)
Contract level: ICS11 – International – Specialist ICA, Level I-ICA 3 (Retainer)/Home based with mission travel to Yangon, including field support
Contract duration: 2 years (150 working days per year) – Renewable 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
  • For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
  • 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.

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.

How to apply

https://jobs.unops.org/Pages/ViewVacancy/VADetails.aspx?id=23751#1



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