Background Information - Job-specific
UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.
The New York Portfolio Office (NYPO) supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management.
The Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. It was formed by combining the following portfolios: Grants Management Services (GMS), UN Technology Support Services (UNTSS), Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio (DSIP) It provides Services to partners' programmes that are designed, structured, and managed with a global perspective and primarily serving partners that are headquartered in New York. SDC has a footprint of approximately 125 countries..
UNOPS has signed an agreement to implement the project activities for the Small Grants Programme (SGP). The Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP) is implemented by UNDP on behalf of the GEF Partnership. As the responsible Executing Agency, UNOPS provides services to UNDP for administrative, financial and legal aspects of grantmaking and country operations.
SGP grant making promotes community-based innovation in addressing global environmental issues and improved, more sustainable livelihoods through initiatives led by civil society and community organizations, with special consideration for indigenous peoples, women, youth and persons with disabilities. SGP has supported over 29,000 community-based projects in over 127 countries in biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation and adaptation, sustainable land management, protection of international waters, and sound chemicals and waste management. Over the years, SGP has developed extensive partnerships at global, national and local levels.
The advertised position is designed to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the overall monitoring and evaluation and results management of the SGP at the global and country programme level and of its portfolio of grant projects. This includes key tasks associated with monitoring and evaluation, results-based management, learning, reporting and database and information systems management. The incumbent will provide technical support for: (i) results management and performance measurement; (ii) database management and support; (iii) programme policy and strategy support. At the global level, the programme will be equipped to maintain smooth monitoring and evaluation processes, ensuring continued tracking of results and supporting adaptive management. It will also ensure timely reporting to donors, partners, and stakeholders through annual and thematic reports, while providing ongoing support to SGP country teams for effective management, monitoring, and reporting of portfolios, projects, and activities.
The incumbent will work as part of the Central Programme Management Team (CPMT), focusing on their technical role in M&E and Results-Based Management (RBM), while providing support for country programme management in SGP countries. This will include responsibility for supporting national staff, assisting with M&E processes, and contributing to knowledge management.
The incumbent of this position will be personnel of UNOPS, under its full responsibility.
Functional Responsibilities
Purpose and Scope of Assignment:
Under the direct supervision of the Global Manager of the GEF Small Grants Programme, the incumbent will provide short-term support for M&E responsibilities during the implementation of the overall programme of work for the SGP and will perform the following specific duties:
Results management and performance measurement (60%)
Support the development and refining the SGP annual monitoring survey and accompanying guidance, in line with the previous yearsโ work to ensure consistency and improvement. Support the coordination for the rollout of the survey across 100+ countries.
Conduct thorough quality assurance on survey data across 100+ countries, ensuring data completeness and accuracy. Facilitate evidence-based communication with country teams to address any discrepancies or data issues.
Perform data analysis on both survey and SGP project data, leveraging established methodologies and models to generate insights.
Building on the previous yearsโ work, support the draft of key reports and other relevant products, including the SGP Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) results brief, AMR comprehensive version, AMR infographic, AMR data report, AMR qualitative data report, AMR factsheets, Project Implementation Report (PIR), etc.
Update and perform quality assurance on country results monitoring reports and regional reports, using existing tools and processes.
Respond to ad-hoc data requests from donor, partners, or internal stakeholder, providing data-driven evidence to support reporting, decision-making, and policy development.
Database management and support (20%)
Ensure the quality of project data in the SGP database by conducting regular checks for completeness, accuracy, and consistency. Assist in the coordination with 100+ countries to address data discrepancies and ensure all project information is up to date.
Work with the external vendor to facilitate timely and accurate updates of country and programme-level data on the SGP website.
Provide ongoing technical assistance to SGP country teams, helping them navigate the database system and troubleshoot issues. Offer guidance as needed to ensure teams can effectively manage project data.
Work proactively with the external vendor to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues and inefficiencies, ensuring optimal database performance.
Programme Policy and Project Support (20%)
Support the review of the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) sections of all Country Programme Strategy (CPS) documents for SGP OP8, ensuring they align with programme objectives and the requirements provided by the CPMT.
Implement the SGP OP8 Results Framework, ensuring it aligns with the ProDoc and effectively tracks OP8 results. Build upon the framework established in OP7 to maintain continuity and enhance monitoring.
Education/Experience/Language requirements*FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY*
*CANDIDATES WITH NO UNITED NATIONS OR UNOPS EXPERIENCE ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY*
Education
Advanced university degree (Masterโs degree or equivalent), preferably in international development, environmental policy, environmental or ecosystem management, natural or social sciences or information science, public policy, business administration or related field with two (2) years of relevant experience is required. OR
First-level university degree (Bachelorโs or equivalent), preferably in international development, environmental policy, environmental or ecosystem management, natural or social sciences or information science, public policy, business administration or related field in combination with four (4) years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced university degree.
Required Experience
Relevant experience is defined as experience working in monitoring and evaluation, results management and project planning, preferably in the field of environment and sustainable development.
A proven track record of excellence in quantitative and qualitative measurement, reporting, analytic and learning systems and their application to project planning and management, is required.
Experience with data analysis and database management is required.
Experience with report drafting is required.
Desirable experience (the following experience is optional candidates who do not have it are welcome to apply):Work experience in an international organization is desirable.
Language
Fluency in English (read, write, speak) is required.
Spoken and written fluency in French and/or Spanish is desirable.
Knowledge of another UN official language is an asset.
Other relevant Skills
Advanced proficiency in Excel, including expertise in formulas and pivot tables, is required.
Excellent written and communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly and effectively, are required.
Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and generate insights, are required.
Ability to work effectively across different time zones and cultures is essential.
Basic knowledge of Python is desirable.
Competencies 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: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA)
Contract level: International Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA-01 - ICS 09)
Contract duration: 12 months (renewable subject to funds availability and satisfactory performance). Work schedule: Full-time. Flexibility will be required o the demands of the service.
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 Information
Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
Terms and Conditions
For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.