Programme Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor (LICA 9)

Result of ServiceThe goal of this job function is to support the effective implementation and evaluation of the programme’s M&E framework. Work LocationEswatini, Mbabane. Expected durationOne Year with possibility of extension. Duties and ResponsibilitiesBACKGROUND: The International Trade Centre (ITC) is a joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization (WTO) for trade-related technical cooperation in developing countries. The Eswatini Government identifies agriculture as one of the main drivers of growth and jobs as stipulated in the Eswatini National Development Strategy and Vision 2022 and developed the Economic Recovery Plan 2020 which identifies the private sector as an engine for economic growth. In collaboration with the Eswatini Government and through funding from the European Union, ITC is supporting the Eswatini Government to achieve its development objectives through the implementation of a Programme comprised of four interconnected programmes, namely: “Support for Job Creation and the Investment Climate (JC & IC); Support to the implementation of the EU-SADC Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), the Eswatini Livestock Value Chain Development Programme (ELVCDP)”, and “Skills for Economic and Social Inclusion Programme”. The programme aims to unlock the key constraints to competitiveness in Eswatini by improving the policy and regulatory framework for private sector development and through the development of selected value chains; and supports the ease of doing business environment in Eswatini. With major focus on the development of agriculture and agri-business value chains and crafts, the Eswatini programme is designed to achieve these key outcomes: (1) adopting and implementing business-friendly, inclusive, and responsible national policies and legal frameworks, and (2) strengthening productive, processing, promoting, and marketing capabilities and value chains. A dynamic and fit-for-purpose Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) framework is to be implemented that is properly integrated with the ITC’s programme indicators and corporate indicators to report on the deliverables and their impact on both the direct and indirect beneficiaries. Responsibilities: Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager in close collaboration with the Programme National team, and under the overall guidance of the Head of Inclusive Agribusiness, the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Advisor will undertake the following duties: • Participate in the implementation, and evaluation of the programme M&E framework. Contribute to maintaining a robust tracking and reporting system for direct and indirect beneficiaries as per the M&E framework and programme workplan. • Work with key clients to facilitate the development, implementation, and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects, etc.; monitors and analyzes specific aspects of programme/project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and recommends corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions. • Carries out M&E research on relevant aspects of programmes, operations and other activities, etc., to include collecting, analyzing and presenting statistical data and other information gathered from diverse sources. • Provides substantive support for coordination, monitoring and evaluation functions, including the review and analysis of emerging issues and trends, participation in evaluations or research activities and studies. • Assists in performing consulting assignments, in collaboration with the client, by planning and facilitating MandE related activities, through other interactive sessions and assisting in developing the action plan the client will use to manage the change. • Participates in survey initiatives; assists with design of data collection tools; issues data collection tools, reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares preliminary conclusions. • Contributes to the preparation of various written outputs, e.g. draft papers, analytical notes, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc. • Provides administrative and substantive support to consultative and other programme meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying and proposed participants, preparation of background documents and presentations, handling logistics, etc. • Undertakes outreach activities; participates in the development of training workshops, seminars, etc.; participates in and makes presentations on assigned topics/activities. • Participates in field missions, including provision of substantive and administrative support, data collection, etc. • Assist in coordinating activities related to programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, and preparation of related documents/reports • Performs other duties as required. NOTE – The selected candidate must be available for travel to project field sites within Eswatini. Copyright: The personnel has to ensure that s/he has obtained the necessary permissions with regard to intellectual property rights required to perform his/her services under this consultancy contract and for the subsequent dissemination by ITC in any form. Documentary proof is to be submitted to ITC. Should any license fee be due for the use of copyrighted materials of third parties, the Consultant shall request the prior written permission from ITC. S/he has further to ensure to obtain accreditation to event(s), if required. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in agribusiness, business administration, management, economics or a related field. Note: A first-level university degree in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree A minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience in project or programme management, monitoring and evaluation, administration or related area is required. Experience in project reporting and implementation is required.. Experience with MSME development models is required. Experience with development projects in Africa required, ideally in Eswatini is required. Critical job-specific competencies: Professionalism: Understanding and direct knowledge of the MSME sector in Eswatini and the region Knowledge in the areas of agro-food processing, value addition, food technology, appropriate technologies, quality compliance, and related areas, knowledge of arts and crafts sector is an asset. Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or other specialized field. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client. LanguagesAdvanced knowledge of English. Knowledge of local language. Additional InformationThis contract will be administered on behalf of ITC by UNOPS. This vacancy is open for locally residing Eswatini nationals. Applicants must be authorized to work in the duty station where the position is located. Eligible applicants selected from outside the duty station are responsible for any expenses in connection with their relocation to the duty station. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.