Learning and Monitoring Specialist Part-time 60%

New York City

Organization: UNDP - United Nations Development Programme
Location: New York City
Grade: Mid level - IPSA-11, International Personnel Services Agreement
Occupational Groups:
- Education, Learning and Training
- Monitoring and Evaluation
Closing Date: 2024-11-27

Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Office/Unit/Project Description

Since its establishment in 2004, the Joint UNDP-DPPA Programme on Building National Capacities for Conflict Prevention (the Joint Programme or JP) has been engaged in bridging the gap between political engagement and development assistance in pursuit of sustainable peace.

The Joint Programme started a new phase (2024-2028) in which it will continue to contribute to joint UN action to help national stakeholders enhance their capacities and structures for conflict prevention, primarily through the deployment of international and national Peace and Development Advisors (PDAs) to the offices of UN Resident Coordinators working in complex settings. Based in over 60 countries, PDAs provide analytical, advisory, and capacity-development assistance to national stakeholders to enhance capacities for dialogue, develop prevention policies and strategies, strengthen national infrastructures for peace and help foster the engagement of women and youth in these efforts. Through the PDAs’ role in advising UN leadership and providing technical support on programme design, the Joint Programme will strengthen the capacities of the UN in the areas of integrated conflict analysis, conflict-sensitive development, conflict prevention, peacebuilding and preventive diplomacy, and contribute to system-wide thought leadership and learning.

The 2024-28 phase outlines a vision for more robust monitoring and evaluation systems, knowledge management and learning, and talent management support. To strengthen organizational learning, knowledge management, and monitoring for results efforts, the Joint Programme has also started conducting Reflection and Learning Missions in countries where PDAs are deployed.

Scope of Work

Undertake in-country Reflection and Learning missions with the Joint Programme team. This will involve conducting interviews and focus group discussions with UN and national stakeholders. After each mission, carry out follow-up interviews, develop reports with detailed mission notes, a shorter report, create short one-page impact stories based on the findings, and participate in required meetings to present the findings.
Provide strategic advice on new framework and processes for monitoring progress for results for the Joint Programme's 2024-2028 programme, focused on capturing long-term qualitative results under Outcome 1 on supporting national prevention capacities.
Provide strategic advice and identify opportunities to strengthen Joint Programme approaches for knowledge management. This includes exploring different methodologies for capturing lessons learned from departing PDAs and country posts that are coming to a close. Additionally, review and contribute with inputs to knowledge materials and events or workshops under the Joint Programme to strengthen learning and monitoring components.
Provide strategic advice and identify opportunities to strengthen learning from PDAs by synthesizing key insights from different regions, recognizing patterns, and generating practical and actionable recommendations to guide the Joint Programme’s ongoing work efforts and inform strategic decision-making.
Draft and contribute to PDA impact stories for the 2024 Joint Programme Annual Report or other outreach material.
Performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangement

The Specialist will report directly to the Joint UNDP-DPPA Manager and will work in close collaboration with the Programme Specialist.

Competencies

Core
Achieve Results:	LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
Think Innovatively:	LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
Learn Continuously:	LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
Adapt with Agility:	LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
Act with Determination:	LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
Engage and Partner:	LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
Enable Diversity and Inclusion:	LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Thematic Area	Name	Definition
Business and management	Results-based Management	Ability to manage the implementation of strategies, programmes, and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results. Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools
Programme and policy	Conflict Prevention, Peacebuilding and Responsive Institutions	Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding
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.

2030 Agenda: People	Gender	Women, Peace and Security.
Partnership management	Relationship management	Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understanding.
Business Direction and Strategy	Strategic Thinking	Develop effective strategies and prioritised plans in line with UNDP’s mission and objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, opportunities and potential risks; link the general vision to reality on the ground to create tangible targeted solutions; learn from a variety of sources to anticipate and effectively respond to both current and future trends; demonstrate foresight.
Business Management	Partnership Management	Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts, and others in line with UN strategy and policies.

Please refer to the competency framework site for the entire list of competencies and further explanations.

Minimum Qualifications of the Successful IPSA

Min. Academic Education

Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Social or Political Sciences, International Relations, Conflict Resolution, Peacebuilding or a 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.

Min. years of relevant Work experience

Minimum of seven (7) years (with master’s degree) or nine (9) years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant professional experience in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, international relations, or international development is required;

Required skills and competencies

Experience in developing approaches for knowledge management, organizational learning, and in research and analysis for programme design and management.
Proven track record of excellent written and oral communication skills for preparing written reports and oral presentations.

Desired additional skills and competencies

At least ten (10) years of demonstrated experience in monitoring and evaluation of conflict prevention and/or peacebuilding programming is desired.
Proven experience and understanding of UN/UNDP’s policy and programmatic approaches is an asset.
Familiarity with the Joint UNDP-DPPA Programme and/or work of Peace and Development Advisors is desired.

Required Language(s)

Fluency in English is required.
Working knowledge of another UN official language is an asset

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: 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.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

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