Background
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) supports the Government and people of Botswana in their development journey toward achieving shared prosperity, as articulated in Vision 2036 and outlined in the National Development Plans. The UNDP Country Office (CO) implements this commitment through its Country Programme Document (CPD), which is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UNDP Country Programme (2022-2026) aims to provide upstream strategic and evidence-based advisory support while also delivering downstream interventions that engage directly with communities to promote a greener, more just, and prosperous Botswana. As a key member of the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in Botswana, UNDP works collaboratively with other UN agencies under a coordinated \"Delivering as One\" approach.
The UN’s engagement in Botswana is guided by the United Nations Cooperation Framework (UNCF), which derives its mandate from the 2030 Agenda, the SDGs, and the National Development Plan. In alignment with its commitment to accountability to partners, including governments and citizens, UNDP and the broader UN system ensure systematic, meticulous, and consistent tracking of progress against predefined results outlined in the UN Cooperation Framework (One UN Document) and the Country Programme Document (UNDP document). This is enabled through a robust Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) system, which effectively consolidates data from projects to the CPD and the UNCF, ensuring transparency and accountability.
In support of this, the M&E Analyst works in close collaboration with the Regional Bureau for Africa’s Country Oversight Support Team (RBA COST), the Programme and Operations teams in the CO, UNDP’s Independent Evaluation Office, and Government counterparts to ensure that thematic, programme, and project monitoring and evaluations are conducted as scheduled. The Analyst also ensures that findings and recommendations are implemented, followed up on, and integrated into future programming to maximize development impact.
Additionally, the M&E Analyst supervises two staff members, including the Communications Associate and the Digital Support Associate within the CO Results-Based Monitoring, Evaluation, and Communications Unit. The Analyst maintains a regular working relationship with the Regional Communications Advisor, facilitating public and media outreach to enhance UNDP’s visibility, partnerships, and resource mobilization efforts. Furthermore, the Analyst plays a key role in implementing and promoting the UNDP communication strategy at the CO level.
Position Purpose
Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative (DRR) and the strategic guidance of the Resident Representative (RR), the M&E Analyst works closely with programme and project staff to ensure the efficient management of the UNDP programme portfolio. This includes improving programmatic planning and performance target setting, and the development and implementation of user-friendly standards and procedures aligned with UNDP policies and ERP (Quantum).
The M&E Analyst serves as a quality assurance (QA) advisor to Senior Management, supporting programme units in strategic planning, delivery monitoring and adjustments, audits, risk management, and the implementation of the Internal Control Framework. The Analyst ensures the sound substantive and financial management of the programme portfolio while fostering compliance with UNDP’s policies and procedures.
The M&E Analyst also works closely with the Operations teams, serving as a bridge to enhance information sharing between Programme and Operations units. This ensures the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability of cooperation between programme and operations colleagues. Additionally, the Analyst ensures that lessons and recommendations from policy, practice, and corporate audits are collected, applied, and integrated to enhance compliance and the effective delivery of Country Programme priorities and results.
Furthermore, the M&E Analyst supports workflows and promotes ways of working that foster a portfolio approach, enabling flexibility to accommodate changing business needs and leveraging linkages across interventions to achieve UNDP’s strategic goals. This reflects the recognition of the interconnected nature of development risks and crises, which necessitate multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated and systemic responses.
To this end, the M&E Analyst collaborates closely with the Programme Finance Associate, as well as with the Programme, and Operations Units of the CO. Additionally, the M&E Analyst works in coordination with UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Africa and other relevant offices as required. The role requires cross-functional collaboration across issues, units, teams, and projects in a multidisciplinary manner, fostering horizontal cooperation and knowledge-sharing to enhance overall programme effectiveness.
UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
1. Effective contribution to the design, planning, monitoring and implementation of the country programmes & projects:
Participation in the development of country programme document and other CO programme/project documents in line with UNDP POPP; Provision of the technical advice at the design stage of programmes/projects setting up a framework with defined results indicators at the design stage to facilitate evaluation at the later stages; Ensure that Annual/Multi-year work plans correspond with pre-defined indicators, targets and milestones as captured in the CPD and Programme/Project Documents; Ensure timely and adequate reporting against the Country Office’s annual work plans, and timely and high-quality progress reports such as the Results Oriented Annual Report (ROAR); Coordinates with Programme and Operations Unit to ensure the Integrated Work Plan is prepared; Aggregate and review project/portfolio documentation with a view to ensuring alignment with UNDP strategies and best programmatic practices towards scalability and sustainability; Support preparation of high-quality project documents and proposals and encouraging adequate peer review of the same through established mechanisms (LPAC; TWGs).2. Ensures effective coordination of Evaluations, Audits and HACT process in the Country Office, focusing on achievement of the following results:
Participation in the planning, preparation and management of thematic, country programme/project evaluations and other types of evaluations conducted in the Country Office; Contribution to the evaluation work plan, including identification of topics, and projects/programme to be evaluated; Coordination of specific evaluation missions for development projects, sectoral/thematic evaluations or desk evaluations/studies on selected sectors/themes; Draft Terms of Reference (TOR) for specific project/thematic/sectoral evaluation missions and/or desk evaluations/reviews, participation in consultant and evaluation team selection, technical feedback on evaluations and budget oversight; Guidance on UNDP evaluation policies, procedures and practices to programme managers, UNDP CO staff concerned with evaluation, consultants and/or members of the evaluation team; Follow up on implementation of evaluation recommendations. Ensuring the optimal use of evaluations by providing guidance in preparation of timely management response to all mandatory evaluations, incorporation of learnings into programming, and developing/operationalizing a communication plan around results; Support the preparation of the annual performance monitoring report for CO projects and CPD; Support coordination of all audit exercises among programme and operations personnel of the CO; In consultation with relevant programme and operations teams and under the oversight of the CO Management, support assessment of risk areas and work with project staff to minimize risk exposure levels; Contribute to periodic HACT exercises; Contribute to the development of audit plans for projects and the CO and coordinate with Operations Manager and relevant teams, partners and IPs regarding audit exercises of the CO; Coordination CO preparation and follow-up on audits and follow up; ensure compliance with audit quality standards and timeframes; Monitor the implementation of previous audit recommendations and advise the CO Management Team on status on a regular basis; Monitor implementation of risk mitigation measures in relation to UNDP’s Enterprise Risk Management Policy: Support the development of Social and Environmental Standards (SES) plans and monitoring of risks; Support the effective implementation of the Internal Control Framework in collaboration with the Operations Unit.3. Effective contribution and provision of substantive inputs to the UNSDCF management/coordination structures:
Effective participation in the UN Results Groups and provision of substantive inputs to the Theme Group's work; Support to ongoing M&E processes within the framework of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Group; Collaborative preparation and/or revision of CCA, UNSDCF, CPD and other documents with key stakeholders; Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices from projects and programmes as contribution to the UN/UNDP Annual Report; Assist the MEL group in drafting of Terms of Reference (ToRs) of reviews and evaluation of UNSDCF; Contribution to development of Joint planning instruments and formats; Joint Annual Work plans; Guidelines key M&E activities/events to ensure effective coordination and synergy between participating UN agencies; Country Programme Documents; Support the preparation of the annual performance monitoring report for CO projects, CPD and UNSDCF; Facilitate M&E support to Government and other implementing partners to collect / generate data on specified indicators CO projects, CPD and CF.4. Contribute to the planning and design of internal and external communications for outreach and partnership:
Preparation and conduct of communications needs assessment for CO projects, portfolios and country programme; Drafting/editing of CO communications and outreach strategy based on corporate and CO communications strategies; Analysis of requirements and synthesis of proposal on ways to integrate advocacy and communication strategies into all aspects of UNDP’s development work during programme formulations, implementations and closures; Manage relationships with media, partners, and key stakeholders to ensure effective dissemination of information; Track and analyze communication metrics, media coverage, and audience engagement to measure the effectiveness of communication efforts; In collaboration with the communications and programme teams, develop and design programme/Project briefs and donor events to enhance visibility of UNDP’s Programmes/Projects among its existing and potential partners.5. Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the area of monitoring and evaluation, focusing on achievement of the following results:
Identification and formulation of evaluation findings, lessons learned and recommendations to be integrated into broader EO knowledge management efforts, disseminated in learning events and channeled into decision-making processes; Contribution to the implementation of monitoring and evaluation knowledge management and learning strategy; Collaboration and coordination with other UN agencies, government agencies, NGOs, and other organizations on monitoring and evaluation issues; Participation in the conduct of results-oriented monitoring and evaluation training efforts in the Country Office; Contribute to knowledge networks and communities of practice including corporate communications issues.The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: Lead the Monitoring & Evaluation Team of the CO comprising of the Communications Associate and Digital Communications Analyst.
Competencies
Core
Achieve Results: LEVEL 2: Scale up solutions and simplifies processes, balances speed and accuracy in doing work;
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 2: Offer new ideas/open to new approaches, demonstrate systemic/integrated thinking;
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 2: Go outside comfort zone, learn from others and support their learning;
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 2: Adapt processes/approaches to new situations, involve others in change process;
Act with Determination: LEVEL 2: Able to persevere and deal with multiple sources of pressure simultaneously;
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 2: Is facilitator/integrator, bring people together, build/maintain coalitions/partnerships;
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 2: Facilitate conversations to bridge differences, considers in decision making.
People Management:
UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site.
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:
Development Solutions
Monitoring and Evaluation Ability to systematically monitor results of strategies, programmes, and activities with a view to make sure that they are being implemented effectively; Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback and reporting on the consistency or discrepancy between planned activities and programme management and results; Ability to make independent judgment of the management and results of strategies, programmes and activities based on set criteria and benchmark, keeping in mind the needs and concerns of client, current and upcoming; Knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, concepts, methodologies, systems, processes, and tools; Ability to make an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.Business Management
Result-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 tool. Risk Management Ability to identify and prioritize risks, and organize action around mitigating them. Portfolio Management Ability to select, prioritize and control the organization's programmes and projects in line with its strategic objectives and capacity; Ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives with regular activities for optimal return on investment; Knowledge and understanding of key principles of project, programme, and portfolio management.Data
Data Analysis Ability to extract, analyze and visualize data to form meaningful insights and aid effective business decision making.Partnership Management
Strategic Engagement Ability to capture and sustain attention, interest and agreement of high-level, influential policy and decision makers and secure their buy-in of high-level vision and objectives.Business Direction and Strategy
System Thinking Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in International Relations, Project Management, Development Studies, Economics or related Social Sciences is required. OR; A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas stated above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.Experience, Knowledge and Skills:
Applicants with a master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience; Applicants with a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience in monitoring and evaluation, quality assurance instruments, results-based management models, and multiple stakeholders; Experience at the national and international level in managing development issues is desired; Demonstrated experience in monitoring and evaluation of development projects at the national and international levels with a background in the analysis of socio-economic issues and related policy matters is desired; Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems is required; Demonstrated advanced data analysis and presentation skills is an asset; Demonstrated skills in risk management, managing audit processes and reviewing legal agreements are preferred; Experience in the UN and/or other development agencies is an asset.Required Language(s):
Fluency in English is required. Fluency in national language (Setswana) of the duty station is required.Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.
Probation
For all new UNDP fixed term appointments (FTA), including for staff members being transferred or seconded to UNDP under the Inter-Organization Agreement concerning Transfer, Secondment or Loan of Staff, on an appointment of more than one year, continuation of the appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.
Right to select multiple candidates
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.
Scam alert
UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.