Violence against women and girls (VAWG) persists in every country in the world and is one of the most systematic and widespread human rights violations. One in three women worldwide experience physical or sexual violence, mostly by an intimate partner. The immediate and long-term physical, sexual, and mental consequences for women and girls can be devastating, including death.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development places gender equality at its core to achieve the SDGs, with the elimination of violence against women and girls as a crucial component. To this end, Spotlight Initiative was launched in 2017 with a seed funding of more than $500 million from the European Union and constitutes the world’s largest global, multilateral effort aimed at ending all forms of violence against women and girls. Through its whole-of-society approach, Spotlight Initiative has achieved transformative results in ending violence against women and girls, accelerating progress across the SDGs. Following five years of implementation across more than 30 programmes worldwide, national budgets to address GBV increased 13-fold and conviction rates for perpetrators of GBV doubled across 13 countries; nearly 550 laws and policies were signed to end violence against women and girls; USD 195 million were delivered to civil society organizations; nearly 3 million women and girls accessed GBV services; among other critical results.
Building on these impactful results, the wealth of knowledge acquired as well as lessons learnt during the first phase of the Initiative (2017-2023), Spotlight Initiative is now embarking on a second phase of programming to further galvanize efforts to eliminate violence against women and girls and expand global outreach. Spotlight Initiative 2.0 programmes adopts a comprehensive approach implementing activities on the 4 pillars of Spotlight Initiative’s Theory of Change, including (1) strengthening institutions, laws, policies and data, (2) prevention, (3) access to essential services for survivors of violence, and (4) supporting civil society and the women’s movement.
The Spotlight Initiative Programme in Freetown Sierra Leone is looking for a Monitoring and Evaluation Knowledge Management Specialist to support and guide the development and implementation of the Spotlight M&E framework. She/He will work under the direct supervision of the Spotlight Programme Coordinator, and will also work closely with participating UN agencies through coordination with the M&E Group, the Spotlight Programme Team, and the Programme Reference Group. This includes coordinating M&E capacities and resources, lead and implement M&E training and capacity building, gathering data and feedback, developing tools and guidelines, supervising Spotlight M&E-related consultants, and reporting.
Scope of Work
Under the supervision of the Project Specialist, the core functions of the Monitoring, Evaluation and Knowledge Reporting Specialist Civil Society Analyst will include the following:
a) Lead Development of M&E Plans and Strategies for EVAWG as part of the Spotlight Initiative Programme in Sierra Leone:
Lead the development and implementation of comprehensive and realistic M&E plans and strategies with appropriate data sources, collection methods, analysis plans, quality controls and resource requirements; Continually assess methodologies and instruments for collection, documentation, analysis and reporting of data for weaknesses and potential improvements; Advise Spotlight Programme Coordinator and Programme Team on the development and improvement of core implementation tools, including work plans; Collect information on the latest developments of the use of new types of data sources and tools for sustainable development; Facilitate capacity building sessions for implementing partners and stakeholders on M&E tools, data collection methods, and results-based management to strengthen programme delivery; Ensure timely and accurate reporting by consolidating, analysing and synthesising programme results and lessons learned to inform strategic decision-making and visibility efforts.b) Coordinate to Monitoring, Data Collection, and Reporting of the Spotlight Initiative Programme in Sierra Leone:
Design and disseminate M&E resource materials, templates, and guidance documentation to participating UN agencies; Support inter-agency efforts on results and progress monitoring and reporting on the Spotlight Initiative programme.; Coordinate and participate in interagency work related to the collection and use of monitoring data, as well as evaluation and reporting; Perform field visits to ensure the quality and accuracy of collected or reported data; Support the development and implementation of baseline, mid-line, end-line and periodic evaluations; Supervise M&E consultants and contractors alongside the Spotlight Programme Coordinator; Document progress of Spotlight Programme against project implementation plans, results matrix, milestones and targets.c) Develop and Expand Strategic Research and Data Partnerships:
. Support UNCT’s and Spotlight Initiative’s engagement with national data and statistical systems, facilitating this engagement with national entities and data systems; Communicate and coordinate with existing partners and help form new partnerships with UN agencies, academia, the private sector, and governmental agencies to further the use of data science for EVAWG; Communicate and coordinate with internal and external partners on data collection and project/research implementation; Contribute to the design and execution of joint research initiatives and analytical products aimed at informing evidence based programming on EVAWG; Promote knowledge exchange through the organisation of technical roundtables, innovation labs or expert panels focused on gender data and intersectional analysis.d) Knowledge Management, Dissemination and Use of EVAWG Data:
Facilitate the efficient flow of M&E data within participating UN agencies, EU, government and civil society partners; Facilitate the sharing of learnings and best practices with the Spotlight Steering Committee, UNCT, Spotlight Team, participating UN agencies and partners; Support the identification and dissemination of good practices and lessons learned with the UNCT, UN agencies, the Spotlight Secretariat and other country and regional programmes, so that best practices benefit UN’s work and the EVAWG sector more broadly; Lead in designing thematic activities and knowledge-sharing forums and encourages others to participate.The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Institutional Arrangement
Under the overall guidance of the RCO, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative and the Team Leader of Governance and through the direct supervision of the Programme Specialist, the M and E Knowledge Management Specialist will be tasked to deliver distinct outputs of the project, to ensure quality Monitoring and Evaluation implementation, Reporting and Knowledge management.
Competencies:
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
People Management: UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site.
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies
Business Direction & Strategy:
Strategic Thinking Ability to leverage learning from a variety of sources to anticipate and respond to future trends; to demonstrate foresight in order to model what future developments and possible ways forward look like for UNDP. Ability to develop effective strategies and prioritized plans in line with UNDP’s objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, potential risks and opportunities; linking the vision to reality on the ground, and creating tangible solutions.Business Direction & 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.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 Development:
Knowledge Facilitation Ability to animate individuals and groups, internally and externally, and to design and facilitate activities, to share and exchange knowledge, information and ideas. Knowledge of tools and approaches to stimulate active participation, contribution, and exchange.Business Management:
Communication Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understandingBusiness Management:
Project Management Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures, and protocols to achieveBusiness Management:
Results-based Management Ability to manage the implementation of strategies, programmes, and projects with a focus on improved performance and demonstrable results. Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools.Required Skills and Experience
Minimum Education Requirements:
Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Economics, Statistics, Public Policy, Monitoring and Evaluation, or related field is required; or A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree,Minimum years of relevant work experience:
A minimum of Five (5) years (with Master’s degree) or Seven (7) years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant work experience in knowledge management, M&E, programme and/or team management working with quality assurance instruments, results-based management models.Required skills:
Proven experience with donor reporting, data analysis and result-based management framework; Proven ability to draft, edit and produce written results-based reports; Familiarity with multi-stakeholder coordination, especially working with grassroots organizations, government, and development partners; Demonstrated ability to perform quality assurance of data analysis outputs; Excellent analytical and communication skills.Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section
Experience with the UN, International Organizations, Civil Society organizations, advocacy networks or in governance; Experience in in developing and delivering capacity-building programs or training for civil society actors; Experience working with feminist movements and local organizations; Previous working experience in the UN would be an advantage; Demonstrated ability to develop creative solutions through participatory methods with various stakeholders is desired; Proven ability to develop and implement M&E plans. Logical frameworks, and results-based management systems; Proficiency in data analysis/statistical tools like SPSS, Stata, Excel etc; Experience defining SMART indicators aligned with EVAWG outcomes and SDG targets; Skills in designing research protocols, surveys and evaluation methodologies; Demonstrated experience in designing or managing knowledge repositories, databases or content management systems e.g. SharePoints, etc.Required Language(s) :
Excellent written and verbal English language skills is required. Fluency in any Sierra Leonean Languages is desired.Professional Certificates: Not 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.
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.
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