Back NUNV Monitoring & Evaluation Officer for Communications for Development (C4D) - UNICEF

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN organization that promotes volunteerism to support peace and development worldwide. Volunteerism can transform the pace and nature of development and it benefits both society at large and the individual volunteer. UNV contributes to peace and development by advocating for volunteerism globally, encouraging partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming, and mobilizing volunteers.

In most cultures volunteerism is deeply embedded in long-established, ancient traditions of sharing and support within the communities. In this context, UN Volunteers take part in various forms of volunteerism and play a role in development and peace together with co-workers, host agencies and local communities.

In all assignments, UN Volunteers promote volunteerism through their action and conduct. Engaging in volunteer activity can effectively and positively enrich their understanding of local and social realities, as well as create a bridge between themselves and the people in their host community. This will make the time they spend as UN Volunteers even more rewarding and productive.

Organizational Context & Project Description

UNICEF India works with Government of India to ensure that children born here get the best start in life, thrive and develop to her or his full potential. UNICEF began work in India in 1949 and currently has a presence in 16 states. The UNV will be working in the Communication for Development(C4D) section which is responsible for leading the social and behaviour change communication efforts of UNICEF India. The C4D Network has nine staff in the country office stationed in Delhi and 15 staff in the various state offices across the country.

The UNV will be providing assistance to the montirong anf evaluation aspects of C4D programme, with focus on the quality of the stated key results in information/data collection, data analysis, monitoring & evaluation (M&E) existing tools and systems inputs, preparation of reports, enhance partnership opportunities, aspects of capacity development at national and sub-national (results-based and performance-based monitoring) as well as support the identified research, monitoring and evaluation priorities. She/he will be assisting the M&E section focal point in the monitoring of social and behavior change communicaiton interventions across health, nutrition, WASH, education and child protection programme sectors.

This position will support UNICEF Country Office develop useful, valid and reliable data to fill information gaps and to strengthen the performance of C4D-supported programmes. These contributions will be aligned to key strategic areas prioritized as per C4D programme interventions identified in the situation of children and women, and theories of change of the country programme at national, sub-national level, as well as contribute to develop technical inputs to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) agenda.

Living Conditions

New Delhi, the capital of India, is a bustling metropolis that has an amazing mix of modernization and carefully preserved antiquity. Delhi features an atypical version of the humid subtropical climate. From April to October the weather is hot. The monsoon arrives at the end of June, along with an increase in humidity. The brief, mild winter starts in late November, peaks in January and heavy fog often occurs. Different kinds of accommodation are available in Delhi, though it is most common to stay in rented apartment or guest houses. The cost will vary depending on individual wishes and requirements as well as location. Transport options include the metro rail, buses, radio cabs, autorickshaws etc. There are different phone networks available (fixed and mobile) and internet access is easy. However, to obtain a phone connection you are required to submit a photo and valid ID proof. The electricity network is 220 volts. Delhi is in security phase zero (0), so there is no security concern at this moment. Although English is generally used for official and business purposes, Hindi is the official language and is spoken by most of the people. Punjabi and Urdu are also commonly spoken.

Conditions of Service

A 12-month contract; with subsequent contract extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectation of renewal of the assignment.

Travel to duty station (if applicable) and a Settling-In-Grant will be provided in the event duty station is not within commuting distance from the place of recruitment. A Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) of Rs. 42,473.67 (Rupees Forty-Two Thousand Four Hundred Seventy-Three and Paise Sixty-Seven only) is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses. Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included (health insurance for up to 3 dependents), as well as final repatriation (if applicable) and resettlement allowance for satisfactory service.

Interested candidates should submit their applications at http://www.in.undp.org/content/india/en/home/operations/careers/.

Under the direct supervision of the C4D Specialist the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

Research and Studies. Under the guidance of the C4D Specialst, the UNIV will support  non-PRIME activities, research and studies along with COVID-19 related rapid assessments designed internally and with partner organizations. This will entail the following –

• Develop study concept notes, ToRs and submission documents for non-PRIME studies planned for 2020-21 (such as the JA PA study). Design rapid assessments, including tool development, methodology, sampling etc. for COVID-19 related studies.
• Coordinate with partner agencies, internal section, and/or field office to roll out research/study (after testing, iteration, and regular monitoring). Support the application of quantitative and qualitative data collection and anaysis tools, techniques and approaches.
• Keep abreast of developments in the area of monitoring and evaluation including formal training on techniques and approaches. Contribute to ensuring that that the monitoring and evaluation findings and recommendations are followed- up.

For ongoing monitoring and reporting of the C4D programme, assist the C4D Specialists and section with the UNICEF quarterly/six-monthly reporting (RAM), COVID-19 response reporting and any other monitoring and reporting activities in the C4D Section. This will include –

• Assist in updating the C4D and related results frameworks, development of any new C4D indicators (crafting the indicator, identifying means of verification, setting targets etc.). Based on COVID-19 response activities, assist in C4D India’s Humanitarian Performance Monitoring (HPM) reporting process, along with other planned RAM monitoring activities. Based on monitoring outcomes, assist in the development of Situation Reports, and update reports to regional office, HQ, government, and partners on C4D’s COVID-19 response.
• Assist in designing monitoring systems – ensure data collection and analysis from field visits are coordinated and standardised across C4D/SBCC programmes to feed into to programme performance monitoring.
• Provide assistance to the C4D Specialist for coordination with the states in developing and including SBCC monitoring and evaluation plans and activities as fundamental to planning, implementation of interventions at state level specifically relevant to systems strengthening (knowledge management; capacity development; programme and planning support; strategic multi-sectoral partnerships; etc.)

Assist the C4D Specialist with evaluation studies, including ongloing UNICEF PRIME evaluations (such as the C4D BRIDGE Evaluation) and any planned evaluations.

• Assist with coordinating ongoing evaluation studies to ensure that are impartial, independent, credible and meet professional standards. Support the tracking of management responses to evaluations. Undertake knowledge management activities to support the evaluations.
• Assist in evaluation planning including preparation of Terms of Reference, provide scheduling and logistical support for individual evaluations and evaluation fiield visits.  Participate in meetings, workshops and other discussion fora to discuss the importance and usefulness of evaluation results.

Support the C4D Specialist with knowledge management to compliment the evidence generation activities.

• Prepare succinct and brief version sof the monitoring and evaluation reports. Ensure that findings, experiences, lessons learned and new methods are shared with partners, including support in development and management of knowledge products by documenting SBCC related activities and tools developed by UNICEF/Development Partners and ensuring their appropriate dissemination.
• Support the sharing of knowledge on UNICEF’s internal systems (ECM and Yammer) – and manage the UNICEF C4D India’s ECM page.
• Support external sharing and dissemination of C4D knowledge and activities on social media (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram).

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day);
• Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
• Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities;
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
• Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;
• Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Results/Expected Outputs

• C4D researches and studies designed and executed with quality by coordinating with partner agencies, programme sections, and/or UNICEF field offices
• Study concept notes, ToRs and other documents for non-PRIME studies and evaluations planned for 2020-21 developed, submitted  
• Rapid assessments, including using U-report,  for COVID-19 executed, results analysed and shared with C4D section/network.
• C4D and related results frameworks updated and any new C4D indicators developed.
• On a need basis, internal monitoring systems developed and data collection and analysis coordinated across C4D/SBCC programmes
• Ongoing evaluation studies, such as the C4D BRIDGE Evaluation, and planned evaluations coordinated and completed.
• Succinct and brief versions of the monitoring and evaluation reports developed and shared. UNICEF C4D India’s ECM page updated regularly and managed, sharing on UNICEF’s internal systems (ECM and Yammer) assisted and external sharing and dissemination of C4D knowledge and activities on social media (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram).
• The development of capacity through coaching, mentoring and formal on-the-job training, when working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-) governmental counterparts, including Implementing Partners (IPs);
• Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment
• A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed

Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented.

Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations.

Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.

Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities.

Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender;

Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;

Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary;

Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

Masters’ degree in social science, Economics, public administration, international development, social/behavioural sciences, (Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, Health Education, Monitoring and Evaluation or related field, or combination of first level degree with relevant experience;

At least 2 years of relevant work experience

Specific coursework or practical experience (up to 2 years) in the area of  results based management (RBM), monitoring and evaluation, statistics and/or research methodologies; This could include work experience in the development, planning and management of social development programmes, with practical experience in the adaptation and application of communication planning processes to specific programmes

Relevant computer skills; specifically Microsoft Office (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and social media. Familiarity with statistical software (i.e. SPSS, Stata) would be an asset;

Good interpersonal, networking and communication skills;

Willingness to contribute and work as part of a team;

Respect for diversity and adaptability to other cultures, environments and living conditions;

Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded;

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme which welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture.

United Nations Volunteers reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this opening for other openings with United Nations Volunteers with similar assignment description, experience and educational requirements.

Contract Duration: One year with possibility of extension