Learning and Monitoring Specialist Part-time 60%

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

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

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