Monitoring Analyst for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Youth activities within the ReLOaD2 Project

Background

Please note that the person selected for this position will be offered a contract with UNDP under its National Personnel Services Agreement (NPSA Short-Term) modality (NPSA8 level). Click  to learn more about short-term NPSA modality.

Office/Unit/Project Description  

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. 
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. 
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The Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 2 (ReLOaD2) is a continuation of the EU-UNDP partnership and previously supported initiative – ReLOaD1 implemented in the four-year period 2017 - 2020. ReLOaD2 continues to strengthen participatory democracies and the EU integration process in the Western Balkans by empowering civil society and youth to actively take part in decision making and by stimulating an enabling legal and financial environment for civil society. The project’s overall budget is EUR 12.63 million (USD 15,064,060.98), with EUR 1.38 million (USD 1,649,812.14) dedicated for Kosovo’s component.  The Project duration is 48 months (January 2021 – December 2024). 

With the implementation of the Regulation MF – NO – 04/2017 on Criteria, Standards and Procedures on public funding of NGOs, the project aims to ensure municipal support for CSOs is in place and provides the Manual for distribution of public funds to CSOs which shall reflect also the recommendations from the LOD methodology. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of application and capacity from municipalities and CSOs to properly implement such a mechanism.  

Moreover, six partner municipalities of the project are by focusing on the institutionalization of interaction with CSOs. The approach incites partner local governments to use public funding for CSOs in a transparent and development-oriented manner, recognizing local needs and embracing a project-based approach. Also, the Action will promote youth engagement and support the implementation of youth initiatives and will work on improvement of their economic perspectives in partner localities.

In this context, monitoring of the implementation of the awarded CSO projects will be carried out through field visit to the sites in the partner municipalities. Through the monitoring exercise, the project aims to provide additional insights on transparent implementation of local funding mechanisms to local government representatives. By monitoring different aspects of implementation, including financial management, the local governments are achieving higher level of compliance with efficient accounting practices and budgetary rules. 

In addition, efficient monitoring will provide guidance for implementing CSOs as on-the-job coaching by strengthening their capacities and skills to implement their projects in line with ReLOaD2 project requirements of sound and transparent financial and operational management, whereas youth activities are expected to improve their economic perspectives in partner localities and implementation of youth initiatives. During monitoring field visits CSOs are coached on different issues related to the implementation of their projects and/or other challenges they face such as planning, transparent hiring and procurement practices, visibility, etc.

The assignment will be conducted in line with UN 8 Point Agenda and the UNDP Gender responsive mandate.

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of Work 

Under the overall supervision of the ReLOaD2 Project Manager the Monitoring Analyst will be responsible for providing monitoring and technical support for CSO projects and youth stakholders in local communities in selected partner municipalities and is expected to:

• Monitor the implementation of CSOs projects in six partner municipalities through regular montoring visits which will be conducted with representatives of the awarded CSOs, and if and where necessary with respective UNDP representatives. Monitoring sessions are envisaged to ensure utilization of Regulation MF – NO – 04/2017 on Criteria, Standards and Procedures on public funding of NGOs rules and regulations in financing and implementing CSO projects;
• Monitor the implementation of the youth  actions/initatives and laise with relevant stakeholders on the proper youth involvement;  
• Guide CSOs and youth representatives in regard to the benefits the target groups can derive from the envisaged activities with special attention given to the role of CSOs, their partners, institutions, and/or consultants. Special emphasis to be placed on the modalities and technical aspects of the project implementation. Monitoring sessions must also cover recognizing and defining the potential risks and the importance of mitigation measures, as well as properly defining objectively verifiable indicators.Ensure all concerns raised by CSOs and youth representatives are appropriately addressed, and the agreement between UNDP and the CSO is fully respected. As part of this task, the Monitoring Analyst is expected to visit as many CSO projects and youth stakeholders as needed. The monitoring visits include financial and program monitoring, collecting data and information from: existing reports submitted by CSOs and bassline information from submitted project proposals. The Monitoring Analyst could be asked to do site visits monitoring of events or trainings during CSO project implementation. During the process, the incumbent will consult with the ReLOaD2 Project Manager in terms of planning monitoring visits. During the monitoring visit, the Monitoring Analyst will also provide technical support  through sessions for selected CSOs, in accordance with adult learning principles, to ensure that these sessions are practical, interactive and relevant for the challenges faced in process project implementation.
• Preparate and submit monitoring reports: 

- Following each monitoring visit, submit field monitoring report which must include all information relevant to ongoing project implemented by the CSOs, youth activities and approved by ReLOaD2 project;
- Field monitoring reports are to be submitted within the week, and urgent matters must be immediately communicated verbally and in written to the supervisor. The monitoring visit  must include in detail descriptive and numerical data and the following information: 
o General info about the CSOs and the project that is being implemented,
o Details about project activities, programmatic development of the project, indicators achieved as per signed contract between UNDP and a CSO - (Low Value Grant Agreement (LVGA)) and approved project application,
o Details about all financial spending and procedures in place,
o Identify risks followed with overall project risk assessment,
o Propose measures for mitigation of risks.

4. Institutional Arrangement

The Monitoring Analyst will work under under the overall guidance of the UNDP ReLOaD2  Project Manager and in direct cooperation with the official representatives of six partner municipalities. 

Competencies

Core

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements 
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible 
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination 

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies 

Business Management (Monitoring)

• Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback on the consistency or discrepancy between planned and actual activities and programme performance and results.

Digital & Innovation (Tech literacy)

• Ability to apply new digital tools or adapting their original use to create new insights, fresh perspectives or develop solutions. Understand the potential as well as the limitations of certain technological developments; being able to identify how technology can add value when it's used as a "means to an end".

Business Management (Partnerships 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 UNDP strategy and policies.

Business Management (Communication)

• Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience.
• Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels.

Ethics UN Policy knowledge (Ethics)

• Knowledge and understanding of the UN Staff Regulations and Rules and other policies relating to ethics and integrity.

Required Skills and Experience

Min. Academic Education Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in Public Administration, Economics, Law, Social Sciences or a related field is required.
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s Degree)  in the areas mentioned above in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of Master’s degree.

 Min. years of relevant work experience 

• Up to 2 years (with Master´s degree) or minimum 2 years (with Bachelor`s Degree) of relevant professional experience in in the field of monitoring and project management (PCM) in Kosovo; 

Required Skills:

• Previous experience in development sector in provision of technical assistance and training to public/local institutions in Kosovo in development management, is required;
• Previous experience in capacity development of civil society organizations in the area of local governance, local development, public participation and public scrutiny is required; 
• Experience in monitoring data collection, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advanced knowledge of sector-specific packages;
• Knowledge of the EU (European Union) guidelines and procedures and PCM Techniques is an asset;

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; 
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability. 
• Demonstrates integrity by modeling ethical standards.
• Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to critical feedback.
• Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors. 
• Excellent information technology skills, including word processing, database applications, presentation software, and internet
• Ability to work under very tight deadlines.
• Evidence of ability to express ideas clearly; to work independently and in team
• Ability to summarize and systematize complex information
• Ability to deliver when working under pressure and within changing circumstances
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
• Responsible, communicative, well-organized, team-oriented person
• Ability to demonstrate a sense of self-assuredness.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Required Language(s) 

• Fluency in English and Albanian or Serbian is required

Application Process:

The following documents are required from the applicants:

• , indicating all past positions held and main underlying functions, durations (month/year), the qualifications, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate, and at least three (3) the most recent professional references of previous supervisors. References may also include peers. 
• A cover letter (maximum length: 1 page) indicating why the candidate considers him-/herself to be suitable for the position.
• Managers may ask (ad hoc) for any other materials relevant to pre-assessing the relevance of their experience, such as reports, presentations, publications, campaigns or other materials.

Application Instructions:

To submit your application online, please follow the steps below:

• Download and complete the the UNDP PERSONAL HISTORY FORM (P11) - 
• Click on the "Apply now" button;
• Input your information in the appropriate Sections: personal information, language proficiency, education, resume and motivation. You can type in, or paste your short Resume into the last box;
• Upon completion of the first page, please hit "submit application" tab at the end of the page. On the next page, you will be asked to upload your Resume. Instead of uploading your Resume, please submit a fully completed and signed UNDP Personal History Form  ;
• System will only allow one attachment. All docs (P11, academic qualifications/diploma) should be included as one attachment.