Evaluation and Programme Development Associate

Under the guidance and supervision of the Resident Representative, Evaluation & Programme Development Associate contributes to the effective implementation of the evaluation policy, ensures that minimum monitoring and evaluation requirements for the Country Programme and projects are met, participates in the conduct of thematic and crosscutting evaluations and support the programme implementation and development consistent with UNDP rules and regulations. 

The Evaluation & Programme Development Associate works in close collaboration with programme, projects and operations teams in the CO and UNDP HQ as required. 

Summary of Key Functions:

• Implementation of evaluation policies and strategies
• Support to the evaluation process
• Support to formulation of programme strategies and implementation of the Country Programme
• Support to the CO programme development and resource mobilization
• Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing

1. Ensures the implementation of evaluation policies and strategies, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Analysis of requirements and synthesis of proposals for the planning, preparation and management of specific thematic, country programme/project evaluations and other types of evaluations.
• Inputs to the evaluation workplan, analysis and proposals on topics, and projects/programme to be evaluated.
• Promotion of evaluation standards, quality assurance/control and capacity development in the Country Office.

2. Supports effective management of the evaluation process in the Country Office, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Drafting/revision of 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 assigned project/thematic/sectoral evaluations and/or desk reviews, consultants and/or members of the evaluation team. Provision of guidance at the design stage of programmes/projects.
• Analysis and synthesis of proposals on areas evaluated, effectiveness and impact of UNDP programme
• Follow up on implementation of evaluation recommendations.

3. Supports formulation of programme strategies and implementation of the Country Programme focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Collection, analysis and presentation of background information for preparation of CCA, UNDAF, CPD, CPAP, effective application of RBM tools and establishment of management targets (BSC).
• Presentation of background information for formulation of country programme, draft project documents, work plans, budgets, proposals on implementation arrangements.
• Preparation and regular update of programme tables on ongoing and hard pipelines, resources mobilization tables; provide full supporting documentation/information from programme side for project opening and closure in Atlas
• Provision of guidance to the executing agencies on routine implementation of projects.
• Presentation of information for audit of NEX projects, supports implementation of audit recommendations

4. Supports resource mobilization focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Analysis of information on donors, preparation of donor’s profile.
• Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices in programme.
• Preparation of thematic issue briefs, concept notes, and projects ideas.

5. Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
• Organization of results-oriented monitoring and evaluation trainings for the CO staff

CORE COMPETENCIES

Innovation-Level 2: Execute & Learn (Perform defined tasks)

Ability to make new and useful ideas work

Leadership-Level 2: Execute & Learn (Perform defined tasks)

Ability to persuade others to follow

People Management-Level 2: Execute & Learn (Perform defined tasks)

Ability to improve performance and satisfaction

Communication-Level 2: Execute & Learn (Perform defined tasks)

Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform

Delivery-Level 2: Execute & Learn (Perform defined tasks)

Ability to get things done

Functional Competencies:             

Advocacy/Advancing A Policy-Oriented Agenda

Level 1.1: Preparing information for advocacy

• Identifies relevant information for a variety of audiences for advocating UNDP’s mandate

Results-Based Programme Development and Management

Level 1.2: Contributes into results through primary research and analysis

• Assesses project performance to identify success factors and incorporates best practices into project work
• Researches linkages across programme activities to identify critical points of integration
• Monitors specific stages of projects/programme implementation

Building Strategic Partnerships

Levle 1.1:  Maintaining a network of contacts

• Analyzes general information and selects materials in support of partnership building initiatives
• Maintains databases of donor information

Innovation and Marketing New Approaches

Level 1.1: Implementing processes and uses products

• Documents and tracks innovative strategies/best practices/new approaches
• Responds positively to new approaches

Resource Mobilization (Field Duty Stations)

Level 1.1: Providing information for resource mobilization strategies

• Maintains information/databases on potential and actual donors
• Maintains database of project files
• Provides data and information needed for preparation of project documents

Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing

Level 1.1: Basic research and analysis

• Researches best practices and poses new, more effective ways of doing things

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise

Level 1.1: Fundamental knowledge of processes, methods and procedures

• Understands the main processes and methods of work regarding to the position
• Possesses basic knowledge of organizational policies and procedures relating to the position and applies them consistently in work tasks
• Strives to keep job knowledge up-to-date through self-directed study and other means of learning
• Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments
• Demonstrates in-depth understanding and knowledge of the current guidelines and project management tools, and utilizes these regularly in work assignments
• Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments

Global Leadership and Advocacy for UNDP’s Goals

Level 1.1: Research and analysis

• Identifies relevant information for advocacy for UNDP’s goals for a variety of audiences

Client Orientation

Level 1.1:  Maintains effective client relationships

• Reports to internal and external clients in a timely and appropriate fashion
• Organizes and prioritizes work schedule to meet client needs and deadlines
• Responds to client needs promptly

Education:

• Secondary Education. Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in International Relations, Political Science, Economics or related social sciences is desirable but not a requirement.

Experience:

• 6 years of relevant experience in international development issues.
• Experience in monitoring and evaluation with a background and interest in the analysis of socio-economic issues and related policy matters.
• Experience in research and programme/project development is an asset.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in the UN and Azerbaijani

Others: 

• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, experience in handling of web based management systems.