Programme Specialist, M&E
Organizational Context
UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency dedicated to delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization's Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 focuses on accelerating the ICPD Programme of Action and achieving the SDGs by 2030. This role operates within the Malawi country office, reporting to the Head of Office, and contributes to UNFPA's mandate through evidence-based policies and programming.
Job Purpose
The Programme Specialist, M&E is responsible for leading and overseeing effective results planning, monitoring, reporting, communication, and evaluation of UNFPA's programmes and projects in Malawi. This role ensures the implementation of results-based management principles, contributes to knowledge management, and fosters a culture of results. The specialist provides technical guidance to country offices and implementing partners, supports the development and execution of M&E frameworks, and ensures the quality of evaluation processes and products in line with UNFPA policies and standards.
Responsibilities
The Programme Specialist, M&E leads the development of theories of change and quality M&E frameworks, including costed plans, and provides inputs for the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. Responsibilities include overseeing the monitoring and tracking of results against targets, leading annual reviews, and supporting field monitoring. The role involves collecting, analyzing, and reporting quantitative and qualitative data for internal and external audiences, and communicating results effectively. Additionally, the specialist provides technical support for the development and implementation of evaluation plans, manages evaluation processes to ensure quality, and ensures evaluation results are incorporated into programme formulation and implementation. The role also contributes to knowledge management, capacity development for implementing partners on RBM, and promotes adaptive management. Advocacy, resource mobilization, and budget management are also key functions.
Work Experience
Requires at least 5 years of relevant national/international experience in monitoring, reporting, and evaluation, with a proven track record in designing and implementing monitoring systems. Experience with data collection and analysis software, UN programme management systems, and managing evaluations is essential. Experience within the UN system or UNFPA is highly desirable. Strong analytical, report writing, planning, and organizational skills are necessary.
Skills
Core competencies include integrity, commitment, cultural diversity, change embrace, results achievement, accountability, professional expertise, analytical and strategic thinking, teamwork, and effective communication. Functional competencies involve advocacy, building strategic alliances, delivering results-based programmes, and internal/external communication. Managerial competencies include strategic focus, stakeholder engagement, leadership, and decision-making.