Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist

Organizational Context

UNOPS East and Southern Africa supports sustainable development across 14 countries, implementing diverse, partner-funded initiatives aligned with national priorities. In Malawi, UNOPS collaborates on projects like developing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centres. This role operates within UNICEF Malawi's framework, which focuses on advancing the rights and well-being of children, particularly the most vulnerable, by addressing persistent challenges like poverty, malnutrition, and limited access to basic services.

Job Purpose

The Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist is crucial for establishing and managing the comprehensive Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) system for the Ending Child Marriage Programme in Malawi. This role ensures the collection, consolidation, analysis, and utilization of high-quality, timely data from various sources, including government offices, police, judiciary, community volunteers, helplines, and health facilities. By enhancing the functionality and interoperability of government data systems and developing digital data collection tools, the Specialist will support evidence generation through routine monitoring, evaluations, and learning studies. The ultimate goal is to embed data-driven decision-making, facilitate adaptive management, and demonstrate the programme's measurable impact in strengthening child protection and combating child marriage.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and implementation of the Programme MEL Framework and strategy, aligning with donor requirements, UNICEF guidance, and government systems. Finalize and operationalize programme indicators, Theory of Change, results framework, and monitoring tools. Develop and update digital data collection tools, SOPs, data flow maps, and quality standards. Strengthen routine monitoring and government data systems, supporting integration across platforms like CPIMS, Police MIS, Judiciary CMS, CRVS, and DHIS2, and institutionalizing real-time case alert mechanisms. Conduct regular data reviews, validation, and quality assurance checks at the district level. Build the capacity of various stakeholders on data quality and reporting. Support data analysis, visualization, and reporting for programme decision-making and donor reporting, creating user-friendly dashboards. Lead learning reviews and adaptive programming sessions, generating technical briefs and evidence summaries. Manage baseline, midline, and endline evaluations and surveys, overseeing consultants and research partners. Ensure ethical and child-safe data collection standards and strengthen community feedback mechanisms, ensuring feedback informs programme adjustments and accountability. Support knowledge management, communications, and visibility efforts, and provide technical support for partner MEL systems, reviewing reports and ensuring alignment with programme standards. Contribute to risk analysis and mitigation, focusing on data-related risks.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of relevant work experience in M&E of multi-sectoral programmes, preferably in child protection, GBV, justice, or social norms, is required with a Master's degree (or seven years with a Bachelor's). Experience developing M&E frameworks, indicators, data collection tools, and reporting systems is essential. Demonstrated ability in data analysis, report preparation, and translating findings into actionable recommendations is required. Experience working with government ministries, NGOs, or community-based partners, and proven experience in capacity building are necessary. Experience managing evaluations or assessments is also required.

Skills

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL), Data Analysis, Data Visualization, Capacity Building, Knowledge Management, Program Development, Research, Stakeholder Engagement, Digital Data Systems, Statistical Analysis.

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