Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Officer - GEF Small Grants Programme
Organizational Context
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) aims to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities globally. The UNDP Multi-Country Office in Samoa supports Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa, and Tokelau, focusing on environment, climate change, and resilience. It collaborates with governments, donors, civil society, and communities to deliver development solutions aligned with the 2030 Agenda. The GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) within this office provides grants to local organizations for environmental benefits and community resilience.
Job Purpose
The Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Officer will support the GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) Coordination Team in Samoa. This role is crucial for ensuring the effective implementation and impact of SGP-funded projects, which focus on environmental benefits, sustainable livelihoods, and community resilience. The officer will work closely with the SGP National Coordinator, UNDP team, National Steering Committee, grantees, and government counterparts. The primary contribution will be to strengthen the monitoring, evaluation, and learning processes, ensuring data quality, facilitating adaptive management, and supporting capacity development for grantees and partners.
Responsibilities
The MEL Officer will be responsible for maintaining and updating the GEF SGP portfolio's M&E framework, results framework, and monitoring plans, ensuring alignment with project documents and UNDP requirements. This includes supporting the National Coordinator in monitoring grant implementation, identifying challenges, and reviewing grantee reports for quality and consistency. The role involves establishing data collection tools, conducting field verification, and analyzing portfolio data to generate evidence-based insights for reporting. The officer will also support M&E-related reporting, prepare for evaluations, and manage a digital M&E repository. Furthermore, the position entails identifying and documenting lessons learned, facilitating learning sessions, and developing analytical products like briefs and case studies. Capacity support to grantees on M&E, reporting, and learning, including developing user-friendly tools and promoting participatory approaches, is also a key responsibility. The role requires facilitating information flow among stakeholders and contributing to training sessions.
Work Experience
A minimum of three years of relevant professional experience in monitoring, evaluation, results-based management, or programme management is required. Demonstrated experience in developing M&E frameworks, implementing data collection systems, and analyzing quantitative/qualitative data is essential. Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including NGOs and community-based organizations, is preferred. Experience in environmental initiatives or community development is advantageous. Proficiency in standard office software and data management tools is necessary.
Skills
Key competencies include accountability, planning and organizing, professionalism, adaptability, flexibility, communication, teamwork, results orientation, and self-management. A commitment to inclusion, gender equality, disability inclusion, and volunteerism is expected. Expertise in community development, energy, economics, poverty reduction, and livelihoods is desirable.