Mission and objectivesOur Mission UNCDF’s mission is to support market development by enabling entities to access finance in high-risk environments for impactful investments by deploying financial instruments, mechanisms, and advisory. In partnership with UN entities and development partners, UNCDF operates with speed and agility to deliver scalable, blended finance solutions to drive systemic change, pave the way for commercial finance, and contribute to the SDGs. Our Vision UNCDF’s vision is to mobilize and catalyze an increase in capital flows for SDG-impactful investments to Member States, especially Least Developed Countries, contributing to sustainable economic growth and equitable prosperity.
ContextFollowing a recent restructuring, UNCDF’s organizational set up includes an Investment and Implementation Division (IID), Investment and Finance Oversight Division (IFOD), Operations and Oversight Division (OOD) and a Directorate of the Executive Office. UNCDF staff and personnel are located in regional hubs based in Dakar (Senegal), Nairobi (Kenya) and Bangkok (Thailand) with sub-regional presence in a number of locations in the Caribbean and Pacific Regions. UNCDF is led by an Executive Secretary based out of New York, USA. Pursuant to General Assembly resolution 2321(XXII, para 1.a), the Administrator of the UNDP performs the function of the Managing Director of UNCDF. UNCDF is overseen by the Executive Board of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and performs the function of the Executive Board of UNCDF. Within UNCDF’s thematic are of nature and climate, the Pro-Congo project is a joint initiative by UNEP and UNCDF in partnership with the Central African Forest Initiative (CAFI) aimed at mobilizing private sector investment towards sustainable enterprises in the Congo Basin across four countries: Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Republic of Congo (RoC), Gabon, and Cameroon. The initiative seeks to contribute to catalyzing long-term transformation in the Congo Basin by integrating Nature-based Solutions (NbS) into agriculture, forestry, and energy sectors. By providing technical assistance and access to capital for MSMEs, the project supports businesses that utilize sustainable practices contributing to forest conservation, biodiversity protection, job creation, emission reductions, and sustainable economic growth. To facilitate the achievement of these objectives, UNCDF seeks to hire a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Expert to lead M&E activities of the project. The M&E Expert will also contribute to UNCDF corporate activities as required. The M&E specialist will lead on project M&E activities, and collaborate closely with project staff from UNEP and UNCDF.
Task DescriptionUnder the guidance of the Pro-Congo Project Manager, the M&E Expert will conduct the following tasks: a) Monitoring & Evaluation Framework and Methodological Guide • Develop and operationalize the projects multi-year M&E framework, along with a M&E methodological guide that will orient the work teams, experts and consultants as well as partners involved in data collection and monitoring of the project in accordance with UNCDF guidelines and CAFI's Manual of Operations, the Monitoring and Evaluation Policy and Guidelines, and Spatial Reporting Guidelines. • Update the projects Results Framework with baselines and updated data in accordance with CAFI’s requirements. • Monitor the implementation of the M&E plan and the results framework, following clear methodologies for data collection and analysis. • Develop data collection tools when required. b) Programme Monitoring • Ensure systematic tracking of programme activities, outputs, outcomes, and impacts leveraging GIS verification systems. • Oversee timely collection, management, analysis, and reporting of qualitative and quantitative data, including georeferenced spatial data. • Facilitate regular monitoring visits and reviews, coordinating closely with programme partners and stakeholders to enhance data reliability and validity. c) Evaluation and Reporting • Coordinate periodic independent verifications and evaluations in accordance with UNCDF and CAFI standards and ISO 14064 methodology, ensuring compliance with established timelines and procedures. • Liaise closely with UNEP for their reporting on their project specific outputs and associated indicators, to compile information from both organisations for quarterly, bi-annual, and annual updates. • Supporting the project manager in drafting and disseminate timely, high-quality data analysis and project progress reports including quarterly, bi-annual, and annual updates. • Coordinate collaboration with UNCDF HQ on mid-term and final joint project performance evaluation. • Provide technical input for adaptive programme management based on findings from independent verifications and evaluations. d) Capacity Building and Technical Support • Provide training and technical assistance to programme staff, partners, local enterprises, and experts in M&E methodologies, data collection tools, and best practices as per CAFI requirements. e) Data Management and Learning • Establish and maintain an effective, secure data management system capturing comprehensive programme information, including all raw and processed data from surveys and studies as per CAFI requirements. • Document lessons learned and best practices, based on an analysis of the project's results, highlighting the key success factors and challenges in implementing the project's different activities. Facilitate knowledge exchange and continuous learning among stakeholders. f) Compliance and Quality Assurance • Ensure compliance with donor and UNCDF standards, environmental and social safeguards, and fiduciary transparency. The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Competencies and valuesAchieve Results: LEVEL 2: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact Think Innovatively: LEVEL 2: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems Learn Continuously: LEVEL 2: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 2: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands Act with Determination: LEVEL 2: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results Engage and Partner: LEVEL 2: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter- agency collaboration Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 2: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity
Living conditions and remarksThe M&E Expert is expected to render services from the office in Kinshasa, DRC. Frequent travel within Central Africa (DRC, RoC, Gabon and Cameroon) for on-site data collection and monitoring visits will be required approximately once every six (6) months and will be paid for by UNCDF, in accordance with UNCDF travel policies. A separate TOR with clear deliverables, budget and timelines will be prepared and agreed prior to each field mission.