Експерт/ка з моніторингу і оцінки

NIRAS is looking for a Short-term monitoring and evaluation expert for Swiss-Ukrainian Ukraine’s Cohesion and Regional Development project.

Duration of assignment: 23.03.-28.04.2023, 25 work days

Location: Home-based

Expected start date: 23d of March 2023

Description of the assignment context

The Ukraine’s Cohesion and Regional Development (UCORD) is a Swiss-Ukrainian project implemented by NIRAS Sweden AB with the support of Switzerland.

The overall goal of the project is that citizens, businesses and public authorities contribute to and equally benefit from effective and coherent regional development that fosters improved quality of life, resilience, peace and social cohesion in Ukraine.

The project consists of three components: 1) Support to Regional Development Agencies, 2) Improved public services delivery with a focus on environment, 3) Social cohesion through culture.

In accordance with the project document, the monitoring and evaluation of UCORD results should be performed based on its results framework (RF). The RF informs the project’s objective, outcomes, outputs and activities with a set of monitoring indicators, baselines and targets to achieve successful project’s results. UCORD has also initiated  drafting monitoring, evaluation and learning (PMEL) plan which must describe what will be measured (results at output and outcome levels, indicators and baseline values), when and how data will be collected/analysed, and by whom.

To finalise the developed PMEL plan, UCORD requests the services of a qualified monitoring, evaluation and learning (M&E) expert in order to check the consistency and correctness of formulation of the UCORD monitoring indicators definitions, measurements and timing.

Assignment

Based on the results framework, UCORD initiated  drafting PMEL plan that suggests approaches for establishment of a RF baseline. It also informs the indicators definitions, timing for their measurement as well as mechanisms for defining a baseline and target indicators, including through the questionnaires in Survey Monkey or using any other tool.

The expert will report to the Acting Team Leader of the project and Project Manager.

Specific tasks

It is expected that the contracted M&E expert will:

1. Review the UCORD’s results framework and finalise a UCORD PMEL plan with the help of proposed documentation.
2. Review the developed questionaries for Survey Monkey (or any other tool) for already predefined indicators.
3. In consultation with the UCORD team, finalise the draft PMEL plan considering the following approach for each indicator:

• formulating what each indicator measures in particular using the PMEL best practice
• defining an indicator (i.e. providing additional explanations and clarifications for the formulated indicator, both qualitative and quantitative)
• advising on practical implementation of each indicator (what are the situations/cases under which an indicator is counted)
• recommending the possible sources of data collection and how it is analysed.

4. Establish a system for proper collection, verification, and analysis of data as well as reporting on targets to be achieved.
5. Design necessary surveys for relevant indicators, advising on the types of to-be-conducted surveys and revising survey questions to facilitate proper data collection.
6. Develop and carry out a workshop for UCORD staff to discuss and obtain feedback on proposed PMEL plan, system for data collection, monitoring and reporting and surveys design.
7. Update and finalise the UCORD PMEL plan based on the feedback obtained during the workshop.

 Expected outputs

1. A detailed work plan to guide the delivery of the requested services with clear deadlines.
2. UCORD PMEL plan that provides basis for UCORD’s PMEL system.
3. Data collecting and reporting approach as part of the UCORD’s PMEL system.
4. Conducted workshop for UCORD staff to develop shared understanding of the PMEL approaches.
5. Designed surveys for the required indicators with questions developed. 

The above-mentioned outputs should take into account the key project’s principles of good governance, gender equality and leaving no one behind.

Qualifications:

• At least 7 years’ experience in monitoring, evaluation and learning.
• At least 5 years’ of experience in working with international development cooperation projects. Previous experience of working with Swiss development cooperation projects is considered as an advantage.
• University degree, minimum Bachelor level or higher, in economics, statistics or other relevant topics.
• Proven record in working with results frameworks, theory of change, baselines.
• Proven record in working with development and conducting surveys and evaluation of progress of achievement of project results.
• Advanced training skills.
• Excellent analytical, communication, reporting and interpersonal skills.
• Self-organisation and good time management.
• Excellent knowledge of Ukrainian and English is a must.
• Knowledge of decentralisation, regional development and social cohesion sectors would be an asset.

Evaluation of response & selection

Interested applicants should send their proposals to NIRAS no later than March 18th, 2023 9 a.m. Kyiv time.

Applicants must be independent and free from conflicts of interest in the responsibilities defined by the Terms of Reference.

The proposal should contain the following documents:

1. a) A short explanation of the applicant’s suitability for the assignment (maximum one A4-page)
2. b) Up-to-date CV indicating relevant experience and qualifications, indicating at least three contact references.

The proposal should be submitted in English.

The monitoring and evaluation expert will be selected based on the expert’s competence and suitability – based on the requirements described above. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted to be followed by an interview with selection panel.

Proposals and questions should be sent by email to: [email protected]