About this role
Tiered Approach
In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:
- Tier 0 : UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
- Tier 1 : Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
- Tier 2 : UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
- Tier 3 or no tier indicated : All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates
Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.
Background
General Assembly Resolution 2186 (XXI) decided to “bring into operations the United Nations Capital Development Fund as an organ of the General Assembly which shall function as an autonomous organization of the United Nations. The UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) assists developing countries, especially least developing countries, in the development of their economies by supplementing existing sources of capital assistance by means of grants, loans, and guarantees. UNCDFs vision is to help mobilize and catalyze an increase of capital flows for SDG impactful investments to Member States to address the most pressing development challenges facing vulnerable communities in these countries and thereby contribute to sustainable economic growth and equitable prosperity.
As a Flagship Catalytic Blended Financing platform of the UN, UNCDF utilizes its unique capability in the UN system to deploy grants, loans and guarantees to crowd-in finance for the scaling of development impact. UNCDF focuses on where the needs are greatest, a deliberate focus and capability rooted in UNCDF’s unique investment mandate to support the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the realization of the Doha Programme of Action for the least developed countries, 2022–2031.
As per its Strategic Framework, UNCDF works to deploy its functions as a hybrid development organization and development finance institution. UNCDF responds to Member States requests for assistance by providing targeted technical and financial advisory services on investments for development outcomes, designing bespoke financial structuring solutions, undertaking financial derisking of investments, and enhancing investment readiness of SDG aligned projects in partnership with private sector, UNOs, International and Local Finance Institutions, Development Finance Institutions as well as Foundations and Philanthropy, among others. UNCDF works to develop local financial systems, new markets and mobilize and crowd in capital from public and private sources. UNCDF is driven by a partnership mindset which enables it to deploy its different capital capabilities in highly tailored and responsive ways in order to mobilize investments flows from other sources, in particular from the private sector. By structuring transactions which are highly impactful, but also recognize the need for multiplying the impact of its own capital, UNCDF seeks to position itself as a preferred partner for different stakeholders. UNCDF’s work is focused on three priority areas, including:
• SME Finance
• Sub-National Finance
• Digital Finance
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 an Executive Board comprised of UN Member States.
Duties and Responsibilities
The incumbent is expected to provide monitoring, evaluation, accountability, reporting and learning (MEAL) coordination and oversight support for the projects in the Pacific, including the EU-funded Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund (SPBCF) project, among others. The position will lead MEAL functions across projects implementation in the Pacific islands, including results monitoring, reporting, knowledge management and learning activities.
Under the direct supervision of the Regional Investment Specialist for the Pacific and with matrix reporting and as part of the wider PMSU or IMVL unit (for Asia Pacific in Bangkok) as well as close collaboration with programme, investment and operations colleagues, the MEAL Officer will support the implementation of monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning (MEAL) activities in the Pacific.
1. Leads the development and implementation of MEAL strategy and systems
- Lead in the planning, preparation and management of MEAL strategies and associated activities conducted for Pacific investment projects and programmes.
- Promote MEAL standards in line with UNCDF requirements, ensuring quality assurance/control across programme results frameworks and investment and programme reporting systems.
- Provide technical support during programme design and setup to ensure clearly defined Theories of Change (TOCs), indicators, results based measurement frameworks and baselines to facilitate effective monitoring and evaluation of investments transactions and other programmes. Act as focal point in the region for integration of AI and investment portfolio and market based analytical software systems.
- Support the development and execution of MEAL investments and programme workplans, including internal monitoring activities, assessments and evaluations.
- Periodically review and update MEAL systems and tools in coordination with implementing partners, programme teams and country offices.
- Oversee data collection processes, including data quality control, validation and results measurement for programme- and investment level and portfolio reporting.
- Lead the drafting and consolidation of MEAL‑related inputs for quarterly, semi‑annual and annual programme reports.
- Support coordination of independent evaluations, spot checks and investment monitoring including for example tracking of management responses and implementation of recommendations from evaluations, reviews and monitoring reports.
- Collaborate with UN agencies, MDBs/ DFIs and other investors, government counterparts, donors, NGOs and other stakeholders on MEAL related issues at national and regional levels.
2. Provide implementation support and guidance on compliance regarding results, partnerships and reporting
- Provide technical guidance to programme teams on compliance with UNCDF corporate MEAL, results based management and reporting requirements (including for example Integrated Results Resource Management Framework IRRM, Environmental Social and Governance Safeguards and market assessments, and impact outcome reporting and verification).
- Support programmes and partners in the application of results based management principles, reporting formats and monitoring requirements. Support the integration and coordination of MEAL requirements within investment and other partnership agreements and implementation arrangements.
- Support investment pipeline tracking, deal sourcing and results monitoring systems to ensure alignment between implementation progress and intended outcomes.
- Monitor partner reporting compliance, including results data submission, progress reports and supporting documentation and market impacts and investment trends.
3. Ensure effective MEAL data management, reporting and results communication
- Maintain, and use and update investment and project databases including Quantum, Quantum Plus investment and project management databases, dashboards and tracking systems with specific reference to Pacific projects.
- Ensure timely collection, consolidation and validation of programme and investment level data across Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.
- Support preparation of donor reports, internal reports and results dashboards using accurate, verified and quality assured data.
- Track programme performance against indicators, targets and milestones, including environmental, social and economic outcomes.
- Support development of data visualisation products and summary reports to inform management decision making.
- Apply artificial intelligence, large language models and other AI tools to support data analysis, portfolio monitoring, knowledge extraction, visualization and evidence-based decision-making, in shared systems and data repositories with appropriate attention to data quality, responsible AI use, privacy and human oversight.
- Support continuous improvement of MEAL systems, tools and data quality assurance processes. Ensure proper documentation, archiving and retrieval of MEAL data, reports and supporting evidence.
4. Facilitate knowledge building, learning and sharing
- Support the development and implementation of UNCDF’s learning agenda with specific reference to Pacific.
- Identify learning and knowledge generation opportunities linked to organizational learning agenda, programming and investments and ensure systematic feedback of outcomes and results, implementation experience and stakeholder needs.
- Track learning activities and document progress, challenges and recommendations to inform adaptive management.
- Where required, support the engagement and management of external consultants contributing to evaluations, impact verification assessments and learning products.
- Promote synergies and collaboration across UNCDF Pacific programmes and with external partners working on blue economy, climate, insurance, digital and investment related initiatives.
- Act as a focal point for investment intelligence, data and lesson learned in the Pacific, including acting as a focal point for artificial intelligence, investment data analytics and dashboard development, supporting its mainstreaming in the region.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Institutional Arrangement
The MEALs officer will carry out relevant duties under the guidance and direct supervision of the Regional Investment Specialist for the Pacific. The officer will be also coordinate with the wider Impact Measurement Verification and Learning (IMVL) and PMSU units at UNCDF (located in the Asia Pacific in Bangkok) as appropriate. The function will also closely collaborate with programme, investment and operations colleagues with specific reference to Pacific.
Competencies
Core Competencies - UNDP Core Competencies can be found here .
Achieve Results:
LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
Think Innovatively:
LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
Learn Continuously:
LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
Adapt with Agility:
LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
Act with Determination:
LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
Engage and Partner:
LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
Enable Diversity and Inclusion:
LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies
Thematic Area
Name
Definition
Business
Management
Results-based
Management
Ability to manage the implementation of strategies, programmes, and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results. Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools.
Business Management
Monitoring and Evaluation
Ability to systematically monitor results of strategies, programmes, and activities with a view to make sure that they are being implemented effectively; Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback and reporting on the consistency or discrepancy between planned activities and programme management and results.
Ability to make independent judgment of the management and results of strategies, programmes and activities based on set criteria and benchmark, keeping in mind the needs and concerns of client, current and upcoming.
Knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, concepts, methodologies, systems, processes, and tools. Ability to make an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.
Business Development Management
Knowledge Generation
Ability to research information and to turn it into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches. Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations.
Communications
Marketing research and data
analysis
Ability to create actionable marketing intelligence based on primary and secondary research and data analysis
Digital
Data storytelling and
communications
Skilled in building a narrative around a set of data and its accompanying visualizations to help convey the meaning of that data in a powerful and compelling fashion
Business Management
Working with evidence and data
Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions and supporting decision-making
2030 Agenda:
SDG Finance: Partnerships
SDG Investment Project Pipelines
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Advanced University degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Social Sciences, Public Administration, Business Management or relevant related field is required. OR
- A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the above fields in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree
Experience:
- Minimum of 2 years (with master’s degree) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience with Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning for development programmes within international organizations and/or investment and/or development finance or related funds.
Required skills and competencies:
- Proven experience in the design, monitoring, and evaluation of private sector development projects.
- Previous experience in financial inclusion and women economic empowerment
- Previous experience in designing research, assessment and survey
- Demonstrated experience in developing and maintaining portfolio monitoring systems and interactive data dashboards, including data analytics and AI capabilities with preference for investments or development finance projects.
Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section:
- Experience of working with international/donor agency, multilateral development banks, development finance institutions, investment funds is an asset;
- Project implementation experience with an international development organization is an asset;
- Experience of using statistical software programmes;
- Proven Knowledge of internationally recognised development finance, impact measurement and responsible investment standards, including the OECD DAC Blended Finance Principles and Guidance, ESG principles and approaches to measuring development impact, investment additionality and private-capital mobilisation, is preferred.
- Experience with market system development approach or DCED standards, is desirable.
- Experience with Power BI or equivalent business-intelligence/data-visualization tools is highly desirable.
- Affinity and experience with the usage of AI tools for MEAL, market and investment intelligence, is highly desirable.
Required Language(s):
- Written and spoken fluency in English and Knowledge of iTaukei and/or Hindi is required
Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.
Right to select multiple candidates
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Use of AI by candidates
Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection
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