National Consultancy for the Development of the Zamfara State Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Policy and Framework at United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF)

Job Title: National Consultancy for the Development of the Zamfara State Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Policy and Framework

Background:

Zamfara State is committed to achieving sustainable development through the implementation of its State Development Plan (SDP). However, challenges such as fragmented monitoring systems, insufficient institutional capacity, and weak data management hinder the state’s ability to track progress and achieve set objectives.

To address these gaps, Zamfara aims to develop an M&E Policy that builds on the National M&E Policy while being adapted to its specific needs. Additionally, a robust M&E framework for the SDP will be developed to ensure that government priorities are effectively monitored, evaluated, and aligned with local and national development targets, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The integration of an interactive M&E dashboard is critical for enhancing real-time data tracking, reporting, and decision-making, providing a clear linkage between policy goals, activities, and measurable outcomes

How can you make a difference? 

Zamfara State seeks to institutionalize a robust Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) system as a critical driver for evidence-based decision-making and sustainable development. To achieve this, the state government, in collaboration with UNICEF, is initiating the development of a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Policy that aligns with and domesticates the National M&E Policy. In addition to this policy, the state intends to develop an interactive dashboard for real-time data tracking and usability and a comprehensive M&E framework to support the effective monitoring of the State Development Plan (SDP). This Terms of Reference (ToR) provides details on the recruitment of an experienced consultant to lead the development of the M&E Policy, the SDP M&E Framework, and the associated deliverables.

Scope of Work:

The consultant will:

1. Review the National M&E Policy, Zamfara State Development Plan, and other relevant documents.

2. Review the situational analysis and MESA of the current M&E environment in Zamfara, including capacity gaps and institutional arrangements.

3. Engage with stakeholders across government ministries, LGAs, development partners, and civil society to gather input for the policy and framework.

4. Develop a domesticated M&E Policy for Zamfara State.

5. Draft an M&E framework for the State Development Plan, including key performance indicators (KPIs) and data collection methodologies.

6. Design an interactive M&E dashboard for tracking SDP implementation and other key development indicators.

7. Support the pilot testing, training and mentoring on the use and features of the dashboard.

8. Facilitate validation workshops for the draft policy, framework, and dashboard.

9. Develop a roadmap for implementing the policy and framework, including training along the lines of M&E, result based writing and risk management.

If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here:  Terms of Reference M&E Consultant.docx

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required: 

1. Advanced degree in M&E, Public Policy, Statistics, or related fields.

2. At least 8 years of experience in developing M&E policies and frameworks.

3. Expertise in designing interactive dashboards and data visualization tools.

4. Proven experience in conducting stakeholder engagement and facilitating workshops.

5. Strong knowledge of Nigeria’s governance and development context, particularly Zamfara State.

6. Excellent analytical, communication, and report writing skills. 

For every Child, you demonstrate… 

UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS). 

To view our competency framework, please visit  here. 

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

Remarks:  

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. 

Applicants must submit their financial and technical proposals along with this application. Applications without these will not be considered. Use this form to provide your financial proposal. 

 All-Inclusive Financial Proposal Form-Current.docx

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws. 

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts. 

Application Instructions:

The application deadline is on Jan 02, 2025. Therefore, qualified and interested candidates can “CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT APPLICATION” It is important to visit the official website (link found below) for detailed information on how to apply successfully for this vacancy.

Official Job Website: https://jobs.unicef.org/