Country: New Caledonia (France)
Closing date: 02 Nov 2016
Description
The Pacific Community is the principal scientific and technical organisation in the Pacific region, proudly supporting development since 1947. We are an international development organisation owned and governed by our 26 country and territory members. In pursuit of sustainable development to benefit Pacific people, our organisation works across more than 25 sectors. We are renowned for our knowledge and innovation in such areas as fisheries science, public health surveillance, geoscience and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.
Strategy, Performance & Learning (SPL) is a specialised unit within SPC’s Office of the Director-General. SPL has staff based at our headquarters in Noumea, as well as in our regional office in Suva. The team has the following core functions: (i) increasing development effectiveness through leading and coordinating corporate monitoring, evaluation, reporting and learning; (ii) supporting the Director-General and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) in undertaking strategic corporate initiatives, including organisational planning, organisational improvement or start-up projects; and (iii) serving as a strategic coordination point for key relationships with external stakeholders, including member countries and territories, donors and development partners.
The role– The Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (PMEL) Adviser will work closely with both SPL Noumea and Suva to provide guidance to Noumea-based technical divisions and corporate teams on SPC planning, monitoring, evaluation and learning processes and procedures. The PMEL Advisor will contribute to enhanced development effectiveness by undertaking the following tasks and responsibilities:
1.Apply analytical thinking and in-depth understanding of current and emerging approaches to PMEL at a corporate and programmatic level
• Provide high-level guidance on core principals and better practices in: development (including in SPC’s current priority areas of gender and youth), multi-sector and integrated planning and programming, and outcome development for Pacific Island countries and territories, with a particular focus on Small Island Developing States.
• Provide guidance on business planning and programme design, including explicit theories of change, and evidence-based identification of priorities based on appropriate results-based and MEL frameworks.
• Encourage a continued focus on PMEL for adaptation, programme improvement, and accountability.
2.Timely and robust reporting of results achieved against SPC’s Strategic Results Framework, and other divisional results frameworks
• Engage with divisional MEL advisers and focal points to guide consistent data collection, monitoring, synthesis and reporting, based on SPC’s performance system: Planning, Evaluation, Accountability, Reflection and Learning (PEARL).
• Update and provide guidance to the Committee of Representatives of Governments and Administrations (CRGA) on how to test, revise, improve and implement results frameworks across SPC.
• Provide members and donors with reports on the activities undertaken by, and the outcomes arising from SPC’s technical and scientific teams, to support members in meeting their development goals.
3.Support development and growth of PMEL across SPC
• Co-facilitate and participate in cross-divisional monitoring, evaluation and learning, and support integrated ways of working.
• Coordinate opportunities for staff and stakeholders to share new thinking and improved practises in PMEL – e.g. group meetings, learning events, PMEL network.
4.Develop and contribute to improved PMEL across SPC
• Facilitate technical PMEL workshops; contribute to the PMEL toolkit; develop PMEL tools, templates and guidelines.
• Promote culture of learning, adaptation and accountability.
5.Contribute to the quality and consistency of activity and outcome data across SPC
• Support the maintenance of, and improvements to, SPC’s Integrated Reporting and Information System (IRIS).
• Provide advice and guidance to divisional IRIS focal points.
• Provide IRIS and quality assurance reports for country work plans as requested.
Key selection criteria
1.Qualifications
• A bachelor’s degree in international development, public sector policy and administration, or another related programme with a focus on evaluation.
2.Technical expertise
• At least 6 years of relevant experience in monitoring, evaluation and reporting on donor/grant-funded projects or programmes, with a solid understanding of international best practises in development effectiveness.
• At least 4 years’ experience in the design or management of evaluations, and a proven ability to balance reporting requirements of funders/donors with utilising results and reports for learning and adaptation.
• Strategic thinker with well-developed analytical skills, and a keen attention to detail.
• Skills in project management and project coordination, and experience in communicating PMEL projects for development effectiveness.
• Excellent communication skills in English (written and oral).
3.Language skills
• Proficiency in English, with a working knowledge of French being an advantage.
4.Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness
• Cross-cultural skills and ability to work with team members from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Salary, terms and conditions
Required starting date– Immediate
Contract duration– 3 years
Remuneration– The Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Adviser is a band 11 position in SPC’s 2016 salary scale, with a starting salary range of SDR (special drawing rights) 3,951-4,842 per month, which converts to approximately XPF 596,104–730,607 (USD 5,491–6,730; EUR 4,955–6,122). An offer of appointment for an initial contract will be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration being given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale will be based on annual performance reviews. SPC salaries are not presently subject to income tax in New Caledonia.
How to apply: