Research and Evaluation Officer

Job Title: Research and Evaluation Officer

Organization: United Nations Volunteers (UNV)

Host entity: UNICEF

Assignment country: India

Expected start date: 30/10/2023

Sustainable Development Goal: 4. Quality education

Volunteer category: National UN Volunteer Specialist

Type: Onsite

Duration: 12 months (with possibility of extension)

Number of assignments: 1

Duty stations: New Delhi

Details

Mission and objectives

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations. UNICEF India, under the broader UN Sustainable Development Framework, is committed in its continued support to the Government in the development of Indian children. Our goal is to enable every child born in India to have the best start in life, to thrive and to develop to her or his full potential. UNICEF has been present in India for 74 years. UNICEFs key strength lies in our evidence-based technical expertise that informs policy action and implementation, along with building the capacity of partners. With some 450 staff members working in 17 states that together cover 90 per cent of India’s child population - largest field presence among UN agencies – we are well positioned to reach the country’s most vulnerable children.

Context

UNICEF is committed to the central role of research, monitoring and evaluation in results-based management, and continually seeks to strengthen the evidence function with a view to supporting programming. While furthering accountability towards governments, donors and other partners, research and evaluation can yield lessons that will further enhance UNICEF’s contribution to development and the lives of children across the world. In accordance with UNICEF’s decentralized structure, most evidence activities are conducted at country and regional levels. Under its new Country Programme 2023-2027, UNICEF has prioritized ‘evidence, data and knowledge management’ as a key change strategy to achieve its programmatic goals and ultimately results for children. A newly established ‘Evidence for Children’ Section has been formed, which is responsible for providing strategic leadership, technical oversight and support for all of UNICEF India’s evidence activities. In addition, the office has a national-level governance mechanism - Plan for Research, Integrated Monitoring and Evaluation (PRIME) - that exists to ensure that the evidence generation activities (evaluations, research and studies) that are undertaken at UNICEF ICO are prioritized, strategically aligned, is of the best possible quality, and are used effectively to improve policies and programmes for women and children. Currently a team consists of the Chief of Evidence, the Research & Evaluation Specialist, the Statistics and Monitoring Specialist, the KM Specialist, all supported by a Programme Assistant. The Research & Evaluation Specialist is responsible for ensure adherence for all evidence activities to global UNICEF policies and India-specific Standard Operating Procedure for PRIME. Two Research & Evaluation consultants support the team, specifically with respect to managing and quality assuring the evaluations UNICEF India is undertaking, which are governed by a more stringent process and set of policies. In order to ensure that the afore mentioned Research & Evaluation (R&E) team is sufficiently resourced to undertake all the tasks on the work plan for 2023-2024, we are looking for an additional team member – Research & Evaluation Officer – to join. The role will be to generally support the team on the specific research, studies and evaluations that are being undertaken; however, a key expectation of the Research & Evaluation Officer is to take initiative on evidence desk reviews, technical review of studies and research products, and supporting capacity development initiatives, convening events, etc. These are activities the current team has limited bandwidth to engage in, but are critical to achieve the vision UNICEF India has set out for itself over the next 2 years.

Task description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Research & Evaluation Specialist or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Research & Evaluation Officer will: • Support in the review of key documents and deliverables for research, studies and evaluations, as requested by the Research & Evaluation Specialist, such as the Terms of Reference, inception report, piloting reports, data collection reports, draft final reports. • Conduct quick desk reviews of existing evidence around certain topics, as required, and producing knowledge briefs. Support institutional learning/effectiveness exercises such as lessons learned reviews. • Undertake background reviews and produce notes around key research organizations/institutions in the UNICEF India ecosystem, to support in partnership building • Write and design knowledge management products based on completed evidence activities undertaken by UNICEF India • Support in organizing internal capacity development webinars/seminars/trainings and external facing evidence events • Any other tasks as deemed appropriate by the Research & Evaluation Specialist based on interest and need. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities: • Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Provide annual and end of assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities. • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible. Results/expected outputs: As an active UNICEF team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNICEF and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: • Quality and dissemination of evidence, supported by the Research & Evaluation team, is improved; evidence is more relevant, accessible, evidence products are more engaging and appealing; • Internal knowledge sharing and capacity around evidence generation, supported by the Research & Evaluation team, is improved; webinars/seminars, training sessions, resources are accessible, engaging and useful; • External knowledge sharing and partnership building around evidence, supported by the Research & Evaluation team, is improved. For the NUNV, the expected results from working with the UNICEF India R&E team are: • Knowledge of the key development and evidence issues related to children in India o Improved technical research and evaluation skills, through learning by doing o Improved design and knowledge management skills, through learning by doing; • Strong knowledge of the policies, processes, guidelines and norms that guide evidence generation at UNICEF globally and specifically at UNICEF India; • Strong understanding of how evidence can be used for advocacy and to influence decision making, for the well-being of children and their families o Building a network internally with UNICEF India programme staff, as well as externally, with research organizations/institutions in India (and internationally).

Eligibility criteria

Age

27 - 80

Nationality

Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.

Requirements

Required experience

3 years of experience in research and/or evaluation projects (as part of paid or voluntary engagements); • Solid knowledge of different research and evaluation designs (through education and/or experience); • Basic skills in both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis • Familiarity with UNICEF programming areas, such as Health, Nutrition, Child Protection, WASH, Education, Disaster Risk Reduction, Gender, etc. ; • Has previous experience organizing events, knowledge webinars, capacity building seminars, training sessions, etc.; • Excellent written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; • Familiarity with results-based management principles and tools is a plus; • Highly organized, self-motivated and dedicated individual, who hold him/herself to a high standard; • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including academia, implementing partners and government • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; • High motivation to proactively learn new skills that complement the skill-set of the wider Research & Evaluation Team.

Area(s) of expertise

Development programmes

Driving license

-

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Required Hindi, Level: Fluent, Desirable

Required education level

Master degree or equivalent in Social Sciences or other relevant areas e.g. public health; a specific module in research methods as part of the Master’s degree is highly desirable.

Competencies and values

• Professionalism: technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNICEF procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNICEF in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNICEF’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Other information

Living conditions and remarks

New Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region is a large and bustling metropolis of some 14 million people undergoing rapid changes. The capital city is an administrative, cultural and commercial center with modern amenities and well connected by air. It is a safe place with large expatriate community drawn from embassies, UN agencies, MNCs and foreign businesses. It has short moderate winter and long hot summer. As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. This position is based in New Delhi. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan. National UN Volunteers are expected to be culturally sensitive and adjust to the prevailing culture and traditions. The contract lasts for the period indicated above with possibility of extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectation of renewal of the assignment. The applicable Volunteer Living Allowance is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses. Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included (health insurance for up to 3 dependents - except for UN Community Volunteers), as well as final repatriation (if applicable). You can check full entitlements at https://app.unv.org/calculator. For information specific to your assignment please see below: • Voluntary Living Allowance (VLA): INR 50,604.24 per month • Entry lump sum (one-time payment): USD 400 (equivalent in INR) • Relocation costs (both ways @ USD 200 at the beginning and end of assignment, if duty station is outside of commuting distance) • Exit allowance (paid on successful completion of the assignment): 1 VLA / 12 Months • Medical and life insurance Cigna Private Insurance • Access to UNV Learning Portal for Online Courses Leave entitlements: • Annual leave: 2.5 days accrued per calendar month • Certified sick leave: 30 days • Uncertified sick leave: 7 days • Learning leave: 10 working days per consecutive 12 months • Maternity leave: 16 weeks • Paternity leaves: 10 days In addition to duty station specific vaccine requirements, appointments 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 appointment. It does not apply to UN Volunteers 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 contracts. UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for UN Volunteers with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process and afterwards in your assignment.

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Reasonable accommodation

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for UN Volunteers with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process and afterwards in your assignment.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

In addition to duty station-specific vaccine requirements, appointments 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 appointment. It does not apply to UN Volunteers 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 contracts.

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