M&E Associate

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to tackle the injustices of poverty, inequality, and climate change on a global scale. Working with our broad network of experts, host governments, and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. UNDP has been working in Afghanistan for more than 50 years on climate change and resilience, gender, governance, health, livelihoods, and rule of law. Following the power shift in August 2021, the situation for the country remains largely uncertain and fragile, with approximately seventy percent of the population facing multifaceted vulnerabilities affecting their well-being, human security, and long-term development while nearly a third of the population are estimated to be acutely food insecure. Over the recent years, international assistance has played a vital role in averting a socioeconomic collapse by providing lifesaving, resilience-building and livelihoods-sustaining assistance to millions of people, hundreds of critical healthcare and educational centers, and tens of thousands of small and medium enterprises, often owned and managed by women. Nevertheless, the humanitarian challenge in Afghanistan is one of the biggest in the world, and basic human needs and priorities remain extremely high. In 2024, 95 percent of households experienced at least one shock of an economic or natural disaster nature such as floods, droughts, and others. To help tackle the pressing challenges for enduring livelihoods and climate resilience, UNDP is designing fit-for-purpose portfolios of programs to create new livelihoods, income opportunities, basic services and to build resilience against climate-induced natural calamities that continue to haunt millions of households in the country. Afghanistan remains one of the most gender-unequal countries in the world, with women facing systemic challenges hindering their access to education and employment opportunities in the public sector and restricting their participation in public life. UNDP remains committed to women's empowerment through capacity-building initiatives, livelihoods, and self-employment/employment support, enhancing gender-responsive decision-making at community level, and supporting local communities to include women, in line with UNSCR 1325 (Women, Peace, and Security).

The assignment focuses on Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) activities within the framework of UNDP-supported project. The primary responsibilities include monitoring project progress against the established objectives, ensuring the production of progress reports that meet UNDP Country Office and Global Environment Facility (GEF) standards, and implementing project-specific M&E plans and tools. The role also extends to supporting project site M&E and learning missions, monitoring the Grievance Redress Mechanisms (GRM), and conducting site visits to validate ground-level progress. The overarching goal is to ensure quality assurance, continuous improvement, and effective reporting and learning throughout the project lifecycle.

With the delegated authority and under the supervision of Project Manager, the UN Volunteer M&E Associate will: - Monitor project progress and participate in the production of progress reports (both UNDP and GEF) ensuring that they meet the necessary reporting requirements and standards. - Ensure project’s M&E meets the requirements of the UNDP Country Office, and GEF; develop project-specific M&E tools as necessary. - Oversee and ensure the implementation of the project’s M&E plan, including periodic appraisal of the Project’s Theory of Change and Results Framework with reference to actual and potential project progress and results. - Oversee/develop/coordinate the implementation of the stakeholder engagement plan. - Oversee and guide the design of surveys/ assessments commissioned for monitoring of project results - Support mid-term and terminal evaluations of the project; including management responses. - Support annual reviews of the project and produce analytical reports from these annual reviews, including learning and other knowledge management products - Support the planning, organization, and execution of project site Monitoring and learning missions to ensure objectives are being met and opportunities for improvement are identified. - Assist in the preparation and dissemination of communication products related to M&E findings, such as newsletters, case studies, and success stories, to highlight project achievements and share best practices with stakeholders. - Support the monitoring of GRM by tracking complaints, ensuring timely follow-up, and documenting resolutions to foster transparency and accountability. - Conduct regular visits to project sites as required to assess project progress on the ground, engage with beneficiaries and stakeholders, and validate the accuracy of written progress reports. - Provide assistance in any other M&E-related activities, including data collection, analysis, and the development of project-specific M&E tools and frameworks as needed. - Contribute to the periodic review and updating of the project’s Theory of Change and Results Framework in response to new data or changing circumstances.