MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• As the regional lead for planning, monitoring and evaluation work, this position has overall responsibility for MEL function in the region and the quality of MEL outputs in the regional portfolio. He/she will participate in the region’s management team to contribute to steering the performance and assurance of the programme and portfolio of projects implemented in the region and ensuring quality in the design and development of the portfolio.
• He/she will also lead the regional implementation of institutional MEL policies, practices and systems in the region. As a focal point for the PPME function, this position is expected to liaise with the global PPME Unit (and regional leads in portfolio/programme management, HR, Finance, Legal, and IT) to collaboratively build the Secretariat’s MEL capabilities in the region with regards to relevant policies, processes, practices and systems.
• This position provides subject matter expertise in MEL to support programme and projects implemented in the region from design to closure. She/he will provide functional line management to MEL officers, contribute to the recruitment, onboarding and training of MEL officers, and will manage project evaluations.
• This position will report to and work closely with the Regional Director and will support the development and implementation of the regional portfolio of projects.

SPECIFIC DUTIES;

• Regional portfolio performance management;
• Lead, coordinate and assure the performance management functions in the region, specifically:
• Planning, monitoring and reporting;
• Coordinate regional input from project and programme managers to institutional Annual Cycle of planning, monitoring and reporting (for both unrestricted and restricted funding).
• Develop and implement regional performance measurement framework, aligned to Secretariat performance framework.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of regional performance criteria to steer a strategic and effective portfolio (pipeline management).
• Track, monitor and evaluate regional project portfolio implementation in the IUCN Programme and Project Portal and through any tools used in the region (e.g. Smartsheet).
• Evaluation and learning;
• Develop and ensure adequacy of regional evaluation framework in consultation with the Regional Programme Coordinator (or equivalent) and maintain the register of evaluations.
• Support project and programme evaluations, including advise on evaluation ToRs and evaluation management, ensure projects comply with the IUCN Monitoring and Evaluation Policy requirements for evaluation.
• Facilitate learning across the portfolio by applying international best practices to enable adaptive management and organisational learning and participating in regional and global exchanges.
• Support resource mobilization efforts for MEL in the region, through the provision of subject-matter expertise on MEL requirements, and by ensuring projects are designed with performance frameworks, meet ESMS standards, and budget appropriately for MEL staff time and activities (implementation of the project costing framework.
• Institutional performance management standards applied in the region;
• In collaboration with the IPME Unit at Headquarters, implement Secretariat MEL policies, practices and systems in the region, specifically:
• Institutional annual cycle (planning, monitoring and reporting)
• Project Guidelines and Standards (PGS), including Project Appraisal and Approval System (PAAS)
• Programme and Project Portal (project data forms and project workflows that control project status)
• Enterprise Risks Management Policy and internal control framework
• Evaluation Policy
• Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS): oversee ESMS quality assurance, supported by the ESMS Coordinator at HQ.
• Guide regional implementation of policies and standards for MEL, ensuring policy understanding of managers and providing a control and quality assurance role.
• Provide subject matter expertise and serve as the focal point in the region for the function, by briefing, training, and coaching project managers and project MEL officers to effectively implement the policies and practices.
• Provide project assurance through;
• Manage evaluations for projects including facilitating appropriate feedback on draft reports, compliance with the IUCN Evaluation Policy, and facilitating the preparation of management responses.
• Lead and participate in project supervision missions.
• Advocate for and facilitate the proactive use of MEL information in decision-making and adaptive management across the portfolio.
• Share lessons, provide advice, raise issues, and identify current or emerging risks to the implementation of the policies and controls – with both PPME Unit and the Regional Director.
• Supervise and build capacity for project MEL;
• To enhance project management for results delivery, supervise project MEL officers and support project managers with MEL and risk management:
• Coordinate, advise and ensure consistent application of institutional project management standards.
• Contribute to the recruitment, hiring and onboarding of new project MEL officers.
• Provide direct reporting line management to project MEL officers. Provide functional line management to regional project managers for project MEL.
• Brief, train and coach project staff on MEL. Occasionally lead MEL work for projects (max 25% of the role, with a view to decrease this).
• IUCN standards and expectations for MEL within projects include;
• Development of the MEL components of the project proposal aligned to IUCN Programme and indicators (theory of change, results framework, e.g. logframe, and budget for MEL activities and staff time).
• Development and timely implementation of the project MEL plan.
• Reporting to donors against project results framework and indicators.
• Institutional reporting against IUCN indicators.
• Facilitating adaptive management and learning throughout the project.
• Finalizing and closing projects according to IUCN requirements.
• Plan for required independent project evaluations, including contributing to ToR development and evaluation management when required.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

REQUIREMENTS

• Master’s degree or higher in environmental studies, biodiversity conservation, natural resource management, planning, management or social sciences, economics, public policy or management engineering, or a related subject matter, business administration, etc.
• At least 8 years of experience in programme and project performance management, with specific experience required in MEL of at least 5 years.
• Proven experience with the implementation of institutional performance and assurance approaches and systems.
• Knowledge of the application of environmental and social safeguards, working experience in this area a plus.
• Demonstrated experience in results measurement methods and management in conservation, development or other relevant sectors.
• Demonstrated experience designing, implementing and managing complex, multi-country, multi-partner and multi-sectors projects in conservation, development or other relevant sectors in the region.
• Experience with leading bilateral and multilateral donor funded projects is an asset.
• Excellent organization and communication skills with a proven ability to engage across levels of an organization and across geographies.
• Experience with change management and the people skills to build a culture of accountability and learning.
• Excellent group facilitation skills and experience with application of monitoring and evaluation methodologies
• Ability to deliver analytical reports to facilitate management decision-making.