Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist

Host entity: UNCDF

Volunteer type: International

Areas of expertise: Community development, Economics, poverty reduction, livelihoods

Application deadline: 25/09/2026

Mission and objectives

The United Nations Capital Development Fund's (UNCDF) mission is to contribute to job creation, sustain economic growth and equitable prosperity in almost 80 developing countries and nearly all Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
UNCDF does so by crowding in capital through the deployment of risk-absorbing financial instruments, mechanisms and structuring advisory. In partnership with UN entities and development partners, UNCDF operates with speed and agility to deliver scalable, blended finance solutions to drive systemic change and pave the way for commercial finance and scale up by development finance institutions and multilateral development banks.
UNCDF mobilizes and catalyzes an increase in capital flows for impactful investments in high-risk markets, especially in Least Developed Countries, Small Island Developing States and countries in special situations, contributing to job creation and sustained economic growth.

Assignment context

UNCDF’s organizational set up includes an Investment and Implementation Division (IID), Investment and Finance Oversight Division (IFOD), Operations and Oversight Division (OOD) and a Directorate of the Executive Office. UNCDF staff and personnel are located in regional hubs based in Dakar (Senegal), Nairobi (Kenya) and Bangkok (Thailand) with sub-regional presence in a number of locations in the Caribbean and Pacific Regions. UNCDF is led by an Executive Secretary based out of New York, USA. Pursuant to General Assembly resolution 2321(XXII, para 1.a), the Administrator of the UNDP performs the function of the Managing Director of UNCDF. UNCDF is overseen by an Executive Board comprised of UN Member States.
Within UNCDF’s thematic are of nature and climate, the Pro-Congo project is a joint initiative by UNEP and UNCDF in partnership with the Central African Forest Initiative (CAFI) aimed at mobilizing private sector investment towards sustainable enterprises in the Congo Basin across four countries: Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Republic of Congo (RoC), Gabon, and Cameroon. The initiative seeks to contribute to catalyzing long-term transformation in the Congo Basin by integrating Nature-based Solutions (NbS) into agriculture, forestry, and energy sectors. By providing technical assistance and access to capital for MSMEs, the project supports businesses that utilize sustainable practices contributing to forest conservation, biodiversity protection, job creation, emission reductions, and sustainable economic growth.
To facilitate the achievement of these objectives, UNCDF seeks to hire a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Expert to lead M&E activities of the project. The M&E Expert will also contribute to UNCDF corporate activities as required. The M&E specialist will lead on project M&E activities, and collaborate closely with project staff from UNEP and UNCDF.

Task description

Under the guidance of the Pro-Congo Project Manager, the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E ) Expert will conduct the following tasks:

a) Monitoring & Evaluation Framework and Methodological Guide

• Operationalize the project's multi-year M&E framework, along with the M&E methodological guide that orients work teams, experts, consultants, and investees involved in data collection and project monitoring in accordance with UNCDF guidelines and CAFI's Manual of Operations, the Monitoring and Evaluation Policy and Guidelines, and Spatial Reporting Guidelines.
• Update the project's Results Framework with baselines and updated data according to CAFI’s requirements.
• Monitor the implementation of the M&E plan and the results framework, following clear methodologies for data collection and analysis.
• Develop data collection tools when required.

b) Programme Monitoring

• Ensure systematic tracking of programme activities, outputs, outcomes, and impacts leveraging Geographic Information System (GIS ) verification systems.
• Oversee timely collection, management, analysis, and reporting of qualitative and quantitative data, including georeferenced spatial data.
• Facilitate regular monitoring visits and reviews, coordinating closely with programme partners and stakeholders to enhance data reliability and validity.

c) Evaluation and Reporting

• Coordinate periodic independent verifications and evaluations in accordance with UNCDF and CAFI standards, ensuring compliance with established timelines and procedures.
• Liaise closely with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP ) for their reporting on project-specific outputs and associated indicators, compiling information from both organisations for quarterly, bi-annual, and annual updates.
• Support the project manager in drafting and disseminating timely, high-quality data analysis and project progress reports including quarterly, bi-annual, and annual updates.
• Coordinate collaboration with UNCDF Headquarters on mid-term and final joint project performance evaluations.
• Provide technical input for adaptive programme management based on findings from independent verifications and evaluations.

d) Capacity Building and Technical Support

• Provide training and technical assistance to programme staff, partners, local enterprises, and experts in M&E methodologies, data collection tools, and best practices as per CAFI requirements.

e) Data Management and Learning

• Establish and maintain an effective, secure data management system capturing comprehensive programme information, including all raw and processed data from surveys and studies as per CAFI requirements.
• Document lessons learned and best practices based on analysis of the project's results, highlighting key success factors and challenges in implementing the project's activities. Facilitate knowledge exchange and continuous learning among stakeholders.

f) Compliance and Quality Assurance

• Ensure compliance with donor and UNCDF standards, environmental and social safeguards, and fiduciary transparency.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers (UNV) 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 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 UNCDF team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly, and high-quality support is provided to UNCDF, project partners, and beneficiaries, including:
• The multi-year M&E framework and methodological guide are operationalized for the Pro-Congo project, with clear updates to indicators, baselines, data sources, and responsibilities.
• The project Results Framework is regularly updated with reliable qualitative, quantitative, and georeferenced data in line with UNCDF and CAFI requirements.
• Programme activities, outputs, outcomes, and impacts are systematically monitored, with findings used to support evidence-based decision-making and adaptive management.
• Timely and high-quality quarterly, semi-annual, and annual progress reports are prepared through effective coordination with UNCDF, UNEP, and programme partners.
• Independent verifications, monitoring missions, and evaluations are effectively coordinated, with recommendations documented and followed up.
• A secure and well-organized project data-management system is maintained, including relevant survey, monitoring, and spatial data.
• Programme staff, partners, and supported enterprises are provided with practical guidance and capacity-building support on M&E methodologies, data collection, and reporting.
• Compliance with donor requirements, UNCDF standards, environmental and social safeguards, and fiduciary transparency is supported throughout project implementation.
• Age, Gender, and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated, and documented in all activities throughout the assignment.
• A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in, and capacities developed.

Skills and experience

Minimum 3 years of relevant work experience with a master’s degree. Minimum 5 years of relevant work experience with a bachelor's degree.

• Professional experience from the United Nations (UN), research, or international development institutions.
• Experience with designing and implementing monitoring systems, including digital data collection platforms, Geographic Information Systems (GIS ) data management, and statistical analysis software such as XIStat.
• International experience working in developing countries in Africa.
• Experience with implementing carbon projects.
• Experience with United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) rules and procedures.
• Experience working with the Central African Forest Initiative (CAFI), Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+), Global Funds, International Financial Institutions (IFIs), UNCDF, and/or another UN entity.
• Experience working with private sector actors in developing countries.

Competencies and values

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNCDF technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNCDF 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 UNCDF 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;
• Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary;
• Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNCDF’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Living conditions

Kinshasa is a family duty station with secure accommodation, supermarkets, restaurants, banking services, mobile networks and internet available, particularly in central areas. However, suitable housing and imported goods can be expensive, traffic is heavy, and electricity, water and telecommunications may be unreliable. The city has a warm tropical climate, with a rainy season from approximately October to May that can cause flooding and transport disruption. Although more stable than eastern DRC, Kinshasa’s security situation can be unpredictable, and personnel should remain vigilant, use reliable transport and follow UN security guidance. Private medical facilities are available, but serious cases may require evacuation, and malaria precautions are essential. Kinshasa offers a vibrant and rewarding environment, but living and working there requires cultural awareness, resilience, flexibility and readiness to adapt to security risks and periodic disruptions.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.