International Individual Consultancy - Strategic Planning, RBM, Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) and Reporting

 Background

The Consultant will work directly with the Director and Deputy Director at a strategic moment of the UNFPA Sub-regional Programme for the Caribbean (2022-2026) providing expert guidance in developing quality RBM frameworks in context of the development of the 8th Sub-regional programme of the Office for the Caribbean (SROC) requiring close alignment with the UN system in the Caribbean, while also ensuring follow up to recommendations coming out of the mid-term review revisions and internal audit in 2024.

The UNFPA Subregional Office for the Caribbean (SROC) is entering the final year of its current Strategic Results Plan (SRP7) and preparing for the development of SRP8, alongside key internal and external evaluations, reporting exercises, and partnership efforts. To ensure quality delivery across multiple strategic and operational streams and coordination with several UN coordination structures, the SROC requires additional technical support to manage planning, monitoring, evaluations, RBM-related training, reporting, innovation, and donor-funded programme support.
To accelerate implementation, the consultant will also provide key guidance and facilitate monitoring and tracking of results against defined targets and propose adjustments to senior management as required working in close collaboration with the SROC policy analysis and focal point for M&E.

S/he ensures adherence to results-based management (RBM) principles and standards and contributes to knowledge management and maintenance of a culture of results through a capacity strengthening approach to build sustainability. More specifically, she/he also promotes the use of the results information for adaptations.

Purpose of Consultancy
Under the supervision of the Deputy Director, the consultancy is required to provide Strategic Planning, RBM, M&E and Reporting of the Sub-regional programme for the Caribbean.

Scope of work/Main tasks and responsibilities, et al

Provide expert guidance to the SROC in monitoring & evaluation, reporting and business development by working in close collaboration with the M&E focal point for the SROC, LACRO Planning, M&E Advisor, and relevant programme staff under the overall guidance of the SROC Director and Deputy Director:

SOP on Planning and Reporting

• Finalize draft SOP structure and responsibilities matrix
• Facilitate internal consultations, consolidate feedback, and finalize the SOP
• Support orientation sessions and implementation rollout.

 Sub-regional Programme Evaluation (SRPE)

• Support the SROC evaluation manager; liaise with evaluator team and contribute to methodological design
• Review and provide feedback on inception, draft, and final reports
• Monitor timelines and support coordination with LACRO Planning, M&E Advisor and relevant stakeholders as required

MSDCF Evaluation and New Cooperation Framework (CF)

• Contribute to UN inter-agency evaluation and CF processes
• Provide inputs from UNFPA on progress, data, and priorities
• Support drafting of ToC and result frameworks for the new CF.

SRP8 Development – Strategic Dialogue and White Paper

• Coordinate expert consultations and scenario validation events
• Play key role in drafting of the SRP8 theory of change and narrative document
• Start preparing draft annexes, including result frameworks and strategic options with the information available

Partnerships and new financing leveraging data

• Support development of innovative concept notes and proposals
• Provide inputs for donor engagement aligned with strategic priorities

Audit and MTR Follow-Up

• Track implementation of audit recommendations
• Draft progress updates for LACRO and OAIS (Sept, Dec)
• Facilitate integration of MTR recommendations into planning processes

• Organize review meetings and training for Ips
• Maintain IP dashboard, database, and risk profiles
• Follow up on assurance activities and technical support for IP reporting

Annual Report

• Review 2024 Annual Report for external use
• Coordinate data and story collection in Q4 2025
• Draft and consolidate the tentative annual report (narrative and results)
• Facilitate internal review, editing, and final dissemination

Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) support

• Support Senior Management to kick-start planning of a more focused and prioritized programme for 2026, adapting to new funding realities
• Support M&E focal point to quality assure milestone reporting and tracking across quarters
• Monitor results from core activities and ensure quality assurance

Specific support with focus on non-core funded projects in Belize, Suriname and Guyana

• Provide regular inputs to Deputy Director on monitoring of 2025 activity implementation working in close collaboration with LOs, IOM and M&E focal point
• In support of donor funded programmes, support new initiatives such as design a community-level monitoring system; LMIS implementation and data tracking; and assessment of HMIS/EMIS systems
• Train national stakeholders in data use and decision-making
• Provide inputs and quality assurance of implementation and M&E of programmes funded by the Government Canada, including donor reports. Work with the M&E focal point to ensure timely donor reports.

Team coordination and support

• Support monthly planning check-ins and coaching sessions with relevant staff to strengthen RBM capacities
• Support onboarding and internal knowledge-sharing 2
• Inputs to the planning of the SROC virtual retreat by end of 2025

Expected Outputs

 Under the supervision of the Deputy Director, the consultancy is required to provide support for the M&E, reporting and strategic planning areas of the SROC.

The purpose of this consultancy is to provide technical and coordination support to:

• Finalize and roll out standard operating procedures (SOPs) on planning and reporting
• Support management and quality assurance of the SRP and MSDCF evaluations
• Contribute to scenario planning and development of the next SRP
• Provide technical input into annual and donor reporting
• Strengthen M&E capacities within UNFPA, their partners and enhance M&E systems across sub-regional programmes
• Support implementation of audit and MTR follow-up actions
• Provide planning and monitoring support to the SROC team, with focus on a new flagship project funded by the Government of Canada in Belize and Suriname.

Qualifications:

The required profile of the consultant is as follows: 

Compensation and Benefits: 
Payment of fees will be based on the delivery of outputs.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.   

Note:

• There is no application, processing or other fee at any stage of the application process. 
• UNFPA does not solicit or screen for information in respect of HIV or AIDS and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status.
• UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, respect for diversity, integrity and a healthy balance of work and life.  We are committed to maintaining our balanced gender distribution and therefore encourage women to apply.