NORCAP is recruiting a Monitoring and Evaluation Coordination Officer to be based at the Ministry of Education (MoE) in Jordan. The duration of the assignment is until June 2025, and the successful candidate will be reporting to both UNESCO and MoE.

As part of the UNESCO Jordan’s “System Strengthening Partnership with the Ministry of Education in Jordan” programme (SSP), the overall objective of the assignment is to support the Ministry of Education´s internal coordination of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) activities, and effective dissemination and communication of MoE results within the context of the Education Strategic Plan implementation.

The UNESCO Jordan Office will be responsible for overseeing the roles, functions, tasks and performance evaluation of the Expert in cooperation with the MoE Head of Unit appointed to oversee the Expert’s day-to-day work. The Head of the M&E Unit will also have a supervisory and guidance role on the day-to-day work based on the MoE needs and in line with MoE/UNESCO SSP workplan. It is expected that the Expert will spend at least 70% of their time at the Ministry of Education, and the remaining 30% at the UNESCO Jordan Office.

Background:

UNESCO Jordan strives to promote education as a fundamental human right in Jordan through advocacy, policy dialogue and successful implementation of programmes and projects that support quality education for all. UNESCO’s comparative advantage is supporting Ministries and national institutions through successful collaboration to encourage and facilitate access, quality, relevance and equity in the delivery of educational services to all beneficiaries, including refugees. In line with Sustainable Development Goal 4, ensuring equal access for all women and men, girls and boys to affordable, inclusive and quality primary, secondary, technical, vocational and tertiary education, and strengthening the capacity and systems of Ministries and national institutions to achieve this ambitious goal, is the key focus of the education programme in Jordan.

As part of its broader portfolio of support in education, UNESCO Jordan is implementing the System Strengthening Partnership (SSP) programme with the Ministry of Education (MoE), through a Multi-Year Trust Fund (MPTF) with the generous funding of Canada, the Italian Agency for Development and Cooperation, Switzerland, and Norway in-kind support (through NORCAP). The SSP aims to support the MoE in strengthening evidence-based, strategic, and crisis-sensitive, policymaking, and coordination at the MoE. Through this multi-year programme, UNESCO is supporting the strengthening of the core functions of the MoE in planning and budgeting, monitoring and reporting, research and evaluation, data and information management, and coordination and partnership.
Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) is a cornerstone in managing and implementing the Ministry of Education’s Education Strategic Plan (ESP) 2018-2025 and its related activities. The MoE is committed to invest in the institutionalization of the M&E system, and to develop M&E capacities at MoE to manage and conduct M&E activities that supports data-driven and evidence-based decision-making, which in turn will help MoE to have the ability to collect, analyse and use accurate, reliable, and relevant information from various sources. To institutionalize M&E into the MoE systems, UNESCO aims to provide technical assistance to the MoE to build capacity to design, implement, coordinate, monitor, evaluate, and report on ESP implementation.
Expected outputs for the assignment include:

• Relevant MoE staff receive timely and quality day-to-day support in coordinating internal M&E activities, including in coordinating the planning and M&E activities of the ESP Technical Working Groups-TWGs (link between the Policy, Planning and Coordination Committee and the TWGs is reinforced).
• A concise, clearly articulated and tested calendar of M&E activities (detailing roles and responsibilities) is drafted, consulted, finalized and communicated to relevant stakeholders.
• Capacity of relevant MoE staff is reinforced to analyze, summarize and effectively disseminate the outcomes of a diverse range of monitoring, evaluation and reporting activities, with a focus on dissemination through more ‘accessible’ formats (e.g. infographs, policy briefs, website design and upkeep, highlighting success stories, use of social media in cooperation with the MoE media department, etc.).
• Enhanced, more consistent processes are in place for the effective sharing and public posting of ESP monitoring, evaluation and reporting products on the MoE website and other platforms, as appropriate.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Ensure an effective and productive working relationship is built and maintained with the Ministry of Education and MoE staff
• Provide high quality technical support to MoE staff in the Department of Educational Planning and Research, in coordination with and under the supervision, of the Head of Monitoring and Evaluation Unit, including (but not limited to) day-to-day support for the:
  • Development and sound functioning of internal communication, coordination and feedback systems/mechanisms (e.g. possible establishment of the M&E steering committee as per ESP) for monitoring and evaluation in order to inform programme planning and implementation. This includes reinforcing the link between the Policy, Planning and Coordination Committee and the Technical Working Groups of the ESP.
  • Preparation of high quality and timely M&E data and reports for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Timely analysis of and dissemination of analytical, M&E findings and research products with a focus on more ‘accessible’ formats to ensure sharing and learning, to both internal and external stakeholders (e.g. weekly/monthly electronic M&E bulletin for staff; design of infographs; sharing content, as appropriate, with MoE Media Directorate).
  • Preparation of communication materials highlighting MoE successes and individual success stories (at all levels).
• Support the MoE in the dissemination/awareness and implementation of the ESP M&E Framework as a follow-up step to the ESP Mid-Term Review that took place in 2021.
• Support the MoE in the customization and operationalization of the OpenEMIS Monitoring Tool to support the ESP M&E Framework.
• Together with the Head of the Monitoring and Evaluation Unit and his/her team, follow-up on the implementation of the calendar of M&E activities and products based on the M&E framework that define clear roles and responsibilities to MoE staff, and support different departments as needed in the M&E process.
• Support ESP monitoring and reporting based on the M&E calendar, and including related to the School and Directorate Development Programme (SDDP) M&E.
• Support in the process of the Education Sector Analysis (ESA)and new ESP development.
• Based on identified needs with the Head of the Monitoring and Evaluation Unit, update the existing capacity mapping, and develop /implement a capacity-building plan to support the MoE staff to enhance monitoring and evaluation activities and practices in managing and implementing the ESP.
• Participate in SSP Steering Committee meetings as a technical resource, as needed, and support the monitoring of the SSP programme as needed. Contribute to teamwork through exercising regular and clear communication with team members (e.g. participate in UNESCO Education team meetings to share updates on activities and progress), supporting with technical inputs and other contributions as needed, seeking feedback, drawing and sharing lessons learnt and best practices, as well as taking initiative and offer options to address needs and emerging challenges.
• Submit monthly reports to document the capacity development and technical support provided to the MoE, which identifies achievements, challenges and recommended way forward.

See ToR for more details.

Qualifications:

• Advanced University degree (Master of equivalent) in a relevant field of study, in particular Education, International Development, and Social Studies.
• Several years of previous work experience in the field of monitoring and evaluation, and coordination in the education sector at the national and/or sub-national level, and including in international setting.
• Excellent communication skills, in written and spoken English. Arabic is an asset.
• Experience working with national authorities or Ministry of Education staff or within UN/INGO systems in providing such support is a strong asset.
• Strong commitment and proven ability to improve education systems through knowledge transfer, effective collaboration and a strong capacity development approach.
• Previous experience in results communication with a focus on more ‘accessible’ formats (e.g. infographs, policy briefs, website design and upkeep, highlighting success stories, use of social media in cooperation with the MoE media department, etc.) is a strong asset.
• Excellent coordination, organization, and prioritization skills and the ability to manage multiple competing tasks.
• Strong team working skills and ability to take initiative and be proactive within established parameters.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in multi-cultural work environments.

What we offer

• Rewarding work for a renowned global organisation
• Access to a network of humanitarian, peace, and development professionals
• Join NORCAP’s team of experts and be considered for future assignments elsewhere
• A dedicated Staff Care Unit

How to apply

• When submitting your application, kindly register in English your full employment history and education. Please include your full name as written in your passport. Uploaded CVs alone will not be reviewed.
• NORCAP values diversity, equity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, religion or disability.
• International applicants are encouraged to apply
• NORCAP reserves the right to conduct a full background check on shortlisted candidates
• Approved Health Certificate will be required prior to contract commencement and assignment
• Feedback will be given to all applicants within four weeks after the closing of this advertisement.
• Apply before 12th November 2023,11.59PM CET