Programme and Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Specialist

1. Programme Management & Implementation:

• Programme Management refers to the planning, execution, and oversight of a project or initiative. In this context, it’s about managing health programs related to HIV, TB, and Malaria.
• Implementation is the process of putting these plans into action—making sure activities are carried out as planned.

2. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E):

• Monitoring involves tracking the progress of the program to ensure it’s on schedule and staying within budget.
• Evaluation means assessing the program’s effectiveness, impact, and outcomes—whether the goals are being achieved.

3. Global Fund (GF):https://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/23616

• The Global Fund is an international organization that provides funding to fight diseases like HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria worldwide. It works with partners like UNDP to manage health programs in countries.

4. Sub-Recipients (SRs):@vacancyspaces.com

• These are organizations or groups that receive funds from the main recipient (like UNDP) to carry out specific activities under a program. The SRs are typically responsible for implementing parts of the program at the local or regional level.

5. Capacity Building:

• This refers to strengthening the skills, abilities, and resources of individuals or organizations so they can effectively carry out tasks or handle challenges. In this role, it means training and supporting the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to improve their ability to manage health programs.

6. Logistical Frameworks & Theory of Change:

• Logical Framework (LogFrame) is a planning and management tool used to clarify program goals, activities, and outcomes. It helps to set clear objectives and indicators for success.
• Theory of Change is a detailed explanation of how a program is expected to bring about change. It outlines the steps or assumptions leading from actions to outcomes.

7. GESI (Gender Equality and Social Inclusion):

• GESI refers to ensuring that marginalized or vulnerable groups, such as women, people with disabilities, or ethnic minorities, have equal access to services and opportunities. This principle must be integrated throughout the program, ensuring fairness and inclusion in health interventions.

8. Risk Management:

• Identifying, assessing, and planning for risks (like delays or issues in program implementation) to ensure that the program stays on track. It’s about finding ways to prevent problems or reduce their impact if they occur.

9. Stakeholders:

• Stakeholders are people or organizations involved or impacted by the program, such as government bodies, NGOs, communities, and funding agencies. Effective collaboration with these groups is key to the program’s success.

10. Financial & Narrative Reports:

• Narrative Reports explain the activities, results, and challenges faced during the program, often submitted to donors.
• Financial Reports provide details on how the program funds are being used, ensuring accountability and transparency.

11. Data Collection & Visualization Tools:

• These are methods and software used to gather, analyze, and present data. Tools like SPSS, STATA, R, Tableau, and Excel help process and visualize data, making it easier to track the program’s progress.

12. Compliance & Donor Requirements:

• Compliance means following all the rules, regulations, and expectations set by funding agencies (like the Global Fund) to ensure the program is operating correctly.
• Donor Requirements are the specific expectations and conditions that need to be met by the program to continue receiving funding.

If you need further clarification on any of these terms or want to know more about the role, feel free to ask!

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I can break down many of the key terms and concepts from the job description in more detail, but to cover over 3000 words in this format would be quite long. Instead, I will elaborate on the most important sections and provide more comprehensive explanations of the tasks, responsibilities, and technical terms. Here’s a more in-depth look:

1. Programme & M&E Specialist Role:

The role of the Programme & M&E Specialist is crucial for ensuring the successful implementation of large-scale health programs, especially those related to HIV, TB, and Malaria. This involves not only coordinating the day-to-day operations but also monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the interventions being carried out. You’ll be responsible for ensuring that resources are used efficiently, that all partners are collaborating smoothly, and that the objectives of the program are met within the agreed timeline and budget.

2. Programme Management:

• Programme Management refers to the organization and administration of all activities, resources, and stakeholders involved in a specific program. It’s a more strategic oversight function that ensures all aspects of the program are running according to plan.
  • Planning: The first step in program management is creating detailed programme implementation plans. These plans should reflect the overall objectives of the program and the required resources, timeline, and partnerships necessary to achieve them.
  • Budgeting: A key part of programme management is creating and managing budgets. The Programme Specialist ensures that the available funds are allocated efficiently, tracking expenditures, making adjustments, and managing any financial challenges.
  • Execution: The daily coordination of activities is where the Programme Specialist’s leadership skills come into play. They work closely with local partners, such as governmental bodies and NGOs, to ensure tasks are carried out as planned.

3. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E):

• Monitoring and Evaluation are essential processes for assessing the performance and success of any program.
  • Monitoring: In the context of health programs, monitoring means tracking the ongoing activities to ensure they are happening according to the pre-established plans. This involves assessing things like progress toward targets, checking milestones, and ensuring that activities stay on schedule.
  • Evaluation: Evaluation focuses on assessing the outcomes and impacts of the program once the activities have been completed. This involves analyzing whether the program achieved its objectives and the long-term impact on the health outcomes for the target populations.
• M&E involves both quantitative (numerical data) and qualitative (descriptive data) analysis. You will likely be responsible for using various software tools to collect, analyze, and visualize the data, which helps to improve decision-making and ensure accountability to donors, stakeholders, and the public.
• In large health programs like the ones focused on HIV, TB, and Malaria, M&E is critical for identifying bottlenecks or challenges in the implementation process. This can include things like delays in supplies, lack of trained personnel, or issues with community engagement. M&E helps to adjust the program as needed to stay on track.

4. Global Fund (GF) and Its Role:

• The Global Fund is a major international financing organization that focuses on funding health programs aimed at combating diseases like HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria.
  • The Global Fund raises money from donor countries and organizations and then allocates these funds to countries to implement health initiatives. UNDP acts as one of the Principal Recipients of the funds for specific countries, ensuring that the funds are used appropriately and that the programs meet their targets.
  • Being a part of GF funded projects requires understanding the Global Fund’s rules, regulations, and compliance frameworks. These include detailed reporting requirements, the need to provide evidence of progress toward goals, and ensuring that all funds are spent as intended.

5. Sub-Recipients (SRs):

• Sub-recipients are organizations or entities that receive part of the funding from the principal recipient (such as UNDP) to implement specific activities under the broader program. They might be local NGOs, government entities, or community-based organizations.
  • The Programme & M&E Specialist ensures that these SRs are properly managed, that their reports are accurate, and that they are meeting the required standards set by the donor (e.g., the Global Fund).
  • This includes overseeing capacity building for SRs to ensure they can manage their responsibilities effectively. For example, SRs may need training on data collection, financial management, or specific health-related topics.

6. Capacity Building:

• Capacity building is about strengthening the ability of individuals or organizations to perform tasks or functions more effectively. In the health program context, this could include:
  • Training government officials, local health workers, or SRs on best practices in health service delivery, M&E, or data management.
  • Providing technical support to help partners implement health programs more efficiently.
  • Developing and refining tools and systems for data management, monitoring, and reporting.
• The Programme Specialist plays a key role in identifying gaps in skills or resources and designing appropriate training and support plans.

7. GESI (Gender Equality and Social Inclusion):

• GESI refers to ensuring that all interventions are inclusive and equitable, particularly for marginalized or underserved populations.
  • In the context of a health program, GESI might involve tailoring services to better meet the needs of vulnerable groups such as women, children, people with disabilities, and ethnic minorities.
  • The Programme Specialist ensures that all program activities are gender-sensitive, that they provide equal access to services, and that they are designed to avoid any form of discrimination.
  • For example, a health program may need to ensure that healthcare facilities are accessible to people with disabilities or that health campaigns are culturally appropriate for different groups in society.

8. Risk Management:

• Every program faces potential risks—from delays in implementation to external political or economic factors that can derail progress.
  • Risk management involves identifying potential risks, assessing their likelihood and impact, and developing strategies to mitigate them. This could involve setting up contingency plans or working with partners to address challenges early.
  • In this role, you will need to regularly assess program risks, such as potential delays in procurement, shortages of health supplies, or issues with data quality, and ensure these are addressed proactively.

9. Financial Management:

• Managing a program’s budget is a critical aspect of the role. You will be responsible for ensuring that financial resources are used efficiently and in line with the donor’s requirements.
  • This involves tracking expenditures, ensuring there are no budget overruns, and making sure financial reports are accurate and timely.
  • Budget revisions might be required if the program’s scope or timeline changes, and these revisions need to be approved by both the donor and UNDP management.

10. Stakeholder Management:

• The Programme Specialist works closely with various stakeholders, including:
  • Government bodies like the Ministry of Health, National TB Control Program, National HIV/AIDS Programs, and provincial health departments.
  • Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), and local health service providers.
  • Donors such as the Global Fund, international agencies, and local government entities.
  • A key part of this role is ensuring that all these groups are kept informed, that any issues are addressed, and that the program remains aligned with the overall objectives.

11. Data Analysis & Reporting:

• As part of M&E, the role involves analyzing a wide variety of data, both qualitative and quantitative. For example:
  • Quantitative data could include numbers of people treated for TB, HIV testing rates, or malaria cases detected.
  • Qualitative data might include feedback from patients, healthcare workers, or community leaders on the effectiveness of health services.
• You will also be responsible for creating dashboards, reports, and visualizations that help stakeholders understand how the program is performing, what challenges are emerging, and what actions need to be taken.

12. Compliance & Reporting:

• One of the most important aspects of the Programme & M&E Specialist role is ensuring that all activities comply with both the donor’s requirements (such as the Global Fund) and UNDP’s internal policies.
• This includes ensuring that all reports are submitted on time, both financial and programmatic, and that they adhere to the required formats and standards.
• Audit processes may also be required to verify that the funds are being spent properly and that the program is meeting its targets.

Conclusion:

The Programme & M&E Specialist plays a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the program by overseeing its implementation, monitoring its progress, evaluating its impact, and managing relationships with stakeholders. This role requires a blend of strategic thinking, technical expertise in M&E, and strong leadership to ensure the health interventions effectively combat diseases like HIV, TB, and malaria while fostering inclusivity and fairness.

Let me know if you’d like to dive deeper into any of these areas or have further questions!

Job Title: Programme and Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Specialist

This job title refers to a professional responsible for overseeing, managing, and evaluating health-related programs, particularly those funded by global organizations such as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (GF). The primary responsibilities revolve around ensuring the effective implementation of these programs and ensuring that all activities are monitored and evaluated to track performance, outcomes, and impacts.

Programme Specialist

As a Programme Specialist, the role focuses on:

• Programme Planning and Execution: You will be responsible for the design and management of health programs, ensuring that these align with the goals and objectives of international funding agencies such as the Global Fund. This may involve developing programmatic strategies, work plans, and timelines that ensure the project moves smoothly from one stage to the next.
• Budgeting and Resource Allocation: Part of the programme management is ensuring that the program has the resources it needs. This may include creating budgets, monitoring expenditures, and ensuring that funds are used according to the goals of the program.
• Stakeholder Coordination: The Programme Specialist will often coordinate between various stakeholders involved in the program, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other health-related entities. These collaborations are critical for ensuring the success of the program in various regions.
• Technical Expertise: The role requires in-depth knowledge of the specific health issues addressed by the program, such as HIV, Tuberculosis (TB), and Malaria. The Programme Specialist may be called upon to offer technical input into the development of program guidelines, strategies, and implementation tools.

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialist

As an M&E Specialist, the role extends beyond program planning to include systematic tracking and assessment of the program’s progress. Some of the M&E responsibilities include:

• Developing and Implementing M&E Frameworks: An essential aspect of the role is to design a monitoring and evaluation framework that tracks key performance indicators (KPIs) for the program, including programmatic outcomes such as reduced incidences of diseases like TB or Malaria.
• Data Collection and Analysis: The M&E Specialist ensures the proper collection of qualitative and quantitative data through surveys, field visits, interviews, and collaboration with sub-recipients and implementing partners. This data helps to measure program impact and identify any areas of improvement.
• Reporting: Regular reports are required to communicate program progress to donors, stakeholders, and internal teams. These reports not only capture the ongoing status of the program but also include assessments of whether the program is meeting its targets and the effectiveness of the interventions.
• Evaluation of Programme Effectiveness: This includes performing in-depth analyses of the program’s impact on local communities, health outcomes, and whether the intended goals are being met. This process will also include mid-term evaluations, final program evaluations, and creating lessons learned to improve future interventions.
• Continuous Improvement: By conducting data-driven assessments, the M&E Specialist can identify potential gaps or risks in the program. Based on this, they will recommend necessary adjustments to the program’s implementation to improve outcomes or address challenges.

Additional Responsibilities

In addition to the above, the Programme and M&E Specialist will also be involved in a wide range of cross-functional activities:

• Capacity Building: Training and building the capacity of national health officials, local NGOs, and other implementing partners is a key function. This can include training on health data management, reporting standards, and developing tools for monitoring health outcomes.
• Risk Management: The job requires identifying and mitigating risks related to the program’s implementation, including financial, operational, and logistical risks.
• Gender and Social Inclusion (GESI): Ensuring that the program integrates gender equality and social inclusion is crucial. The program specialist must ensure that health services are accessible to marginalized groups, including gender and sexual minorities, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations.
• Collaboration with Stakeholders: Working closely with other partners in the health and development sector, including the UNDP, governmental agencies, community organizations, and private sector partners.

Skills and Expertise

The role demands a unique set of skills to ensure the effective management of complex health programs. These include:

• Programme Management Skills: Strong ability to manage large-scale programs, including budgeting, resource allocation, and stakeholder management.
• M&E Expertise: Ability to design and implement M&E systems, analyze data, and develop reports that inform decision-making.
• Technical Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of global health issues, particularly those related to HIV, TB, and Malaria.
• Cross-Cultural Communication: Ability to work in diverse settings and with different cultures, ensuring that health interventions are appropriate and sustainable in the local context.
• Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Ability to address issues that may arise during program implementation, whether related to budgeting, partnerships, or logistical challenges.
• Leadership and Mentorship: Ability to lead and guide teams and partners, ensuring the effective execution of activities and the professional development of team members.

Required Qualifications

• Educational Background: A Master’s degree in Public Health, International Relations/Development, Social Sciences, or a related field is required. A Bachelor’s degree with extensive experience is also considered.
• Experience: A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in program management and M&E, ideally in the health or development sector, is required. Experience working with donor-funded programs, particularly those funded by the Global Fund, is highly valued.
• Languages: Fluency in English and Nepali is required, as communication with local stakeholders and international partners will be essential.

Conclusion

The Programme and M&E Specialist position at UNDP is critical for ensuring the successful implementation and monitoring of global health programs. The role combines technical expertise in health program management with specialized knowledge in M&E to ensure that the programs achieve their objectives and that resources are used efficiently. This position demands a high level of collaboration, communication, and strategic thinking, as it involves working with a wide range of stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, local communities, and international donors. Furthermore, the integration of gender equality, social inclusion, and human rights is fundamental to the role, ensuring that the programs benefit all populations equitably.