Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor (Vulnerability and Resilience Analysis)

Background Information – Myanmar

UNOPS Myanmar is one of UNOPS’ leading offices in Asia, acting as fund manager for three of the largest development programmes in the country, namely the Access to Health Fund, the Livelihood and Food Security Fund (LIFT) and the Joint Peace Fund (JPF). In addition, UNOPS is Principal Recipient for the Global Fund in Myanmar and for the Global Fund’s regional artemisinin-resistance initiative towards elimination of Malaria, which works to accelerate progress towards malaria elimination in the greater Mekong sub-region. UNOPS provides procurement, infrastructure and project management services to a wide range of organisations in the country, including the international development partners, other UN agencies, NGOs and INGOs. UNOPS plays a critical role in ensuring that the quality of services provided to its partners meets stringent requirements of speed, efficiency and cost effectiveness.

Background Information – Job-specific

The Livelihoods and Food Security Fund (LIFT established in 2009 with the overall aim of reducing by half the number of people living in poverty in Myanmar. LIFT has received funding from altogether 16 international donors since it was established. The current donors are the UK, the EU, Australia, Switzerland, the US, Canada, Ireland and Norway.

LIFT aims to strengthen the resilience and sustainable livelihoods of poor households by helping people to reach their full economic potential. This is achieved through increasing incomes, improving the nutrition of women and children, and decreasing vulnerabilities to shocks, stresses and adverse trends. To date, over 12.8 million people in 77 per cent of Myanmar’s townships have benefitted from LIFT’s programmes.

In the last two years (2020, 21), Myanmar has experienced major crises linked to the Covid-19 pandemic and the February 2021 military takeover of government. Both, and more specifically the latter has contributed to a rapidly deteriorating socio-economic and political situation leading to decreased livelihood opportunities, increased vulnerabilities as well as an overall decline in basic service provisioning. It is now estimated that 40-50 per cent of the population are living in poverty (compared to 25 per cent in 2017). As part of its initial response to the twin crises, LIFT adapted its interventions with a view to mitigating the impact of the crises on the livelihoods of its beneficiaries and target groups in general. Subsequently, LIFT embarked on a comprehensive review of its 4th strategy with a view to aligning it with the prevailing realities in Myanmar. This process has culminated to a broader LIFT reset strategy (2022-23) geared towards addressing programming challenges in a rapidly evolving conflict context characterised predominantly by humanitarian needs.
Purpose and Scope of Assignment

LIFT conducts annual household surveys, which serves as the primary tool for reporting on LIFT’s impact indicators. The survey also provides a broad overview of socio-economic and nutrition related developments in LIFT core program areas as well as in financial inclusion areas. The covers all LIFT thematic areas including nutrition, income, livelihoods, financial inclusion and agriculture.

The refreshed LIFT strategy has retained its focus on strengthening the resilience of the people of Myanmar through its work on livelihoods, food security and nutrition. LIFT’s purpose is to strengthen the resilience and sustainable livelihoods of poor and vulnerable groups in Myanmar, particularly in the rural areas. LIFT’s contribution to its goal and purpose will be measured through three impact-level outcomes one of which specifically focuses on “Reducing vulnerability of households and individuals to shocks, stresses and risks”. In order to measure this outcome; LIFT has incorporated two closely related impact level indicators as indicated below:

1. 1-3.2 % and # of people whose resilience has been improved and ability to cope increased (Resilience index)

2. 1-3.3 % and # of households in LIFT areas categorised as vulnerable (Vulnerability Index)

LIFT’s approach to measurement of vulnerability is based on the ‘umbrella’ model, developed by LIFT in 2010 to measure vulnerability in Myanmar. This model collects data on ten indicators (dependency, debt, expenditure, livelihood diversity, food security, water & sanitation, health, social capital and decision-making) and calculates relative vulnerability for each of the ten factors based on standard deviation from the population mean. Overall vulnerability at household level is based on having three or more of the ten factors classified as ‘vulnerable’ – which is defined for each factor as having a score less than one standard deviation below the population average for that factor/indicator. Previous studies on vulnerability have been based on the above model and LIFT is keen to adopt the same approach in measuring the above indicators.

Likewise, the resilience index, developed and utilized for the 2015 and 2017 household surveys, use the balance of coping measures as a proxy for trends in overall coping behaviour, tending towards more investive (positive) behaviour, versus actions which are likely to undermine longer term coping capacity.

The purpose of this position is to provide technical support to LIFT in measurement and capturing changes in vulnerability and resilience levels of households in LIFT implementation areas based on the two indicators listed above. Measurement for the two indicators will be based on data from LIFT household survey/s. The consultancy would also entail working with the LIFT team to review the current model for measuring vulnerability and propose potential alternative approaches for use in the subsequent surveys to be undertaken in future.

Functional competencies

Under the overall supervision of the UNOPS/LIFT Fund Director, the direct supervision of the LIFT M&E team lead, and in accordance with UNOPS policies, procedures and practices, the M&E Advisor will perform the following tasks:

1. Review household survey training approaches and tools to ensure that appropriate guidance and information for resilience and vulnerability indicators is incorporated.

2. Provide support during the training of enumerators as would be required to ensure data collection teams have adequate understanding of questions pertaining to vulnerability and resilience.

3. Provide technical guidance on the types of analyses required to measure the two indicators on resilience and vulnerability. This will mainly entail reviewing the data output tables to ensure that all the required variables for measuring the two indicators have been accurately defined.

4. Build capacity of LIFT M&E Officers in utilising the existing model for vulnerability analysis and potentially, other existing models that LIFT may consider utilising for future analysis of vulnerability data.

5. Conduct analyses of data and generate the resilience and vulnerability indices.

6. Analyse data and prepare report/s on the changes in vulnerability and resilience based on household survey data, periodic evaluations data by LIFT IPs and other humanitarian multi-sector needs assessment that may be undertaken by LIFT from time to time. With regard to the LIFT household survey, the reports will also draw upon the findings of the qualitative component of the survey which may be undertaken as the context permits.

7. Review the efficacy of the current model for measuring vulnerability with a view to identifying any adjustments that may be required to enhance its robustness. The review process would also focus on other existing models for measuring vulnerability with a view to proposing potential alternative approaches that may be simpler but robust in measuring vulnerability.

8. Advise on the efficacy of the current LIFT tools for collecting data on vulnerability and resilience in a largely conflict context in Myanmar that is characterised by rapidly changing humanitarian needs and multiple displacements.

9. Provide support as may be requested from time to time in the design of rapid assessments and surveys to assess humanitarian needs and program performance.

10. Provide support as may be required from time to time in the analysis and reporting of livelihoods, vulnerability and resilience related indicators

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• A Master’s degree in statistics, econometrics, economics, agricultural economics, sociology or any other related field of study is required. PhD preferred but not required.

• A First-Level University Degree (Bachelor’s) in combination with 2 years of significant relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Technical Experience/Other essential qualifications

• A minimum of 7 years of experience in conducting vulnerability analysis using different methodologies and approaches, and based on large data sets is required.

• Previous experience in undertaking similar analyses for LIFT will be an added advantage. Strong Excel, SAS, STATA, or R programming skills is highly preferred.

• Knowledge of weighting of various sampling and data collection designs would be an asset.

• Familiarity with survey research literature, methods, and processes is highly preferred.

• Experience in designing large scale surveys for livelihoods, agriculture, and nutrition and food security programs would be great assets.

• Excellent writing and data analytical skills are required.

• Willingness to undertake regular field visits in difficult conditions is required.

Language

• Fluency in both written and spoken English is required.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.**(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)**

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: ICA (Individual Contractor Agreement)
Contract level: ICS11 – International – Specialist ICA, Level I-ICA 3 (Retainer) Home based with mission travel to Yangon, including field support
Contract duration: 2 years (150 working days per year)

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization – UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.
Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Background Information – UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.