Senior Monitoring & Evaluation Assistant

Deadline for Applications

June 21, 2026

Grade

GS5

Staff Member / Affiliate Type

General Service

Reason

Temporary > Temporary Assignment/ Appointment

Hardship Level

A (least hardship)

Family Type

Family

Residential location (if applicable)

Target Start Date

2026-04-01

Target End Date

2026-12-31

Standard Job Description

Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Assistant

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

The Senior Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Assistant assists with the generation and use of rigorous, credible evidence on UNHCR’s results and the situation of the people we serve for the purposes of planning, results reporting and advocacy. S/he supports consistency in monitoring methodologies, assists coordination of evaluations and the use of assessment and monitoring data for decision-making.

The Senior M&E Assistant supports the Planning Coordinator and Results Managers and collaborates closely with Information Management colleagues in operations. S/he works closely with Monitoring colleagues and Evaluation colleagues in the Regional Bureau and Headquarters, as well as DIMA colleagues and Economists in the Regional Bureau. The incumbent works with the operation’s multi-functional team (MFT), ensuring support to and effective participation of relevant stakeholders during the Plan for, Get and Show phases of UNHCR’s results-based management cycle and operations’ multi-year strategy.

Externally, as directed by the supervisor, the incumbent engages with individuals with whom UNHCR works and represents UNHCR on M&E-related matters, e.g. UNCT Technical M&E working group, and counterparts in other organizations or at the working level in national governments, such as national statistics offices.

The incumbent reports to a Monitoring & Evaluation Officer.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR’s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties

• Assist in the development of multi-year M&E plans as part of the multi-year strategy, leveraging integrated M&E tools and approaches.
• Assist Results Managers in selecting and developing relevant indicators and related monitoring activities and support systematic documentation of methodology, calculation and use to enhance data-driven decision-making.
• Assist in the coordination of key primary data collection exercises such as assessments, implementation monitoring and results monitoring activities including Results Monitoring Surveys (RMS).
• Support participatory approaches to assessment, monitoring, evaluation and reporting and evaluation by promoting engagement of communities and partners.
• Assist development of coherent M&E frameworks, tools and practices by coordinating with stakeholders across donor-driven and multi-partner initiatives.
• Support preparation of advice to management on evaluation needs, and contribute to quality assurance of country-level evaluations, ensuring alignment with UNHCR’s Evaluation Policy.
• Facilitate communication between country operations and regional or HQ evaluation teams during global or regional evaluations.
• Compile, organize, and maintain an evidence base of primary and secondary data to support evaluations and reporting.
• Assist preparation of joint review and analysis to translate data into actionable insights to support senior management and the MFT in effective data use for evidence-based programming, reporting, and advocacy.
• Assist in design and delivery of M&E training and learning initiatives for UNHCR staff and partners.
• Ensure that monitoring and evaluation processes comply with UNHCR’s policies (UNHCR Policy on Planning for, Getting and Showing Results, UNHCR/HCP/2023/05, and the UNHCR Evaluation Policy, UNHCR/HCP/2022/03), procedures and guidance (including the Programme Handbook), as well as ethical considerations, data protection standards, and applicable UN regulations and rules.
• Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
• Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Years of Experience / Degree Level

For G5 - 2 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 1 year relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher

Field(s) of Education

Not applicable.

Certificates and/or Licenses

HCR Results_Based Management; Research and Evaluation Methods;

(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience

Essential

Experience in planning and implementing, monitoring systems and managing and/or conducting independent evaluation in United Nations system in international development and/or humanitarian contexts. Experience in setting up monitoring systems and rolling out M&E frameworks that form part of and align with corporate results-based management. Experience in cordinating a variety of internal and external stakeholders in a cross-cultural professional environment.

Desirable

Demonstrated experience in collaborating with UN development or humanitarian actors, frameworks and coordinating mechanisms. Experience in working with Government and institutions. Experience in data management and statistics, including surveys and indicator management. Experience with organisational change processes. Experience with UN programming. Experience in strategic planning processes and in coordinating and drafting strategies and plans, in particular on protection and solutions, advocacy, or partnership building.

Functional Skills

EL-Monitoring and Evaluation;

PG-Results-Based Management;

PG-UNHCR's Programmes;

EL-Evaluation design and methodologies;

PG-Surveying and data collection methodologies and practices;

DM-Data Collection and Analysis;

PG-RBM tools (theory of change, results frameworks);

PM-Project Monitoring;

TR-Facilitation - Virtual and face to face;

EL-Partnership with government and other partners in monitoring and evaluation projects;

(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements

For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.

For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.

For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

Competency Requirements

All jobs at UNHCR require six core competencies and may also require managerial competencies and/or cross-functional competencies. The six core competencies are listed below.

Core Competencies

Accountability

Communication

Organizational Awareness

Teamwork & Collaboration

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Client & Result Orientation

Managerial Competencies

Not specified.

Cross-Functional Competencies

Analytical Thinking

Change Capability and Adaptability

Planning and Organizing

All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination, and abuse of power.

As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

Desired Candidate Profile

DESIRABLE PROFILE:

Through the EU HOPE contribution, UNHCR will continue supporting the Government of Costa Rica, in particular the competent asylum authorities, to reinforce the fairness, efficiency, and integrity of the asylum system. The contribution enables the provision of technical assistance on legal and policy frameworks, institutional and operational capacity-building, digitalization and case management, as well as enhanced coordination among relevant ministries and institutions at both central and local levels.

The Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Assistant, G5, position is a mandatory requirement under the EU’s HOPE contribution framework. The role constitutes a core component of the project’s implementation structure. It must be maintained for the entire 36-month project duration to ensure effective monitoring, oversight, and delivery of project objectives.

The Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Assistant, G5, will be responsible for supporting data collection, analysis, and reporting to track project progress, assessing impact, and ensuring accountability to stakeholders.

Essential:

• Demonstrated knowledge of Results_Based Management; Research and Evaluation Methods;

• Experience in planning and implementing monitoring systems and rolling out the Monitoring & Evaluation framework;

Desirable:

• Administration, Social Science, Data Science, Economics, or related field;

• Minimum 3 years of previous job experience relevant to the function;

• Completion of UNHCR Learning Programmes or specific training relevant to the function of the position;

• Demonstrated experience in programme management, Theory of Change, and related processes;

• Experience in programme management training and capacity building activities;

• Computer skills (in MS Office), including advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, data management, etc.).

ELIGIBILITY:

Candidates must be Costa Rican or have a valid work permit, be present in Costa Rica at the time of application, recruitment and hiring.

In accordance with the Recruitment and Assignment Policy (RAP), Special Measures, CORES resources, and DHR clarifications, when a GS or NPO vacancy is advertised, candidates are released to the hiring manager for consideration in tiers. The progression through tiers must follow an orderly and inclusive process, with justification required at each stage:

Tier 1 – Internal Candidates and those eligible for Consideration on a Preferred Basis (CoPB):

• Staff holding FTA or Indefinite appointments within the same category (GS or NPO), serving in the country, one grade below or above the post (RAP para 94).

• Candidates eligible for CoPB (RAP paras 94, 97–98): these must be reviewed as a priority.

• GS staff applying more than one grade below in the GS category will still be considered Tier 1 if they enjoy CoPB.

• NPO staff applying more than one grade below in the NPO category will still be considered Tier 1 if they enjoy CoPB.

• GS staff applying to more than one grade lower positions in the GS category within the same country (max 2 grades below).

• NPO staff applying to more than one grade lower positions in the NPO category within the same country (max 2 grades below).

Tier 2 – Former Staff (due to post abolition under special measures):

• Local FTA/IND contract holders whose posts were abolished due to structural changes, and who were separated as of 01 January 2025 (last working day 31 December 2024) are eligible to apply as Tier 2 candidates to the local categories. Eligibility to work in a specific country to be verified by the office.

• Current NPO staff whose positions were discontinued and who are applying for GS vacancies will be released together with Former Staff

• Other types of former staff members are considered candidates with UNHCR experience for any location. Eligibility to work in a specific country to be verified by the office.

• Eligibility period for application: May 2025 – June 2026 vacancies.

Tier 3 – Candidates with UNHCR Experience:

• Current (at the time of application) Temporary Appointment holders, affiliates (UNOPS, UNV etc.) and interns .

• Former UNHCR staff members (GS / NPO) who held an indefinite or fixed-term appointment (within two years of separation for males and five years females) who don’t fall under Tier 2 prioritized former staff category can apply as Tier 3 candidates to all GS or NPO vacancies for any location as long as they have the right to work in that country (this has to be verified by the office).

• NPOs applying to GS positions in the same country or vice versa.

• Current P staff with FTA applying from other countries / operations to GS / NPO positions in their home country or if they have the right to work in that country.

• Current GS or NPO staff with FTA applying from other countries / operations to GS / NPO positions to a country / operation where they have the right to work and if they their positions is scheduled for discontinuation (otherwise considered as externals)

• GS staff applying to two grades higher positions in the GS category within the same country.

• NPO staff applying to two grades higher positions in the NPO category within the same country.

Tier 4 – External Candidates:

• All other candidates who are not in the above groups.

• Normally not applicable under the May 2025–June 2026 interim framework unless the external advertisement was approved.

• Former International staff will be considered External when applying for local positions.

• Former TA/AWF will be considered External when applying for any positions/category.

• GS / NPO staff applying to more than two grades lower positions in their category within the same country.

UNHCR’s workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, and opinions. We seek to sustain and strengthen this diversity and to ensure equal opportunities, as well as an inclusive working environment, for our entire workforce. Joining us means living, sharing and promoting these core values of inclusion, diversity, and gender equality.

All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.

UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training or any other fees).

Applicants are required to include their full work experience history, with all requested details, as this information will be used as the basis for determining the final salary offer.

At the United Nations, we are committed to the inclusion and participation of all people. If you have special needs or require assistance to apply, please contact cossarrhh@unhcr.org

Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit for a test and/or interview. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified. No late applications will be accepted.

Functional Clearance

This position doesn't require a functional clearance

Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level)

,

,

Desired languages

Spanish

,

English

,

Additional Qualifications

Skills

DM-Data Collection and Analysis, EL-Evaluation design and methodologies, EL-Monitoring and Evaluation, EL-Partnership with government and other partners in monitoring and evaluation projects, PG-RBM tools (theory of change, results frameworks), PG-Results-Based Management, PG-Surveying and data collection methodologies and practices, PG-UNHCR's Programmes, PM-Project Monitoring, TR-Facilitation - Virtual and face to face

Education

Certifications

HCR Results_Based Management - UNHCR, Research and Evaluation Methods - Other

Work Experience

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