Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Intern

Background

Agriculture is the backbone of Malawi's economy, employing over 70% of the population and contributing significantly to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Whilst subsistence farming has been the predominant practice, there has been a growing emphasis on commercialization to unlock the sector's full potential. Commercialization entails transitioning from traditional, subsistence-oriented farming to more market-oriented, profit-driven agricultural activities in line with the Government’s Agriculture, Tourism and Mining (ATM) growth strategy. In Malawi, this transition is crucial for enhancing food security, increasing farmers' incomes, promoting rural development, and achieving broader economic growth objectives. However, achieving meaningful commercialization requires targeted interventions, supportive policies and a strong anchorage to private sector. Since 2014, UNDP has actively supported the private sector in advancing sustainable development through diverse initiatives and partnerships in the agricultural space in close collaboration with mainstream Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). 

Through close collaboration with private sector entities building on relevant past experiences, UNDP Malawi is implementing the UCHI Strengthening Agricultural Commercialization Project to provide technical expertise, resources, and networks required to effectively tackle challenges related to agricultural commercialization and generate market opportunities for smallholder farmers (SHF), advocating for market-oriented business practices and stimulating market and financial opportunities within priority value chains. 

As part of the implementation phase of the project, the UCHI Strengthening Agricultural Commercialization Project seeks the services of a Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Intern to support the project team in strengthening monitoring, evaluation, knowledge management, and learning processes in line with UNDP and donor requirements. 

The MEL Intern will support the project team in tracking progress against agreed outputs, outcomes, and planned activities, ensuring that monitoring and reporting processes contribute to the effective implementation of the UCHI Agricultural Commercialization Project. The Intern will assist with data collection, data management, reporting, and documentation of project results and lessons learned. 

The MEL Intern will work under the direct supervision of the MEL Specialist and will collaborate closely with the Project Manager, Business Development Specialists, Value Chain Specialists, and District Coordinators to support the implementation of the project’s monitoring and evaluation framework and related data management systems.

The Intern will also support coordination with the UNDP Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist at the Country Office, as required, to ensure that project monitoring processes align with UNDP monitoring, evaluation, and reporting standards. 

The role will involve supporting the use of monitoring and reporting tools, assisting with the compilation and analysis of project data, and contributing to the preparation of internal and donor reports. The Intern will also assist in documenting lessons learned, good practices, and project results to support learning and knowledge sharing within the project.

In addition, the MEL Intern will support the development and maintenance of the project master database, including compiling information on supported Farmer Organizations (FOs) and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The Intern will assist in preparing basic data summaries, tables, and visualizations for use in project reports, presentations, and knowledge products. 

Through these responsibilities, the MEL Intern will contribute to strengthening evidence-based monitoring, learning, and reporting, while gaining practical experience in monitoring and evaluation within a UNDP-supported development programme.

Duties and Responsibilities

Support the Establishment and Implementation of the UCHI-Agriculture Commercialization M&E 
Framework 

• Assisting in the development and updating of data collection tools, including digital data collection 
  tools where applicable. 
• Supporting the implementation of data collection activities, including baseline studies, routine 
  monitoring, and other project assessments. 
• Assisting in conducting Data Quality Assurance (DQA) processes, including verification and validation 
  of field data to ensure accuracy, completeness, and reliability. 
• Supporting the documentation of lessons learned and best practices from project implementation 
  activities. 
   

Develop and rollout a Knowledge Management Systems 

• Assisting in the development and maintenance of a project master database for storing and 
  managing implementation data. 
• Supporting the implementation of the project Knowledge Management Plan, including the collection 
  and documentation of knowledge products, case studies, and lessons learned. 
• Supporting the preparation of dashboards, tables, and visualizations for use in reports, 
  presentations, and knowledge products. 
• Assisting in documenting profiles and progress data of supported Farmer Organizations (FOs) and 
  Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). 
• Supporting the organization of knowledge-sharing sessions, reflection meetings, and learning events 
  among project stakeholders. 
   

Support Work planning and reporting  

• Supporting the preparation of periodic project reports, including annual progress reports. 
• Supporting the integration of monitoring indicators into project work plans and activity plans.
•  Assisting in the development and implementation of feedback mechanisms to capture inputs from 
  stakeholders and beneficiaries. 
• Assisting in tracking progress against planned activities and targets. 
   

Support Evaluation Activities: 

• Assisting in the preparation of Terms of Reference (TORs) for evaluations, studies, and assessments 
  as required. 
• Supporting the coordination of evaluation missions, including logistical arrangements and 
  stakeholder consultations. 
• Assisting in compiling relevant project documentation and data required for evaluations. 

• Supporting follow-up on evaluation recommendations and action plans.

   

Competencies

Core Competencies

Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact 

Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems

Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences 

Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands 

Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results 

Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter agency collaboration 

Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

 

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies 

Business Direction & Strategy - Strategic Thinking

• Basic ability to understand project strategies and objectives and support their implementation through monitoring and reporting activities. 
• Ability to learn from available information and contribute ideas that help improve project monitoring and learning processes. 

Business Direction & Strategy - Business Acumen 

• Basic understanding of organizational procedures and operational frameworks within UNDP. Ability to apply this understanding when supporting project monitoring, data management, and reporting tasks. 

Business Direction & Strategy - Effective Decision Making 

• Ability to exercise sound judgment within assigned responsibilities and seek guidance where necessary. Supports timely completion of assigned monitoring, data collection, and reporting tasks. 

Business Development - Integration within the UN 

• Basic understanding of the UN system and willingness to collaborate with different project teams and partners. Ability to support coordination and information sharing across project stakeholders where required. 

Business Management - Monitoring 

• Ability to support routine monitoring activities by assisting in data collection, compilation, verification, and reporting on project progress against planned activities and indicators. 

Business Management - Evaluation 

• Basic understanding of evaluation processes and ability to support evaluation activities by compiling relevant data, documentation, and background information for assessments and project reviews.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Studying towards attainment of a Bachelors degree in Monitoring and Evaluation, Economics, Applied Statistics, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Agricultural Economics, or a related field, but in final year of study

OR Possession of a Bachelor’s degree in Monitoring and Evaluation, Economics, Applied Statistics, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Agricultural Economics, or a related field, but within 1 year after graduation.

Candidates currently pursuing or recently completing a Master’s degree, within one year after graduation, in Monitoring and Evaluation, Development Studies, Economics, Statistics, or related fields will have an added advantage.

Experience:

Previous professional experience is not mandatory, but relevant experience through internships, research work, academic projects, or volunteer assignments in monitoring and evaluation, data collection, or research will be an added advantage.

Required Skills

• Basic understanding of monitoring and evaluation concepts, including indicators, data collection, and results-based management.
•  Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. 
• Basic analytical skills and ability to assist in data analysis and interpretation. 
• Ability to support documentation, reporting, and knowledge management activities. 
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Desired Skills

• Familiarity with data analysis and visualization tools such as Microsoft Excel, Power BI, or other data analysis software. 
• Experience or familiarity with digital data collection platforms such as KoboToolbox, ODK, or similar systems.

Required Languages

Fluency in English and Chichewa

 

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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