Safeguards Monitoring and Evaluation Expert

job Description

Background
South Africa is undertaking a significant digital transformation of its public sector through the Digital Transformation Roadmap called MyMzansi Roadmap. This roadmap aims to establish efficient, inclusive, and citizen-centric government services by strategically implementing Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) components, including Digital Identity, Data Exchange, Digital Payments, and Trusted Digital Channels. The success of MyMzansi is not only dependent on technological innovation but critically relies on the deliberate integration of robust safeguards to build trust, protect citizen rights, and foster an inclusive digital society.

To ensure the effective and responsible implementation of MyMzansi, there is a recognized need for a strong monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework specifically for DPI safeguards, its impact on society - what public value is being created. This framework will ensure that stakeholders are not only executing the work but are also continuously learning and adapting throughout the process. It will also establish clear, consistent reporting lines across ministries, the DSU, and donors, thereby avoiding fragmented or conflicting demands that could undermine both short- and long-term implementation.

This role will work closely with the Safeguards Researcher and Advocacy Advisor, who is tasked with contextualizing Universal DPI Safeguard principles into actionable local strategies and fostering multi-stakeholder engagement.

This role will lead the design, implementation, and oversight of an M&E framework to track the integration of safeguards (e.g., privacy, inclusion, transparency) across South Africa’s MyMzansi Digital Public Infrastructure roadmap. It requires a seasoned professional with technical M&E expertise, an understanding of digital transformation and governance, and a strong ability to synthesise evidence into actionable policy recommendations. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring that South Africa’s DPI rollout is inclusive, accountable, and aligned with the Universal DPI Safeguards Framework.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Safeguards Monitoring and Evaluation Expert will undertake the following responsibilities:
M&E Framework Development and Implementation:
Develop a comprehensive M&E framework for the DPI roadmap, including clear objectives, indicators, data collection methodologies, and reporting mechanisms.
Design and develop specific metrics and targets to measure the integration and effectiveness of safeguards across DPI components (Digital Identity, Data Exchange, Digital Payments, Trusted Digital Verifiable Credentials) and use cases such as child grants and pension
Develop and apply indicators to support evidence-based evaluation of Digital Public Goods (DPGs) and use cases.
Assist DSU to strengthen its monitoring and evaluation systems and practices and generate evidence-based feedback for project planning and policy formulation.
Equip stakeholders across ministries and the DSU with frameworks and tools that inform DPI implementation based on M&E insights.
Ensure the M&E framework is aligned with international best practices for DPI and safeguards.
Provide technical inputs on monitoring and evaluation parameters to improve planning, programming, and implementation.

Data Collection, Analysis, and Reporting:
Lead the collection, analysis, and interpretation of M&E data
Establish clear, consistent reporting lines across ministries, the DSU, and donors, ensuring alignment with both government and donor reporting requirements.
Produce regular M&E reports, dashboards, and presentations for various stakeholders, highlighting progress, challenges, and recommendations.
Analyze policy, regulatory, and legal frameworks relevant to DPI and safeguards in South Africa to inform M&E efforts.

Learning and Adaptive Management:
Facilitate learning processes and knowledge-sharing sessions to ensure stakeholders are continuously learning and adapting based on M&E findings.
Identify lessons learned and best practices related to safeguard integration, contributing to national implementation and global knowledge sharing within the broader Safeguards Initiative.
Provide feedback that can feed into departmental Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure accountability for safeguard implementation.
Work closely with the Safeguards Research and Communications Specialist to ensure M&E findings inform communications and advocacy efforts.

Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building:
Collaborate with relevant government agencies, the DSU, civil society organizations, and donor partners on M&E activities.
Support capacity building for relevant stakeholders on M&E concepts and tools related to DPI safeguards.
Contribute to fostering a "Whole-of-Government to Whole-of-Society" engagement approach by ensuring M&E findings are accessible and actionable for diverse stakeholders.

Qualifications and Experience

Education:
Master's degree (or equivalent) in Statistics, Public Policy, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field OR A Bachelor's degree with an additional two years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a Master's degree.

Experience:
Minimum of 7-8 years of progressively responsible experience in designing and implementing M&E frameworks, particularly in complex programs or projects, preferably in the digital transformation, governance, or international development sectors.
Demonstrated understanding of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) concepts and their implications for society, including the importance of safeguards.
Proven experience in developing metrics, indicators, and reporting systems.
Experience in data analysis, interpretation, and visualization.
Familiarity with Universal Safeguards or safeguard principles (e.g., privacy by design, data protection, equity) in digital systems is highly desirable.
Experience working with government entities, civil society organizations, and/or international organizations, particularly in the South African context, is highly desirable.

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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