Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

• Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
• Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
• Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
• Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

 

OFFICE/UNIT/PROJECT DESCRIPTION 

The Congo Basin, home to over 200 million hectares of tropical forest, represents one of the world’s most vital carbon sinks and biodiversity reservoirs. Sadly, the region continues to experience alarming rates of forest loss. Over one million hectares of forest is lost annually, driven by small-scale agriculture, infrastructure expansion, and unsustainable logging practices. Despite its ecological and climate significance, Central African forests receive only 11% of forest climate financing worldwide. This deforestation not only undermines global climate goals but also threatens the livelihoods of over 75 million forest-dependent communities.

On this basis, a coalition of donors – Belgium, Denmark, the European Union, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Kingdom of Norway, the Netherlands, the Republic of France, the Republic of Korea, Sweden, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.– together with Central African partner countries – Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of Cameroon, the Republic of Congo, the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, and the Republic of Gabon – have decided to enter into a collaborative partnership to establish the Central African Forest Initiative (CAFI). The CAFI Trust Fund is the principal means to implement the Central African Forest Initiative. It is administered by the MPTF-Office, that also provides the Secretariat services.

CAFI’s objective is to recognize and preserve the value of the forests in the region to mitigate climate change, reduce poverty, and contribute to sustainable development. This objective will be attained through the implementation of country-led, national scale REDD+ and Low Emissions Development (LED) investment frameworks that include policy reforms and measures to address the drivers of deforestation and forest degradation and promote sustainable development.

Payments for Environmental Services (PES) have emerged as a strategic and innovative performance-based financial instrument to incentivize conservation, enhance community resilience, and mobilize sustainable finance. PES schemes offer direct financial rewards to local actors (farmers, indigenous groups, and landowners) for maintaining or restoring ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, watershed protection, and biodiversity conservation. These voluntary contract-based arrangements have proven effective in aligning economic incentives with environmental stewardship, especially in regions where traditional conservation funding is limited.

Governments of Congo Basin countries and CAFI have designed a standardized regional PES programme and committed to scale it to address the drivers of forest loss while providing direct support to local actors. Groundbreaking digital tools tailored to the context of the Congo Basin countries have been developed to ensure unprecedented transparency, accountability, and measurable impact. PES are foreseen to become a major part of CAFI’s portfolio in the coming year.

To support this ambitious regional PES programme as well as to manage an extensive portfolio of performance-based projects following the highest standards of monitoring, reporting and transparency, CAFI has developed a groundbreaking set of digital tools, including:

1. CAFI-PES, a digital PES management system that supports large-scale performance-based implementation, evidence-based reporting and real-time management of PES projects.
2. CAFI-Connect, a modern Portfolio Management System designed to provide comprehensive oversight, effective management and clear accountability for an entire portfolio of projects throughout their lifecycle
3. The Metrics Hub: Increased transparency, accountability and dynamic management through a comprehensive portfolio dashboard.

Building on and complementing these key tools, CAFI Secretariat is seeking a Data Specialist to serve at regional scope supporting its work on data-driven and performance-based programme management, results monitoring, strategic decision-making and data protection across the CAFI portfolio.

 

SCOPE OF WORK

This assignment aims to strengthen CAFI’s data architecture and governance, ensuring robust analytical systems, data quality and traceability, and transforming programme data into strategic insights to support portfolio performance, risk management, and donor accountability.

The Data Specialist contributes to improving CAFI’s monitoring architecture by integrating analytical tools, performance dashboards, spatial data, and evaluation findings into a coherent results monitoring system aligned with the CAFI Results Framework and supporting its performance-based programming portfolio.

1. Ensure Portfolio Data Management and Analytics

• Manage, strengthen and where needed, develop analytical systems supporting monitoring of CAFI’s multi-country portfolio, building on and complementing CAFI-PES, CAFI-Connect and the CAFI Metrics Hub.
• Structure and ensure the quality assurance of CAFI programme datasets covering project pipelines, delivery chains, results frameworks, and financial performance.
• Develop automated workflows for portfolio monitoring and reporting.
• Produce analytical insights on programme performance, delivery trends, and implementation bottlenecks.
• Track CAFI programmes against National Investment Frameworks and CAFI Letters of Intent.
• Contribute to portfolio level analysis of indicators at impact, outcome, and output levels.
• Support data consolidation and preparation of datasets for CAFI portfolio reporting, including inputs to the CAFI Annual Report and other institutional reporting processes.

2. Ensure Results Monitoring and Performance Analysis

• Strengthen results-based management and evidence-based decision-making within CAFI.
• Ensure alignment between portfolio analytics and the CAFI Results Framework and monitoring architecture.
•  Monitor of programme implementation against annual work plans.
• Develop performance indicators and analytical tools to track programme results.
• Produce analytical briefs and visualizations on programme performance.
• Facilitate the synthesis of results across CAFI outcomes and thematic areas.
• Support the integration of gender markers and other cross-cutting indicators.
• Contribute to CAFI’s integration of artificial intelligence into CAFI-PES and CAFI-Connect.

3. Ensure Data Visualization and Digital Monitoring Tools

• Manage, strengthen and where needed develop interactive dashboards and data visualization tools to support portfolio management, building on and complementing CAFI-PES, CAFI-Connect and the CAFI Metrics Hub.
• Develop and maintain PowerBI dashboards and other analytical tools.
• Visualize programme results, financial performance, and delivery chains.
• Collaborate on the development of digital monitoring systems for CAFI programmes.
• Support integration of spatial datasets relevant to land-use change, deforestation monitoring, and ecosystem protection.
• Liaise with CAFI-funded projects, and in particular PES projects, to identify and integrate their needs in data analytics and related dashboards in CAFI-PES and the Metrics-Hub
• Ensure consistency between dashboard indicators and CAFI monitoring and reporting frameworks.

4. Ensure risk monitoring, portfolio integrity and data protection

• Support the implementation of CAFI’s risk management and data protection strategy.
• Support the development and maintenance of CAFI’s Risk Dashboard in CAFI-Connect
• Produce analytical summaries on risk trends and mitigation measures
• Contribute to the identification of programme implementation risks and bottlenecks.
• Develop automated triggers and alerts to anticipate risks of non-performance
• Flag risks of – or actual non-performance across CAFI PES projects as well as other projects, and liaise with CAFI programming officers and partners to address them
• Support integration of risk monitoring into portfolio management processes
• Ensure the implementation of CAFI’s data protection strategy across CAFI portfolio
• Analyze and flag suspicious behaviour using data from the CAFI-PES database

5. Ensure Data Quality Assurance and Audit Readiness

• Ensure the reliability and traceability of CAFI programme data.
• Establish data quality assurance and data validation procedures ensuring reliability and traceability.
• Develop documentation and data management protocols.
• Prepare datasets and documentation required for evaluations, audits, and donor reporting.
• Facilitate verification of programme results and data consistency across reporting sources.
• Support data validation processes related to project reporting and portfolio monitoring.

6. Facilitate Knowledge Management and Strategic Reporting

• Support production of knowledge products and strategic reporting materials.
• Prepare analytical briefs and background notes for the CAFI Secretariat and Executive Board.
• Support the preparation of CAFI results reports and analytical summaries.
• Contribute to the synthesis of lessons learned from programme evaluations.
• Support the scientific monitoring and analysis of PES programming.
• Contribute to knowledge management and dissemination of analytical insights.
• Generate analytical inputs for CAFI institutional reporting and strategic portfolio reviews

The Data Specialist shall perform other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

 

INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT

The Data Specialist will work under the direct supervision of the PES Lead in the CAFI Secretariat, and in close coordination with the Lead of the M&E unit, ensuring alignment between PES data systems and the CAFI monitoring and reporting framework

Given the global consultations to be undertaken during this assignment, the Data Specialist is expected to be reasonably flexible with his/her availability for such consultations taking into consideration different time zones.

 

COMPETENCIES

Core competencies

Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact

Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems

Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences

Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands

Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results

Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration

Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies 

Business Management – Working with Evidence and Data: Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions and supporting decision-making.

Digital   – Digital product management: Ability to design and lead digital product development including testing, ongoing product iteration, product strategy and delivery.

Business Direction & Strategy – System Thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.

Business Management – Monitoring and Evaluation: Ability to systematically monitor results of strategies, programmes, and activities with a view to make sure that they are being implemented effectively; Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback and reporting on the consistency or discrepancy between planned activities and programme management and results. Ability to make independent judgment of the management and results of strategies, programmes and activities based on set criteria and benchmark, keeping in mind the needs and concerns of client, current and upcoming. Knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, concepts, methodologies,systems, processes, and tools. Ability to make an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks. Ability to anticipate client’s upcoming needs and concerns.

2030 Agenda: Planet – Nature: Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Natural Resource Management.

2030 Agenda: Planet – Nature: Climate and Forests:  Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Access and benefit sharing of biodiversity, land, forests and oceans.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OF THE SUCCESSFUL IPSA

Min. Academic Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Data Science, Environmental Science, Economics or Development Economics, Natural Resource Management or related area is required. Or

A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above, in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Min. years of relevant Work experience

Minimum 5 years (with Master’s degree) or 7 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of professional experience in Monitoring & Evaluation, performance-based payment mechanisms, participatory natural resource management, environmental protection, or related fields.

Required skills and competencies

• Demonstrated ability to use current software (ArcGIS, QGIS, Google earth engine, MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint,).
• Demonstrated proficiency in using PowerBI.
• Experience working with monitoring systems, portfolio dashboards, or digital monitoring tools.
• Proven experience in data management and analysis for portfolio monitoring, performance-based financing, or results-based management.

Desired additional skills and competencies

• Previous experience working with the UN and/or in a developing country is desirable.
• Experience with environmental conservation, forest management and/or sustainable agriculture programs is an advantage.
• Experience in handling Payments for Environmental Services (PES) and related PES planning and management tools
• Advanced analytical training or coursework in data analytics and artificial intelligence is an advantage.

Required Language(s) (at working level)

Fluency in French is required. Working knowledge of English is desired.

 

TRAVEL

a) UNDP will cover the cost of travel of the individual to the duty station, as well as their return to their home upon completion of their services. Travel costs are covered only if the function will be undertaken in person at the duty station and exclude working-from-home arrangements.

b) Include any official travel expected to be associated with performing the functions

Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

• Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
• Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
• Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
• Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

<The crisis that affected the North-West and South-West regions of Cameroon has damaged public infrastructures, broken social cohesion and slowed down economic development. With the aim to resolve the crisis, the President of the Republic called for a Major National Dialogue, that brought together more than 600 participants from all 10 regions of the country. Three quarters of participants to the Dialogue came from the NWSW regions. The Head of State instructed the Prime Minister, Head of Government to preside over the Major National Dialogue. Among other recommendations, the Major National Dialogue recommended the reconstruction of North-West and South-West regions.

The Government of Cameroon and UNDP collaborated in the formulation of the Presidential Plan for Reconstruction and Development (PPRD) of the North-West and South-West regions. The PPRD is a component of the National Development Plan 2020-2030 (post Growth and Employment Strategy Paper 2010-2020), aiming at reducing the effects of the socio-political and security crisis for the affected communities in the NW/SW regions. The PPRD feeds into the government efforts to resolve the current crisis.

In line with the above, a Programme Document (PRODOC) was signed between the Government of Cameroon and UNDP on 5th May 2020, designating the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as implementing partner and fund manager of the PPRD who deploys his activities in accordance with the strategic orientations of the Steering Committee.>

Duties and Responsibilities

<Under the direct supervision of the Regional Coordinator PPRD SW, the driver will contribute to:

• Provision of reliable and secure driving services
• Proper use of vehicle
• Day-to-day maintenance of the assigned vehicle
• Availability of documents/ supplies
• Provision of administrative support in liaison services

  1) Ensures provision of reliable and safe driving services by

•  Driving office vehicles for the transport of UNDP, other high-ranking officials and visitors and delivery and collection of mail, documents and other items,
• Meeting official personnel and visitors at the airport including visa and customs formalities arrangement when required.     >

        2)Ensures cost-savings through proper use of vehicle

• Through accurate maintenance of daily vehicle logs,
• for official purposes in priority and non-official purposes, upon written approval,
• provision of inputs to preparation of the vehicle maintenance plans and reports.

     3) Ensures proper day-to-day maintenance of the assigned vehicle

• Through timely reporting on minor repairs and arrangements for major repairs,
• Timely changes of oil, check of tires, brakes, car washing, etc.

 4) Including vehicle insurance, vehicle logs, office directory, map of the city/country,

• first aid kit, necessary spare parts in the assigned vehicle,
• Ensures that all immediate actions required by rules and regulations are taken in case of involvement in accidents,
• Ensure efficient mail delivery and follow up with partner administrations.

      5) Assist the administration in office routine tasks

• Assist in updating the fuel log, by providing all fuel receipts per demand issued,
• Assist un updating the vehicle fleet and report on the state of UNDP vehicles,
• Help in the replenishment of fuel for the Generator,
• Assist in the preparatory of mission logistics.

Competencies

<Core

Achieve Results:                            LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline

Think Innovatively:                         LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements

Learn Continuously:                      LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback

Adapt with Agility:                          LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible

Act with Determination:                 LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident

Engage and Partner:                      LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships

Enable Diversity and Inclusion:     LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Ethics : UN policy knowledge – Ethics:  Knowledge and understanding of the UN Staff Regulations and Rules and other policies relating to ethics and integrity

Administration & Operations: Vehicle management: Knowledge of policy & procedures on fleet management

Business Management: Customer Satisfaction/Client Management: •Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers’ needs. •Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy. Look for ways to add value beyond clients’ immediate requests. •Ability to anticipate client’s upcoming needs and concerns.>

Communication : Communication : Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; To tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels

General (across the functions) :  Driving vehicle & administration: Ability to perform vehicle driving functions. Ability to apply knowledge of various administrative rules and regulations. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenge.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

<High school certificate >

Experience:

<Minimum of 2 years (with high school diploma) of relevant work experience as a driver with a safe driving record is required

• Valid driver’s license.
• Knowledge of driving regulations, rules and laws as well as skills in minor vehicle repair and maintenance.
• Experience in the basic use of computers and relevant office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and ability to use web-based management and electronic log, file and/or scheduling systems.
• Previous working experience in similar position or area of expertise
• Experience working with an international NGO, an International Organization and/or the United Nations is an advantage.
• Previous experience in UN will be an asset.
• Knowledge of use of vehicles in the field (safety, regular communication with the base and use of VHF, HF radios, etc.) will be an asset;
• Knowledge of the rules of good driving and an aptitude for minor repairs will be assets.
• Previous experience driving official vehicles and transporting official visitors is an asset.
• Proven knowledge of road safety procedures and defensive driving will be considered an asset.
• Being a female candidate is an asset
•  Good knowledge of the Southwest and Northwest Region is an asset >