Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Advisor
- Kigali, Rwanda
- Contract
- Contract type: National employment contract
Company Description
SNV Netherlands Development Organization is a not-for-profit international development organizational founded in the Netherlands in 1965; and currently maintains a global presence in 28 countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America. As an organization, SNV focuses on the Agriculture, WASH and Energy sectors and maintains the belief that no one should have to live in poverty; and that all people should have the opportunity to pursue their own sustainable development. SNV contributes to programming within the Agriculture, WASH and Energy sectors by strengthening the capacities of targeted partners and communities at the field level; in order to realize increased skill sets and sustainable performance; reduce poverty levels, expand employment; improve food security; while paying special attention to gender equity, social inclusion of marginalized groups and stakeholder accountability.
Context and Purpose of the Job
The MEL Advisor will support the HortInvest programme team in planning, monitoring and evaluation of its project results as well as facilitating learning from those results (see factsheet below of HortInvest). The set up and organization of the complete MEL system with data gathering, processing, analyzing, reporting, reflecting and learning as well as the integration of this cycle in the Project Management structure and process for m the key of this job description. Furthermore, HortInvest is implemented by a consortium of 5 partners, which requires maximum alignments between the different components of the programme.
Overall Objective
- Significantly increase the horticultural sector’s relative contribution to the regional economy in NW Rwanda and farmers’ incomes
- Improve the food and nutrition security of poor households in Rwanda
The MEL of HortInvest is not just meant to meet the reporting requirements of the donor, but also to gather selected (agreed upon) information to be able to:
a. Measure intermediate results and to follow the outputs and outcomes of the project towards impact
b. Receive early warnings when improvements are required
c. Understand the reasons why some project activities are generating good results, and some are not (e.g. why is there low adoption, what are the different factors behind this, etc.)
d. Acquire inputs for learning, reflection and adapting strategies
e. Acquire inputs for knowledge agenda and action research topics.
Job Description
Advisory Services
1. Act as a focal point for the planning, implementation, learning and reporting of MEL activities throughout the HortInvest period.
2. Coordinate and facilitate all the data gathering and processing streams of the HortInvest consortium partners linked to the project activities
3. Oversee quality assurance of all field data collection exercises, data management, and analysis (e.g. baseline and end line data from AKVO FLOW and other information flows)
4. Support the design of surveys and data collection tools using digital data gathering platforms like AKVO FLOW and other tools
5. Advise on appropriate data collection technologies including the setup of a collective database with storage and management.
6. Update the results target matrix in AKVO RSR, add based on the learning needs of the consortium extra information lines and compile draft annual plans and reports that are IATI compliant. This includes facilitating regular publication of reporting on the IATI platform.
Results/KPIs
Highest possible level of quality in development projects is reached. Projects are supported by given advise.
Knowledge Development
7. Facilitate capacity building process of (consortium) partners and SNV staff on knowledge, skills and competencies necessary for effective MEL through training and coaching,
8. Design and manage baselines, mid-term and end-line evaluations in compliance with SNV and IOB evaluation policy guidelines, including: development of ToR, support the choice and coordinate and guide the consultant and enumerator teams, support the development of questionnaires and data processing and handling.
Results/KPIs
Enhanced and innovative knowledge levels are reached and shared both internally as externally.
Project and process development
9. Advise management (Project Manager, PMT) on approval of planning and result reports dissemination of evaluation findings and recommendations with targeted audiences
10. Share findings with programme teams and senior management for accountability purposes as well as for improved strategy development.
Results/KPIs
Continuous improvement of effectiveness and efficiency of operations.
People Management
11. Support the project team and partners in extracting lessons learnt and good practices, and documenting case studies which demonstrate qualitative and quantitative changes, following the output, outcome and impact pathways of the HortInvest Theory of Change / results chain
12.Organize the reflection and learning events following the requirements and timelines of the planning & reporting cycle and based on the outputs of the information and data streams.
Results/KPIs
SNV and local staff is qualified and motivated
Positioning
Assure that the information flows and products coming out of MEL could easily be used for communication messages to targeted audiences
Results/KPIs
Opportunities are timely utilized and threats are timely recognized and countered.
Business Development
Builds, maintains and utilizes relationships with relevant stakeholders, represents SNV and identifies opportunities for Business Development policies and procedures. Initiates assignments on a local/(sub)national level, supports proposals and develops technical processes during the inception phase of projects.
Results/KPIs
SNV is known as trusted development partner with relevant stakeholders and has an overview of all funding opportunities/partnerships.
Know How
Well grounded, middle seasoned level of technical professional, with experience in project implementation. Work requires good knowledge and understanding of particular thematic area(s).
Complexity
May serve as a resource to others in the resolution of complex problems and issues in the respective thematic area(s).
Works on own initiative and knowledge but may require support to resolve complex issues.
Gives support to sector leader and identifies and informs project delivery issues and ensures with recommendation of solutions. Coordinates with multiple stakeholders. Assignments are usually broad in nature and require originality and ingenuity.
Supervision
Work is not closely supervised and is governed by standardized work routines that permit the use of initiative.
Impact
Indirect impact through the provision of activities that require proficiency and support.
Qualifications
Basic Requirements
- Master’s degree in relevant field: Agribusiness, Business Management, Monitoring and Evaluation, Agriculture economics, Statistics, Information management and related fields
- Significant monitoring and evaluation experience (5 years+) in agriculture related projects
- Quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis skills with knowledge of digital data management tools.
- Proven track record and experience in developing M&E plan, systems and database using MS office applications (Excel or Access, …)
- Strong knowledge and proven experience on developing and analyzing logical and conceptual framework.
- Ability to train partners and staff on developing and maintaining the M&E system
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
- Excellent written and oral communications skills in English.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a diverse team
- Ability to manage complex workloads and deliver work to tight deadlines
- Ability to travel frequently and stay in remote area
Desirable
- Experience and track records in documenting and communicating project’s stories of change and learnings.
- Experience of working in international NGOs and other development agencies and working in partnerships.
- Specific experience in horticulture value chain related projects
- Availability with immediate effect.
Problem analysis
The ability to detect problems, recognise important information and link various data to trace potential causes and look for relevant details.
Coaching
Encouraging and guiding employees in order to make their performance more effective and to enhance their self-perception and problem-solving skills.
Focus on quality
Setting high quality standards and striving for continuous improvement and quality assurance.
Result orientation
The ability to take direct action in order to attain or exceed objectives.
Persuasiveness
The ambition to win over other people for one’s views and ideas and to generate support.
Additional Information
Deadline for Submission
Closing date is April 1st, 2021.
NB: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
Click here to apply
