Description
The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), a CGIAR Research Center, is seeking applications from suitably qualified candidates for a consulting assignment under CGIAR initiative on “Diversification in East and Southern Africa (Ukama Ustawi) “.
Project Background
The CGIAR initiative on Diversification in East and Southern Africa (Ukama Ustawi) aims to support climate-resilient agriculture and livelihoods in 12 countries in East and Southern Africa by helping millions of smallholders intensify, diversify and reduce the risks in maize-based farming through improved extension services, small and medium enterprise development, supporting governance frameworks and increased investment with a gender and social inclusion lens.
Objective of the Assignment
The Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Impact Assessment (MELIA) consultant will assist in creating a MELIA framework for Ukama Ustawi (UU), build the team members’ capacity as required to implement the framework, assist in knowledge management, as well as conduct and coordinate baseline, endline, and End of Initiative surveys. The MELIA Expert will report to the Project Coordinator and work closely with the Initiative Lead, Co-Lead, and Work Package Leads. The overall goal of the consultant is to improve the current and future management of outputs, outcomes, and impacts and contribute to the knowledge development and communications components of Ukama Ustawi.
Scope of Work
- Build on the UU Theory of Change (ToC) to develop qualitative and quantitative indicators for a meaningful representation of the UU Initiative in Eastern and Southern Africa. This has to be done in close collaboration with the six Work Package Leads and Co-Leads.
- Coordinate the collection of evidence for initiative-level reporting.
- Develop a robust and realistic monitoring and evaluation plan/results-based matrix/performance measurement matrix with each work package and the project management team that will ensure adherence to donor requirements and expectations, including the tracking of UU results at different levels (milestones, outputs, outcomes, and impact).
- Ensure sex, age, disability disaggregated data (SADD), accountability and gender standards are consistently applied to in UU reporting and in line with safeguarding and risk reporting requirements.
- Improvement of Ukama Ustawi and CGIAR-wide data and management systems through effective monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of data, using appropriate monitoring tools, including feedback from field and technical teams, and data audits.
- Alert Initiative Leads and Project Coordinator on corrective actions required to avoid delays in implementation, including flagging operational risks requiring timely actions by developing a Risk Management Plan.
- Assist the Project Coordinator with preparing reports related to donor and internal reporting requirements, such as the quarterly and annual reports.
- Assist to review financial and technical progress reports from partners for formal IWMI and donor requirements to ensure quality and consistency.
- Coordinate and track quarterly feedback meetings with Work Package Leads and Co-Leads to facilitate internal dialogue and learning on UU implementation (challenges) to meet OneCGIAR, donor and partner requirements and contribute to the development of guidance briefs for enhanced delivery.
- Introduce new approaches and tools on MELIA and apply new learning to UU activities.
- Provide or arrange training to on MELIA activities, requirements, high quality data, and new approaches for UU staff as requested.
- Coordinate and implement baseline and endline assessments and End of Initiative (EoI) surveys to ensure impact can be reported to donors and fulfils internal reporting requirements.
Please submit a proposal (max. 10 pages excluding CV) covering the following:
- Your approach and how you will implement the work;
- Work schedule;
- Assurance that you are available to conduct the work;
- 3 relevant contactable references within the last 3 years: Short summary of client, work conducted, contact details
- CV;
- Cost estimate for 8 weeks per annum.
Duration: June 2023 to December 2024 (08 weeks per annum)
Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Requirements
- Master’s Degree in Data Management, Monitoring & Evaluation or other relevant degree.
- Prior experience in designing and leading evaluation components of projects including at least 5+ years demonstrated experience in project data processing, analysis and management.
- At least 5+ years demonstrated abilities in survey techniques and analytical skills including knowledge of related regional and institutional contexts.
- Professional experience in designing, planning, leading and conducting thematic program/project evaluations, or organizational assessments.
- Demonstrated experience of statistical packages and/ or data analysis software and advanced computer skills (word-processing, spread sheets, and databases) are a must.
- At least 5+ years direct experience in a position of monitoring and evaluation of large projects or programs with major donors.
- Strong quality control management experience along the entire project life cycle, from design and formulation to implementation, analysis, and presentation of results and recommendations.
- At least 2 projects on MELIA in Sub-Saharan Africa, not more than five years ago.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
- Result-focused and able to work under pressure and tight deadlines.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work well within a multi-cultural team environment.
- Technical knowledge and experience in implementation of gender and disability sensitive approaches.
- Knowledge of science, technology, and innovation (STI) for water and food systems is a plus.
- Sound knowledge of Environmental and Social safeguards and other risk management tools including ethical reviews, is an added advantage.
Benefits
IWMI believes that diversity powers our innovation, contributes to our excellence, and is critical for our mission. We offer a multi-cultural, multi-color, multi-generational and multi-disciplinary working environment. We are consciously creating an inclusive organization that reflects our global character and our commitment to gender equity. We, therefore, encourage applicants from all cultures, races, ethnicities, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, and gender identities.
