Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Manager
1. Introduction
Irish Aid is the Irish Government’s programme for overseas development and is an integral part of Ireland’s foreign policy; in Zambia, the Irish Aid programme is managed by the Embassy of Ireland. The Embassy works with the Government of Zambia, other bilateral donors, UN agencies, academic and research institutions, civil society organisations and others to deliver this programme.
The Irish Aid programme in Zambia is guided by a Country Strategy Paper (CSP) for the period 2013-17. The CSP uses a results based management approach and includes a logic model, results frameworks, a Performance Measurement Framework, and related monitoring and evaluation tools and work plans, and a risk register. The CSP is operationalised through annual business plans, six monthly and annual reviews. A commitment to effective monitoring, evaluation and learning underpins the programme. The CSP is currently undergoing a Mid Term Review.
2. The Position
The Embassy of Ireland in Zambia is seeking to recruit a highly motivated and experienced individual to join our organisation. The Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Manager will be responsible for supporting, implementing and overseeing monitoring and evaluation activities, as well as documentation and communication of results and lessons learned. S/he will report to the Head of Development Cooperation, and work as an integral part of the programme team.
Responsibilities
(i) Strengthen results monitoring, performance management and lesson learning in Ireland’s development programme in Zambia
- Support the Embassy team to implement Irish Aid’s Result Based Management (RBM) approach and advise on emerging best practices in promoting and integrating RBM processes
- Develop, oversee and maintain a monitoring and evaluation system that will assist the Embassy in the management of results on an on-going basis
- Strengthen routine monitoring systems, including Project Cycle Management systems and provide support for ongoing business processes with the development team
- Develop, review and revise as appropriate the CSP Results Framework and Performance Measurement Framework, including the identification and selection of robust indicators and establishment of appropriate baselines and targets
- Lead in the implementation of building an evidence base to inform policy and programming, working closely with the responsible team members
- Explore areas where Irish Aid can enhance its contribution to policy research, in accordance with the commitments in the CSP and in Ireland’s international development policy One World One Future and its related Framework for Action, and research strategy
- Support the team in developing a systematic approach to information and knowledge management and communication and promote internal systems for staff learning and debate
(ii) Review, operationalise and oversee implementation of the Embassy Monitoring and Evaluation tools and work plans
- Ensure that monitoring and evaluation activities take place as planned and are coherent with the approach outlined in agreed plans.
- Provide quality assurance to programme evaluations, back-stopping the team in technical engagement thereby helping build the capacity of the team and of partners to plan and manage evaluative work
- Assist or advise in managing independent evaluations/research commissioned by Irish Aid, including procurement, contract management and quality assurance
- Liaise with the Evaluation and Audit Unit (E&A) at Irish Aid HQ on the oversight of the plan, as well as on international developments in this area
- Work with the programme team to operationalise recommendations of the Mid Term Review of the CSP
- Initiate planning and design of the end of CSP evaluation.
(iii) Engage in national poverty monitoring dialogue
- Synthesise and analyse national poverty data
- Support the programme team in gathering and analysing sectoral data.
- Support development of joint research and knowledge management as appropriate
3. Management and Administrative Responsibilities
- Manage and maintain administrative / filing systems related to the role of the Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning Manager and in line with the overall programme filing system.
- Provide quarterly reports to the Head of Development Co-operation, which document progress according to set targets, any related budget expenditure, and constraints and outline main tasks for the following quarter.
- Participate in Embassy Team meetings and perform all the functions and roles that this participation implies.
- Carry out whatever additional responsibilities may be assigned by the Head of Development Co-operation from time to time, including deputising for Irish Aid colleagues at specified meetings when requested to do so.
4. Qualifications, skills and experience:
- A post graduate degree in international development, social sciences, statistics or other relevant discipline
- A minimum of seven years professional experience, with at least three years’ experience working as an Monitoring & Evaluation specialist
- Experience with / proficiency in the analysis, management and synthesis of varied quantitative and qualitative data
- Planning and M&E systems: good understanding of Zambian planning, statistical and poverty monitoring systems; proficiency in working with Theories of Change, Logic Models, Log frames, Managing for Development Results and other relevant tools
- Excellent written and verbal skills in English
- Excellent team work skills with ability to forge consensus and collaboration
- Strong IT and Knowledge Management skills, particularly database-related
- Experience in commissioning consultancies, studies or research overseeing all stages from design, procurement and management
5. Key Competencies Required
In addition to the above qualifications and experience, the successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a track record in the following competencies:
- Analytical and conceptual thinking: can break down projects and issues, thinks through logically and sets priorities; ability to see relationships between diverse issues and identify solutions as well as identifying patterns/trends in data and developments. Thinks creatively and strategically.
- Decision making, judgement and risk: assembles the facts and outlines courses of action. Weighs up pros and cons and makes sound recommendations. Consults and seeks advice when there is no precedent. Applies good judgement. Has ability to identify, manage and report on significant risks to strategy and operations.
- Team working: be a good team player, work well with others. Encourage and support others and seek and resolve team tensions. Actively builds networks and alliances with colleagues from partner and other organisations.
- Communications: be able and willing to communicate. Present factual information effectively, both orally and in writing. Have good writing skills and be effective in oral presentation.
6 Performance Appraisal Mechanism:
The Adviser will agree his/her profile with the Head of Development Co-operation which will include an annual work plan with clearly articulated personal objectives and activities (role profile). The Performance Management and Development System (PMDS) also includes
- Agreed on-going professional development actions.
- Mid-year and Annual Staff Appraisals with the Head of Development – documented and filed.
- Regular updating of annual work plan and objective in consultation with the Programme Manager.
Outline Terms and Conditions
- This position will be offered on a two year renewable basis. A six month probationary period will apply.
- The gross salary scale for this role starts at K24,398 per month gross, progressing to a top point of K34,790 per month. The salary is subject to PAYE.
- The embassy contributes 10% of gross salary to a savings fund on behalf of employees in lieu of employee benefit at separation/end of contract.
- The embassy operates an employee health benefits scheme.
- There are 24 days of annual leave.
To apply for this position please forward a covering letter of no more than two pages which outlines your relevant experience. The letter should be accompanied with the attached application form detailing qualifications and all work experience to date. (Note: DO NOT attach copies of certificates).
Applications should be forwarded via email only to RecruitmentLusaka@dfa.ie on or before 23rdOctober, 2015. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
To apply for this job please visit the following URL: https://www.dfa.ie/irish-embassy/zambia/news-and-events/2015/vacancy-at-the-embassy/ →
