Sector/Program: Agriculture
Position Location: Lusaka
Reports to: Project Manager, Sustainable Integrated Land Management Solutions (SILMS) for Agricultural Value Chains in Zambia
Responsible for: Directing and coordinating the M & E aspects of the project
Key contacts: MAL, SCCI, ZARI, ICRAF, BioCarbon Partners, Processors, Commodity Associations,
Anticipated Start Date: 1st January 2016
Project background:
Sustainable Integrated Land Management Solutions (SILMS) is a market-based approach project that aims to increase incomes for smallholder farmers through adoption of the sustainable land management practices that incorporate Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM), Agroforestry and Deforestation-free Supply Chains. Conceptually, the project combines climate change mitigation with agricultural adaption strategies and is based on in-depth understanding of the dynamics that have prevented a wider uptake of sustainable land management practices by small holder farmers in Zambia.
Small holder farmers in the project are incentivized through increased income that comes from improved market access and use of sustainable production practices increasing yields. Enabling increased production requires the development of local market systems that enhance availability of ISFM technology and modern farm inputs; increased access to commercial agroforestry and improved seed multiplication enterprises; increased availability of extension services through market-oriented agro dealerships; and increased access to crucial services such as finance and soil testing. In addition the project will also pilot SNV’s globally-tested Deforestation Free Supply Chain approach in the cotton landscape to mitigate further deforestation and degradation in Eastern province.
SNV is therefore seeking applications from suitably qualified Zambians to fill in the position of Monitoring and Evaluation Manager.
Purpose of the job:
The position will be filled by an experienced and mature M&E specialist who will develop, design and implement the M&E plan for the project including monitoring progress against planned activities, critical milestones and targets as well as providing support and guidance to the project team to ensure that the data collection, analysis and reporting, are of the highest possible quality and can be used for developing briefs and proposals that will facilitate replication and scaling of the approaches at national level.
This is a central position in SNV’s M&E team and requires an experienced and knowledgeable individual.
Main Tasks and Responsibilities:
- Development of all M&E tools, data quality controls, methodologies and processes.
- To undertake and supervise regular data collection through the project team and implementing partners and ensure quality of the data by random verifications and validations
- To record, manage and preserve monitoring and evaluation data in a safe and accessible way
- To analyse and discuss findings based on regular monitoring data
- Provide technical support on M&E and evidence-based recommendations to the Project Manager.
- Participate actively in programme planning processes
- Contribute significantly to report writing, policy brief development etc.
Specific activities include the following:
- In Liaison with the project team design and develop, the Project Performance Monitoring Plan and learning framework.
- Oversee the monitoring and evaluation of the project by designing and putting in place M&E systems;
- Contributing effectively to the development and review of project plans and budgets in order to guide program implementation;
- Developing appropriate M&E data collection tools and training staff to use.
- Work with the project Manager to ensure that M&E materials are available and the latest procedures, guidelines and protocols are used by the project;
- Guiding staff, and implementing partners in preparing their progress reports;
- Collecting, compiling and analysing reports prepared by the project staff and implementing partners and consolidating draft progress reports for project management and donor.
- Producing timely monitoring and impact assessment reports to the Project Manager in order to provide project performance information;
- Ensuring that data provided by beneficiaries and all reports submitted by the project team are accurate and complete by putting in place data quality control mechanism.
- Guiding the regular sharing of the outputs of M&E findings with project staff and primary stakeholders;
- Liaise with Extension Officers and Forestry Officers in gathering -specific data
- Ensuring that monitoring data are discussed in the appropriate forum and in a timely fashion in terms of implications for future action;
- Providing support to surveys and research;
- Coordinating project evaluations;
- Undertaking regular visits to the field to support implementation of M&E and to identify where adaptations might be needed;
- Carrying out any other duties assigned by the Project Manager.
Competencies, Capabilities and Attributes: (Skills/behavioral (Special Training or Competence):
- Ability to translate technical information into practical guidance tools and effectively communicate these using print, electronic and presentation media;
- Ability to work effectively in a team consisting of people with different technical backgrounds and with varying levels of technical training; excellent English written and oral communication skills and ability to write for a range of audience and purposes.
- Self-Starter and highly motivated.
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to work under pressure and to deliver quality products that meet deadlines and requirements
- Team player
- Relationship builder
- Ability to work with a wide range of actors from different backgrounds (smallholder farmers, private sector companies, government, and NGOs)
Academic & professional qualifications, Knowledge and Experience: (detail Knowledge (Education & Related Experience)
- Bachelor’s degree in social science (Social work, sociology, development studies, economics) with a focus on Monitoring and Evaluation
- At least 5 years’ experience in participatory assessment, monitoring and evaluation, training and facilitation, data processing/analysis.
- Proven and demonstrated use of spreadsheets and IT statistical packages such as SPSS.
- Ability to develop M&E tools, frameworks, packages and train others in their use.
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills required;
- Valid Driver’s License
Working environment: (The manager is expected to spend 50% time in office and 50% field work) They will be based at the SNV head office in Lusaka, but will be required to travel extensively to project sites within Eastern Province and other locations in Zambia.
How to Apply
Applicants should submit an application letter addressed to country Operations Manager with full updated CV, Pay rate history for the last three years, three professional references including their email address and day contact phone numbers.
Applications indicating the position applied for should be submitted toZambia@snvworld.org and to copy phiri@snvworld.org not later than Friday 13th November, 2015. Please do not attach any academic and professional certificates.
Closing date:
Friday, November 13, 2015
Type of contract:
Local
