ABOUT RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE (RTI)

Research Triangle Institute (RTI) has over 30 years of experience assisting governments, communities, and the private sector. As a not-for-profit, an independent research institute based in North Carolina, USA, RTI has roughly 5,000 employees with global experience implementing international development projects. RTI's Sustainable Growth & Resilience (SG&R) technical unit within the International Development Group brings together RTI experts and capabilities across food security, agriculture, energy, environment, water, governance, and economic opportunity. SG&R will leverage RTI's experience designing and delivering multisectoral programming and technical solutions to respond to climate change, build resilience, and promote economic growth around the world.

ABOUT SG&R’s Global Food Security and Agriculture portfolio

SG&R’s Global Food Security and Agriculture portfolio is working to strengthen agricultural markets, engage youth and women as critical leaders of the on- and off-farm workforce, and tackle the dual burden of malnutrition around the globe. RTI’s work is helping foster stronger food systems, reduce malnutrition in all its forms, build resilience and engage the next generation of food security leaders. RTI is currently partnering on nearly 30 projects in East Africa, including activities focused on private sector-driven agricultural growth in Rwanda and market systems development in Kenya.

ABOUT FIRST CONSULT

First Consult is a leading economic development consulting firm implementing projects in Ethiopia. Founded in 2006, First Consult (FC) has grown to design and implement projects across the agriculture, manufacturing, and service sectors. Our multidisciplinary teams combine a capacity to execute with clarity of the local context. As a result, we have delivered at-scale real impact in terms of jobs & wealth creation, business formation & growth, and investment attraction & mobilization.

ABOUT THE PROJECT/PROGRAM

The purpose of the USAID/Ethiopia Food and Agriculture Systems Transformation (FAST) Activity is to increase access to healthy diets, particularly for women and children, by improving competitiveness, inclusiveness, and resilience of the Ethiopian food and agriculture system.  FAST will also increase incomes gained from agriculture by as much as 40 percent over the next five years. To achieve its goals FAST must collaborate intensively with other USAID-funded projects working in the food and agriculture sector.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Regional MEL/CLA Officer, based at the assigned regional office, is responsible for performance monitoring and evaluation activities. These activities include, but are not limited to, survey and sample design; routine and sample survey-based quantitative and qualitative data collection; data entry, cleaning, and management; data quality assessments; analysis and report writing; and internal performance evaluations. S/he supports the monitoring of performance indicators as outlined in the Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) and participates in data collection, entry, validation, analysis, and dissemination of findings. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

·  Supports the MEL Manager on major survey efforts including the annual performance monitoring survey (APMS), “spot surveys” and regular monitoring activities to validate survey instruments, develop materials, operationalize surveys, and coordinate field activities with Regional MEL Officers and subcontractors;

·  Collaborates with National MEL Officer and other project staff to ensure that MEL principles are integrated into relevant activities and data is collected accurately and timely for reporting;

·  Assist in the identification and documentation of best practices, lessons learned, and success stories. Ensure that source documents are properly filed and documented, and perform any other relevant duties as requested.

·  Verify and ensure data quality of internal and partner activities, including liaising with partners and coordinating field visits.

·  Support the activity data management system, this includes data collection/entry, and confirmation of client and stakeholder demographic data, activity participation, technical assistance visits, investments, and other data points.

·  Ensure that all data has been accurately collected and entered into the database and review the completeness, uniqueness, validity, and accuracy as per the requirement.

·  Ensure that all client and partner information, including complete demographic information and global position system (GPS) coordinate data, are collected/entered into the database. Train subcontractors and grantees in the region in proper M&E data collection and reporting.

·   Support and facilitate all survey-based activities in the region, including selecting enumeration areas, developing sampling frames, reviewing data collection questionnaires, and training enumerators.

·  Provide direct management and technical guidance during performance monitoring surveys (APMS) (HH and Firm surveys).

·  Identify and promptly communicate themes for focused studies, data collection field insights, lessons learned, success stories and areas of improvement and risk to the Oromia Regional Manager and National MEL/CLA Officer.

·  Develop quarterly and annual progress reports for submission to the Activity head office and Oromia regional partners.

·  Collaborate with the Oromia Regional Manager and technical staff to ensure that the team's internal work plan is updated and adjusted as necessary. Initiate and participate in routine check-ins to ensure key deadlines are met.

·  Work closely with MEL team to maintain a comprehensive summary of key deliverables for all grant-supported partnerships operating within the Oromia region, including knowledge and analysis of targets and deadlines. Ensure a regular flow of information to and from each partner regarding deliverables, and ensure all results are verified for entry as appropriate into the data management system.

·  Provide training and technical support to Oromia regional technical staff in the use of database and other activity M&E systems, including proper methods for data collection, entry, and confirmation. Provide strategic advisory services for staff and partners to deepen the impact of work plan deliverables backed up with the measurement of tangible results and impact.

·  Work with the national M&E and communications team to ensure that project learnings are applied, and project activities are adapted for innovative and effective programming. Communicate and disseminate information obtained through MEL activities to technical staff and partners.

·  Provide any necessary M&E data and information to the Oromia regional manager and other activity staff as needed.

·  Perform any other duties as assigned by the Oromia Regional Manager and National Monitoring and Evaluation Team.

·  Work with Dire Dawa and Hawassa cluster offices to Monitor activities that will be conducted in the Oromia region.

REPORTING

The Regional MEL/CLA Officer reports directly to the Area Program Manager.

Job Requirements

REQUIRED SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

·  Bachelor (BA) Degree (MA preferred or higher) in economics, statistics or other closely related fields from a recognized University/College

·  Minimum of 5-7 years of experience with USAID compliance and reporting requirements;

·  Strong demonstrated skills in planning, MEL and programming adaptation, inclusion, and budgeting;

·  Proven expertise in quantitative and qualitative methodologies, operations research, governance management information systems, reporting, data quality assessments, data analysis and presentation and setting up and managing MEL systems that track performance as per the objectives set forth;

·  In-depth familiarity with, understanding of, and ability to successfully navigate within the Ethiopian context preferred;

·  Excellent analytical and problem-solving capacities – ability to identify issues with contractual implications, ensure consistent donor reporting and support teams in providing appropriate analyses of activities.

· Good interpersonal skills and a good team player

· Professional fluency in English (both spoken and written) and strong command of Amharic is required, additional local language is a plus;

· Excellent computer skills; Good proficiency in Microsoft Office – significant experience with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.

· This position is open to Ethiopian citizens.

How to Apply

Submit your one-page cover letter and updated CVs only via email:  jobs@firstconsultet.com

NOTE: Candidates MUST refer to the position title " Regional Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Officer – Oromia” in the subject line of their email and applications.