Collaborating, Learning and Adapting (CLA) Adviser for the USAID funded Kenya Feed the Future (FTR) Activity at Concern Worldwide

You will be responsible for:

• Provide overall management, strategic direction, and technical leadership for programme MEAL to achieve expected programme results within budget and time-frame
• Serve as principal liaison to the COP on learning, ensuring high levels of coordination and maintaining productive working relations, while engaging with and nurturing relationships with all key stakeholders (partner organizations, local government, civil society, etc.) on MEAL and programmatic matters related to the programme.
• Liaise with USAID partners and other donors, as well as implementing partners and stakeholders, to ensure a collaborative shared learning model which is responsive to their demands.
• Manage the relationship on MEAL between all consortium partners and ensure partner MEAL activities are adhering to the agreed workplan and budget.
• Represent the programme in all MEAL technical, policy, and programmatic fora at all levels (regional, national, and international)
• Lead the MEAL team (e.g. technical, programme, finance, and operational staff) to ensure tasks, deliverables, and responsibilities are met.
• Provide leadership and oversee MEAL staff management including hiring, supervising, and mentoring programme staff to achieve programme goals and develop national partner MEAL capacity.
• Support quality control for MEAL deliverables and fulfil all donor and Concern Worldwide reporting requirements, including the production of timely and accurate reports.
• Direct preparation of MEAL annual work plans, learning products, review programme activities and ensure learning is integrated, and other MEAL-related communication and reporting materials.
• Oversee and contribute directly to production of communications products, including learning notes, reports, articles, videos, etc. Ensure products are well packaged for intended audiences
• Working with Communications, oversee proactive outreach through social media channels and ensure most effective methods to reach intended audiences are being effectively employed
• Oversee use of data and analytics to evaluate program outreach and engagement with wider audiences
• Using an adaptive management approach, track performance-monitoring analysis and apply course correction in collaboration with the COP and DCOP. Responsible for ensuring systematized use of data into learning systems to demonstrate data-driven decision-making.
• Collaborate with program management unit to ensure compliance with USAID rules and regulations as well as Concern policies and practices.
• Support regular communication and nurture collaborative relationships with all programme partners and Concern head offices
• Working with intervention teams, identify possibilities for cross-program partnerships and collaboration throughout the sector
• Lead the MEAL team to work collaboratively with the wider programme team, including advocacy, partners, and others, to ensure cross learning and input into new programme design based and delivery of the Country Strategic Plan.
• Ensure that there is a robust Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) Improvement plan in place for the consortium, along with an accessible and inclusive Complaints Response Mechanism (CRM).

Accountability

• Promote and ensure compliance with the CHS commitments and quality criteria
• Ensure that all staff are familiar with the principles underpinning accountability, safeguarding and Concern's CRM and lead on ensuring that information about Concern's commitments on accountability and safeguarding are disseminated among programme participants and communities
• Ensure that the CRM is functional, effectively implemented and accessible in all programme locations, enabling safe reporting of both programmatic and sensitive complaints, including safeguarding concerns
• Ensure that complaints are welcomed, managed and responded to in a timely, fair and appropriate manner; ensure that sensitive complaints, including safeguarding concerns, are handled with utmost confidentiality and that the safety of the complainants and those affected is prioritised at all stages.

Your skills and experience will include:

Essential:

• A Master’s degree (equivalent) or higher in economics, research methodologies, statistical analysis, food security, international development, or another relevant field.
• A minimum of 7 years’ work experience in a USAID CLA or MEAL management position; preferably 10 years or more, with progressive responsibilities in a field related to the successful implementation of the programme, such as food security, nutrition or resilience programmes
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience managing complex multisector data, preferably for USAID awards.
• A minimum of 5 years’ staff management experience leading multi-disciplinary teams in an environment conducive to learning and development. Experience coaching senior programme staff.
• Demonstrated leadership qualities, including MEAL, technical, management, and evaluation expertise for complex programmes in resource-constrained countries.
• Strong communication skills, including both written and oral presentation skills; proven ability to develop and communicate a common vision among diverse public and private partners.
• Experience collaborating and coordinating with local and national host government agencies and international agencies and aligning programme activities and results with strategies.
• Knowledge of Core Humanitarian Standards, Sphere and other international humanitarian guidelines and protocols
• Fluency in written and spoken English

We would also like

• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Cross-cultural awareness and sensitivity.
• Good sense of humour.
• Empathy with Concern’s goals and a commitment to capacity building, protection and participation.
• Excellent communication skills
• Demonstrated experience in team building and working in a participatory manner.
• Flexible and adaptable approach to working in a changing environment