Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Specialist at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

Key Responsibilities  

The MEL Specialist will be supporting the development, review, and implementation of a robust Monitoring, Evaluation, and learning framework and tools to facilitate measurement of the progress of the project and enhance their compliance with donors’ requirements and best practices to achieve efficiency and accountability. S/He will be responsible for the effective execution of the project’s MEL plan and ensure the creation of robust data collection and management procedures across the project. The MEL Specialist will work closely with the WorldFish HQ MEL & Data team to ensure integration with the institutional MEL processes, policies, and best practices while guaranteeing that the data collected follows the highest standards and ethics. S/he will be responsible for preparing and reviewing project MEL reports and providing the required data for submission to the donor. The MEL Specialist will also help identify, analyze, and synthesize lessons learned from project implementation and facilitate internal and external knowledge sharing through collaborations, learning, and adaptation activities. This position will be based in Kenya and will report directly to the Project Leader.

• Design, implement, and oversee the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) system for the project and ensure it is aligned with established Result Management (RBM) and Knowledge Sharing (KS) standards and processes.
• Develop a detailed MEL Plan to track delivery against program targets, outcomes, and impacts, including clearly defined objectives, indicators, learning mechanisms, and the implementation of appropriate MEL procedures.
• Monitor performance indicators results as identified in the results framework in a timely manner and provide regular key recommendations to project leadership to facilitate informed decision-making and knowledge sharing.
• Facilitate stakeholders’ meetings to review the project’s theory of change, produce evidence, and capture and share lessons and contribute throughout the project’s lifecycle.
• Review and enhance the results framework and support the development of a result-based yearly work plan consultation with the Project Leader, relevant partners, and stakeholders reflecting the Adaptive Management principles.
• Oversee data management activities, including collection processes, data quality assessments, data cleaning, interpretation, and visualization, and adjusting processes as needed.
• Work across teams and undertake such other duties appropriate to the grade and the character of the work, as may be reasonably expected.
• Attend regular project meetings as required.

Requirements

• Master’s or PhD degree, preferably in Agricultural Economics/ Economics/ Sociology/ Social Development Studies/Statistics.
• At least 5 years working experience in the area of MEL activities, survey design and report preparation.
• Relevant experience in developing and supporting monitoring and evaluation methods and management information systems in relevant sectors.
• Excellent communication skills and an ability to make presentations and represent WorldFish with a variety of audiences.
• Sound technical knowledge on MEL, aquaculture/fisheries and or agriculture, extension, training, and dissemination.
• Possesses a good understanding of data management, particularly an understanding of statistics as it relates to MEL.
• Capable of managing activities including project planning, implementation and donor reporting.
• Ability to think clearly and analytically, setting priorities, meeting deadlines, solving problems, and making decisions.
• Strong in essential computer software/packages like MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, SPSS or STATA software.
• Ability to manage projects, set realistic priorities, and plan for the successful implementation of activities.
• Excellent proficiency of spoken and written English with strong writing skills.
• Possesses strong publication track records.
• Proven ability to integrate, inspire and develop multidisciplinary teams and manage talent, with strong commitment to promote diversity, knowledge sharing and staff development.
• Ability to effectively communicate a common vision to diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills and ability to work collaboratively with people at all levels in a decentralized, respectful, multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary organization.
• Demonstrated ability to serve as an agent of change, in order to build a unified CGIAR culture and dynamic, integrated and agile organization.
• Uphold the highest ethical standards by inspiring trust and treat all people with respect and     personal integrity.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision with a positive and constructive attitude.
• Hard-working with good physical fitness and having the ability of frequent field visits.
• Proven ability to successfully work in a multi-disciplinary team of national and international partners.