Current Opportunities at DAI Kenya - Development Alternatives, Inc.

Overall Responsibilities

Support the MEL Director in setting the direction of the ATI MEL function and lead its management, enabling the program to develop the robust intelligence and analysis needed to develop, adapt, and improve its program strategy on an ongoing basis. To achieve this the MEL manager will be responsible specifically for the following:

• Provides MEL expertise on the design, review, and implementation of the project, as well as the modification of MEL information management systems in particular the MEL Database and DIS platforms.
• Ensuring that data on the ATI database as well as other platforms such as Salesforce and DIS is captured well and properly reported.
• Managing the overall security of the ATI MEL data and ensuring that all data is kept in data with data protection standards.
• With the support of the database associate develop guidelines for database and systems use, including training staff on any new upgrades.
• Provide day-to-day remote assistance and support to activity teams and project staff.
• Manages the data quality and assurance standards.
• Is responsible for ongoing support to the USAID reporting platforms such as Salesforce and DIS and shall ensure that all reports and data needs are provided as per Mission requirements and Performance monitoring plans.
• Leads ATI MEL data analysis including providing support to ATI Dashboards, and USAID reporting requirements, and effectively supports the Communications team with data analytics for reporting to different USAID requirements.
• Provide leadership to ATI Data Quality Assurance Processes. This includes setting up DQA assessments and ensuring all data in ATI MEL systems meets the USAID Data Quality Assurance standards.
• Liaise and coordinates with various buy-in mission to tailor strategic MEL support to meet individual mission buy-in objectives.
• Manages the indicator performance reporting and target setting for the USAID Missions’ quarterly and annual reporting and baselines for reporting progress and maintains reporting procedures and guidelines in compliance with USAID guidelines.
• Lead in the development of specialized monitoring and evaluation tools and data collection protocols to ensure accurate collection and verification.
• the learning function and work closely with the MEL director to effectively implement the ATI learning agenda. The MEL manager tracks the ATI progress and evaluates its impact in an integrated manner allowing for ongoing learning and program adjustments.
• oversees and participates in project evaluation activities to assess the outcomes and impacts of the ATI activities.
• training and mentoring to staff on MEL, including teams across the continent as well as in the US.
• closely with the ATI MEL Director, Coordinate annual performance reviews at Buy-in, Regional as well and Africa-wide levels.
• Buy-in MEL implementation including providing Prosper Africa Direct MEL support.
• an extensive and detailed technical body of knowledge of the latest MEL techniques, applications, and methodologies for use by staff and partners.
• performance progress and captures results, with a strong emphasis on bringing both quantitative and qualitative research methods to bear upon cross-cutting development objectives.
• regular and ad-hoc data analysis and work closely with the Communications team to develop reports (monthly, quarterly, annual) to demonstrate progress and facilitate continuous learning and project management.

Reporting

• The MEL Manager will report to the MEL Director or designee.
• The MEL Manager works independently to perform the duties and responsibilities of MEL-related work and is assigned to other program-related duties as needed upon the direction of the Director. The MEL Manager is expected to perform autonomously to execute the MEL responsibilities as outlined in this SOW. The MEL Manager is expected to develop his/her work schedule, and procedures for accomplishing tasks and independently resolve problems that may arise during the accomplishment of these objectives in compliance with the ATI and DAI’s procedures and regulations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required.
• At least ten (10) years of progressively responsible work experience, developing, implementing, and managing M&E and knowledge management of development projects.
• Professional work experience on M&E systems for trade and investment, agricultural development, market systems approach, or other similar development areas is strongly preferred.
• Experience in supervising is required.
• Ability to implement, operationalize, and manage information collection and analysis systems.
• Experience leading and building the capacity of teams of MEL associates, and officers, including remote, field-based staff, to meet program needs and deliverables.
• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Background and training in field research methodologies, including some knowledge of statistical analysis programs.
• Master’s degree in evaluation, social sciences, or other relevant fields is preferred.

Skills

• Excellent technical skills in quantitative and qualitative monitoring and results measurement (MRM) methods.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex and conflicting information, generate ideas, and establish means of effectively testing them.
• Strong strategic thinking skills and good judgment – the ability to reflect on the variety of likely impacts or outcomes from an activity and to determine pragmatic approaches to getting results.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English and the ability to communicate complex issues with clarity and structure, and to deliver documents to the highest level of professionalism.
• Ability to think strategically and critically, and to bring imagination to solving problems with substantial complexity and ambiguity.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence: a genuine team player with strong listening, negotiating, and persuasive skills.
• Ability to identify the key internal and external customers of the services provided by the MEL function, understand their requirements, and deliver services that they value within appropriate timescales.
• The ability to gain the trust and confidence of external and internal stakeholders at all levels.
• Genuine interest in business fundamentals and commercial analysis.
• Results-focused, consistent, and accurate with a strong commitment to data integrity.
• Able to plan and deliver work according to timescales and required milestones.
• Able to engage and work with a range of expert consultants and senior and middle management staff.
• Able to work with people of different professional, national, and cultural backgrounds.
• Able to work independently, analyze and solve problems, and prioritize issues.

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• The Activity & MEL Associate will provide technical support to activity’s monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities, ensuring that the activity is implemented effectively and efficiently. S/he will work closely with the Liberia Country Team, USAID, ATI and other stakeholders to design and implement MEL systems, collect and analyze data, and provide insights to inform activity decision-making. Responsibilities also include supporting the activity manager and country team to implement buy-in activities, working with the technical and /operational teams to identify and mobilize resources in support of implementation, and supporting activity’s clients. The Activity and MEL Associate will support generating buy-in activity scopes of work, supporting the design of procurements and grants programs, tracking budgets, coordinating travel and other administrative support tasks as needed across ATI’s portfolio.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Activity Implementation

• Manage and track buy-in activity implementation progress by partners, i.e grantees, sub-contractors, consultants, and ATI team members, ensuring adherence to approved work plans and deliverable schedules, seeking guidance, and providing solutions to deviations
• Support the development of technical deliverables and contribute to the development of communication outputs in liaison with ATI communication team for onward sharing and subsequent learning.
• Support on all matters related to the buy-in, including but not limited to contractual, operational, MEL, reporting, and financial matters.
• Support the development of calls for applications/proposals and all related solicitation documentation; work with the Technical team to integrate technical guidance and requirements.
• Under supervision of the Activity Manager and relevant grants and procurement personnel, provide procedures and policy guidance and interpretation for program staff as well as grantees and subcontractors to ensure adherence to the Activity policies.
• Assist the grants and procurement teams in chairing technical evaluation committees and recording committee member evaluations and feedback.
• Assist the grants and procurement teams in carrying out pre-award responsibility determination of prospective grantees.
• Provide background information to the grants and procurement teams in preparation of negotiation memos for submission to USAID, supporting the development of first drafts.
• Provide assistance to grantees and subcontractors in several areas i.e. submitting proposals, prepare grant/subcontract modifications, maintain compliance with USAID regulations, reporting, and other areas in which partners may require support.
• Ensure assigned buy-in activities are managed in accordance with USAID regulations and DAI Procurement policies.

Collaboration, Learning, and Adapting

• Develop and implement monitoring and evaluation plans for activities.
• Liaise with implementing parties to ensure proper MEL data capture and data quality to contribute to overall ATI project MEL reporting;
• Collect and analyze data to track activity progress and impact
• Identify and mitigate risks, and develop corrective actions as needed.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with USAID, government stakeholders, private companies, NGOs, and other development stakeholders to ensure activity alignment and buy-in
• Build and maintain relationships with clients and subcontractors and serve as a POC for data quality and indicators reporting.

Administrative Support

• As needed, support the project’s procurement and operational staff in administrative and operational needs.
• Coordinate, schedule and participate in field activities with staff and consultants.
• Carry out any other tasks as requested by the Activity Manager.

REPORTING

The Activity & MEL Associate will report to the Activity Manager or designee.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, agribusiness, economics or related field required.
• 7+ years of working in program related activities i.e., MEL, activity management and implementation, financial reporting based on program activities, and/or wider finance experience, with a minimum of 3 years’ experience on a USAID funded project
• Strong office management and communications skills.
• Familiarity with USAID rules and regulations regarding project management, including project inventory, disposition, and operational procurement.
• Ability to identify time sensitive demands & inquiries and respond effectively.
• Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints.
• Demonstrated knowledge of internal controls and audit processes (e.g. procurement, local subcontract agreements, etc.).
• Demonstrated report writing skills in English is required.
• An articulate individual who possesses excellent communications and personnel management skills and who can relate to people at all levels of an organization.
• An energetic, forward-thinking, and creative individual with high ethical standards and appropriate professional image.
• An extremely well organized and self-directed individual with sound technical skills, analytical ability, good judgment, and strong operational focus.
• Previous experience with DAI policies, procedures, and systems (TAMIS, etc.) preferred.

Interested candidates should submit their application no later than June 6, 2024.

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POSITION DESCRIPTION

• The Food and Agriculture Technical Advisor will provide technical inputs to support the management of multiple grants and subcontracts with food security and resilience goals across the continent. The overall objective of the food and agriculture work under ATI is to increase the ability of the private sector to boost trade and investment in key value chains while building capacity and resilience among people and mitigating global macroeconomic shocks. This position requires an expert with deep understanding of global food and market systems and the ability to track critical data sources related to food and nutrition security in Africa.
• This role will work collaboratively and in conjunction with the food security and resilience team, as well as regional activity managers, technical advisors, and the broader ATI team to coordinate and deliver all ATI food and agriculture activities. Responsibilities include providing technical and management support to program activities, working with the technical and operational teams to identify and mobilize resources in support of implementation, and supporting USAID clients. The Food and Agriculture Technical Advisor will also help generate scopes of work, support the design and monitoring of activities with private sector partners. In addition, s/he will provide surge procurement and operational support to existing ATI staff, as needed, and play a role in developing knowledge products that support learning capture across the program.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee and track agriculture, food and resilience activity implementation and progress by partners, consultants, and subcontractors, to ensure our work adheres to the approved work plan and deliverable schedule and troubleshoot deviations.
• Monitor food and agriculture issues in targeted regions to follow and advise on food security and resilience trends.
• Provide relationship management support for client and implementing partners, which may include serving as a representative for ATI in meetings with officials from USAID, other US Government agencies and partners, governments, corporations, capital partners, and other key stakeholders across Africa.
• Participate in strategic and technical meetings in collaboration with USAID and other stakeholders as part of ATI’s co-creation process and to inform and develop relevant aspects of ATI’s foundational technical activities as they relate to food security and resilience.
• Ensure private sector partners understand USAID’s expectations for activity implementation.
• Support activity managers and colleagues on all matters related to activities, including but not limited to contractual, operational, monitoring, evaluation, and learning, reporting, and communications.
• Collaborate with staff and partners to design effective trade and investment activities that will strengthen food systems, which may include working directly with partners from activity design to tracking progress to communicating results.
• Contribute to the quarterly reporting, Monitoring and Evaluation (MEL) reporting, and other communication request to ensure that the ATI team proactively updates USAID.
• Ensure assigned activities are managed in accordance with USAID regulations and DAI procurement policies; and Continent-wide travel to provide partner support (25%) as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree in a relevant subject area preferred.
• Demonstrated technical expertise in private sector engagement, agricultural development, food security, or resilience programming and processes, preferably through USAID-funded development programs in Africa. Regional experience a plus.
• At least 10 years of demonstrated experience supporting, leading, designing, and/or supporting food and nutrition security programs that have contributed to significant results reducing food insecurity. Preferred experience working directly for a Feed the Future project.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience working with U.S. Government agencies, government donors, African government institutions, or other international and regional economic bodies in Africa.
• Experience and knowledge of food and market system issues in Africa, and how they link to U.S. Government priorities, with the ability to identify trends and strategically adapt activities to improve impact.
• Demonstrated ability to work across multiple geographies and a range of private sector and public sector partners.
• An articulate individual who possesses excellent interpersonal skills and who can relate to people at all levels of an organization.
• Strong analytical, communication, and writing skills, including experience with project required reporting.
• Proven project management skills and strong experience with client management
• Ability to identify time-sensitive demands and inquiries and respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints.
• An energetic, forward-thinking, and creative individual with high ethical standards and appropriate professional image.
• An extremely well-organized and self-directed individual with sound technical skills, analytical ability, good judgment, and strong operational focus.
• Ability to work in a fast-moving, fluid team setting with multiple stakeholders.
• Fluency in spoken and written English required, French language skills a plus.

Interested candidates should submit their application no later than May 27, 2024.