Jobs at DAI Kenya - Development Alternatives, Inc.

Summary of Primary Duties

• The Feed the Future Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Advisor is responsible for managing a process and system that tracks the results of ATI’s trade and investment activities related to food security and resilience. The position will be responsible for creating and executing MEL plans and conducting data analysis for all of ATI’s work to support the U.S. Government’s Global Food Security Strategy. He/she will work with the MEL team to manage the ATI database so that up-to-date information can be provided accurately and quickly per USAID’s reporting requirements. In addition, the Feed the Future MEL Advisor will work with stakeholders to identify and implement the policies, tools, and processes for data management across ATI. He/she will work closely with the MEL team to improve systems, track results, and provide strategic leadership to the ATI learning agenda. The advisor is responsible for activities related to the development and implementation of the ATI MEL and knowledge management strategy and systems, including operationalizing the Performance Management Plan and MEL system.

Overall Responsibilities

Support ATI in reporting results through an effective M&E system, enabling ATI to develop the robust intelligence and analysis needed to develop, adapt, and improve its strategy on an ongoing basis. To achieve this, the Feed the Future MEL Advisor will be responsible specifically for the following:

• Provides data analysis on ATI’s food security work that is funded by the Feed the Future initiative, including support for ATI dashboards, USAID reporting requirements, and the ATI communications team.
• Provide MEL expertise on the design, review, and implementation of activities, as well as the modification of MEL information management systems.
• Manage and guarantee data used for reporting meets USAID and ATI data quality standards.
• With the support of the ATI MEL team liaise with technical teams, develop guidelines for database and systems use, including training staff on any new upgrades.
• 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.
• Manage the indicator performance reporting and target setting for quarterly and annual reporting, guided by annual ATI performance review and baselines for reporting progress.
• Maintain reporting procedures and guidelines in compliance with USAID.
• Lead in the development of specialized monitoring and evaluation tools and data collection protocols to ensure accurate collection and verification.
• Work closely with the ATI learning advisor, providing support to assess, coordinate, and manage external production of learning and messaging products related to ATI’s food security work.
• Coordinate, oversee, and participate in project evaluation activities to assess the outcomes and impacts of ATI activities related to food security and resilience.
• Provide day-to-day remote assistance and support to activity teams and project staff.

Reporting

• The FTF MEL Advisor will report to the MEL Associate Director.
• The FTF MEL Advisor is expected to perform autonomously to execute the duties and responsibilities as outlined in this SOW. The FTF MEL Advisor may be assigned to other program-related duties, as needed, upon the direction of the ATI MEL Director. The chosen candidate is expected to develop his/her work schedule, create effective procedures for accomplishing tasks, and independently resolve problems that may arise in compliance with 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 in developing and managing M&E and knowledge management systems for Feed the Future-funded programs administered by USAID.
• Familiarity with USAID’s reporting cycle, priorities, expectations, and USAID’s Development Information Solutions (DIS) system.
• Must have work experience in M&E systems that track results of international development activities related to food systems, agricultural development, nutrition, or other food security and resilience areas.
• Demonstrated ability to implement, operationalize, and manage information collection and analysis systems.
• Maintains an extensive, detailed technical body of knowledge of the latest MEL techniques, applications, and methodologies.
• Strong background and training in field research methodologies, including some knowledge of statistical analysis programs.
• Supervisory experience is required, including working with remote, field-based staff.
• Demonstrated experience leading and building the capacity of a team to meet the M&E needs and deliverables of a development activity.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Skills

• Exceptional technical skills in quantitative and qualitative monitoring and results measurement (MRM) methods.
• Ability to communicate complex issues with clarity and structure, and to deliver documents to the highest level of professionalism.
• Results-focused, consistent, and accurate with a commitment to data integrity.
• Ability to think strategically and critically, and to bring imagination to solving problems with substantial complexity and ambiguity.
• Fluent, advanced English communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Can work independently, generate ideas, analyze, and solve problems, and prioritize issues.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence; a genuine team player with strong listening, negotiating, and persuasive skills.
• Proactively engage with a range of colleagues and work collaboratively with people from different professional, national, and cultural backgrounds.

go to method of application »

POSITION DESCRIPTION

• The Activity Associate will support the Activity Manager(s), Activity Specialist(s) and wider technical team with managing several large multi-year buy-in activities with significant labor and/or field presence, with support from technical advisors and the ATI team. Responsibilities include supporting technical and management support to buy-in activities, working with the technical and operational teams to identify and mobilize resources in support of implementation, and supporting USAID clients. The Activity 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

• Support the management and track buy-in activity implementation progress by personnel, consultants and subcontractors, ensure it adheres to the approved workplan and deliverable schedule, and troubleshoot deviations with supervision of an Activity Manager.
• Support development and review of technical deliverables and contribute to 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.
• Prepare grant/subcontract modifications.
• Provide assistance to grantees and subcontractors in areas of submitting proposals, achieving and maintaining 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.
• Liaise with implementing parties to ensure proper MEL data capture and data quality to contribute to overall ATI project MEL reporting.
• Carry out any other tasks as requested by the Activity Manager.
• 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 review and analysis of proposal budgets to ensure the costs are allowable, allocable, reasonable, and consistent.
• 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.
• Assist to review grant/subcontract invoices and grant financial reports for accuracy and eligibility.
• In tandem with relevant technical staff, generate buy-in scopes of work and budgets as needed.
• As needed, support the project’s procurement and operational staff in administrative and operational needs.
• Coordinate and schedule travel for project staff and consultants.
• Travel to regional offices as required.

REPORTING

The Activity Associate will report to the Activity Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 7+ years of operations/facilities management and / or 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.

Closing date

12 Apr 2024