Openings at Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA)

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

•  Work collaboratively with the HQ MIM Specialist and program team to develop a MIM plan, refine the program Theory of Change, Results Framework, Log frames/Results Tracker and compile to donor standards
•  Design and supervise the implementation of baseline and periodic surveys and other relevant quantitative and qualitative data collection supported by the MIM Specialist and crosscutting services team
•  Work with the Project team to integrate gender (including disaggregating gender data) into ongoing project planning and implementation systems and ensure adherence to donor standards
•  Take the lead in the development of appropriate monitoring, tracking, and reporting systems, tools and templates that enhance monitoring of project outputs and quality, generate quality evidence on project impact and promote and ensure use of data for decision-making processes working in collaboration with relevant team members
•  Leverage on available technology (Power Business Intelligence, CRM) to generate data reports (tables/graphs/reports) from the database at regular intervals, ensuring reports/information are available for program implementation staff as required. Facilitate data analysis with program implementation team as requested.
•  Contribute to understanding of and support for mobile data collection (i.e QuestionPro) hardware and software.
•  Coordinate the collection, writing and conducting reviews of stories of change
•  Work with the HQ MIM and KM Specialists to generate data reports (tables/graphs/reports) from the database at regular intervals, ensuring reports/information are available for program implementation staff as required. Facilitate data analysis with program implementation team as requested.
•  Conduct field visits to ensure all elements of the data system is being utilized effectively, assessing, and identifying breakdowns and areas that require clarifications and improvements; Analyse project results and inform senior project management of any gaps or shortcomings in the attainment of project goals.
•  Work with Cassava Seed Entrepreneurs/Enterprises (CSEs) and project partners in evaluating gathered data and analyzing lessons learned and best practices for subsequent activities including from a gender and social inclusion.
•  Work closely with the project teams to develop and deliver staff/partner trainings, improving capacities in monitoring and evaluation and database management: data collection, entry, verification, and analysis; gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) and other identified needs
•  Contribute to understanding of and support for mobile data collection hardware and software in collaboration with the IT/KM Specialist
•  Prepare and complete periodic appraisal reports including annual surveys, midterm and final evaluation to fulfill project requirements.
•  Work with HQ MIM Specialist to collect and report on corporate related data (such as decent work)
•  Perform any other duties to advance the MIM objectives of the project as necessary.

Any other duties and/or requirements as assigned

REQUIREMENTS

• Education: Master's degree in quantitative discipline (Preferably in Statistics, Economics, Social Science or any Development related field)

Experience:

•  At least 5 years' experience in the field of Monitoring, Learning and Evaluation.
•  At least 5 years' experience in private sector and international development required. Experience in gender equality and social inclusion is an added advantage
•  Knowledge of major quantitative & qualitative monitoring methodologies and proven ability to design monitoring instrumentation while mainstreaming gender equality and sustainability
•  Extensive experience with assessments, monitoring, learning & evaluation; information systems including MS Suite (Word, Excel, Power BI etc.), database and other computerized cloud data storage, data statistical analysis and management programs, and mobile data collection platforms.
•  Experience working directly with target clients (e.g farmers, MSMEs, service providers etc)
•  High level of proficiency in data collection tools (ideally QuestionPro)
•  Experience in agri-market systems is desirable
•  Demonstrated project assessment and report writing expertise in preparing reports for major donors.
•  Strong facilitation, interpersonal, motivational, and communication/writing skills.
•  Written and spoken English and Swahili required
•  Willingness to work under pressure and to work extra hours when required.
•  Willingness to travel 50% of the time to the project areas for project monitoring.

Additional Qualifications:

•  Appreciation and support of MEDA's mission, vision, and values
•  Understanding and appreciation of business principles, international development and MEDA's approach of creating business solutions to poverty
•  Creates an effective work environment though exceptional interpersonal, communication, teambuilding and relationship building skills.
•  Proven experience in Team management, through delegation, clear assignment of responsibilities, provision of sufficient authority and budget, and performance assessment.
•  Results and solution-oriented approaches

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POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Programmatic

•  Support seed system assessments aimed at increasing understanding of the status quo, capacity gaps, constraints, and opportunities in the region.
•  Work collaboratively with KALRO/KALRO Seed Unit and other actors to i mprove their business capacity for production of Early Generation Seed (EGS).
•  Facilitate market linkages for KALRO/KALRO Seed Unit to supply demand driven quality cassava planting materials on a commercial basis.
•  In collaboration with KEPHIS, IITA and other seed system actors, support testing and implementation of cassava seed protocols to ensure quality assurance of cassava planting materials.
•  Facilitate identification and capacity building of Cassava Seed Entrepreneurs/Enterprises (CSEs) in commercial seed production while ensuring inclusivity
•  Develop/refine and implement a robust capacity development program targeting key cassava seed system actors including but not limited to KEPHIS, KALRO/KALRO Seed Unit, and CSEs.
•  Develop/refine training manuals on commercial seed production as well as other relevant modules including gender and social inclusion.
•  Support marketing of CSEs products and facilitate strong linkages between CSEs and farmers
•  Facilitate registration of CSEs with relevant government agencies and ensure compliance to existing seed quality protocols
•  Provide backstopping, coaching, and mentorship to selected CSEs.
•  Create strong partnerships with public and private producers, relevant government ministries and agencies, other seed system stakeholders and represent MEDA when required.

Operations

•  Prepare monthly plans and budget for the region.
•  Proactively monitor burn rate.
•  Ensure compliance with MEDA/donor procedures and policies.

Monitoring and Evaluation

•  Ensure timely and accurate data collection and analysis.
•  Develop progress reports.
•  Track performance against targets and course correct where necessary.
•  Document and share lessons learnt

Any other duties and/or requirements as assigned

REQUIREMENTS

• Education: A university degree in agribusiness, economics, marketing, or related field.
• A Master's degree is an added advantage.
• Experience: A minimum of 5 years in enterprise/private sector development at a senior level in agricultural value chains involving private sector and farmer organizations

Additional Qualifications:

•  Understanding and appreciation of MEDA's mission, vision, values, and business principles
•  Has strong understanding and experience in seed system and value chain development
•  Experience in offering a wide range of business development services (BDS) to MSMEs, farmers/farmer organizations to facilitate their growth.
•  Market oriented and strong entrepreneurial skills
•  Excellent people and stakeholder management skills
•  Strong partnership and networking skills
•  Excellent communication and report writing skills
•  Fluency (written and verbal) in English is required. Working knowledge of Kiswahili is desirable