Current Opportunities at DanChurchAid (DCA)

Purpose:

• The Project Assistant MEAL will directly implement all MEAL processes and activities required to improve programme quality over the course of projects’ implementation. This includes supporting the design of project M&E frameworks, including design of project monitoring tools & tracking project outputs and results; facilitating supporting evaluation studies; and contributing to annual monitoring and reporting. The position supports effective project level accountability and learning systems, including handling beneficiary complaints and response systems. The candidate will also contribute to project and organizational learning processes.

The main responsibilities of the Project Assistant - MEAL:

Design of Project MEAL systems

• Lead the development of Monitoring and evaluation systems and processes for the implementation of the DCA projects in Kakuma. This includes the design of project MEAL plans. 
• Building capacity of project staff, partners and other relevant stakeholders on implementation of DCA Kakuma MEAL actions. 

Monitoring and Reporting 

• Keep track of project activity implementation and progress against output indicators as reported by project teams.
• Lead the documentation of project results, impact, best practices and significant changes. Document learning and best practices; disseminate learnings, reports, publications and participate in learning sessions, and ensuring that the lessons learnt are utilized to inform programming and advocacy.
• Maintain an updated Indicator Performance Tracker (IPT) for DCA Kakuma Office Projects including maintenance of an agile and accessible secure physical and digital filing system and project database.
• Regularly collect the relevant data as indicated by Project MEAL plans to measure progress against indicators, expanding contextual knowledge of the organization, build positive relationships, and trust with people of concern and promote programmatic learning. 

Evaluation of Projects 

• Conduct all ad hoc or regular assessment, monitoring, post-monitoring, and evaluation data collection as per plan / Scope of Work of all project activities present in the respective area.
• Using quantitative and qualitative methods generate datasets, assessments, and reports analysis to support project staff in generating high quality reports for various audiences. 

Accountability and Complaints Handling System

• Collect and manage complaints and feedback in close coordination with Project team. Track timeliness of response to complaints and maintain an updated project complaints tracker.
• Assist in mainstreaming accountability in all activities and responsible for the operations of reporting and complaints mechanism as well as receiving regular feedback from key stakeholders. 

Innovation

• Lead in field testing and piloting in the field of tools and provide feedback and inputs to the MEAL officer after the piloting phase.

Required Education and Experience

Education:

• The ideal candidate should be a holder of a degree in Statistics, Social Sciences, ICT, Development Studies, Project Management, or another relevant field required.

Experience:

The ideal candidate should:

• Have a minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in monitoring and evaluation, preferably with INGOs.
• Have experience in the usage of Digital Data Collection software such as Performance Insights, Salesforce, Taro Works, Kobo, ODK, Magpi, and Commcare. 
• Have strong skills in qualitative and quantitative data analysis and visualization using at least three softwares: MS-Excel, STATA, SPSS, Power Bi, NVIVO and other data management software.

Other Competencies 

The candidate should also have:

• The ability to work independently to troubleshoot, perform root cause analysis, identify and isolate technical issues.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Self-motivation, creativity and an ability to perform without close supervision.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.

go to method of application »

• To achieve this, DCA plans to diversify funding streams, in line with our fundraising strategy. We are seeking a consultant to support in securing new donor funding to drive the continued strategic growth of DCA’s work with partners in Kenya. The Project Design & Resource Mobilisation Consultant will steward the development of dynamic and successful projects - linked to our priorities around green job creation for youth; strengthening food systems; financial inclusion; tech for human rights, and climate justice/action - and articulate these in compelling pitches, concepts and/or proposals for institutional donors, including bilateral and multilateral donors and private foundations.
• If/as needed during the assignment period, the consultant will also manage proposal development processes and write the proposals for specific grant opportunities identified and jointly agreed upon. The consultant will drive the process to bring selected applications to full completion and ensure both high quality and a timely submission of the final products.

Responsibilities & Tasks

Become rapidly familiar with:

• DCA’s work / approach in Kenya
• Fundraising / programme development priorities
• Specific initiatives identified for development support

Project formulation, writing/editing:

• Work with teams to ideate and conceptualise evidence-based project initiatives, including supporting identification of, and engagement with, relevant partners
• Draft and seek input on pitches, concept notes and/or proposals developed, finalising materials which can be used for donor engagement and/or funding applications
• Identify further related actions, as/where possible including follow up fundraising actions

Proposal development and/or process management for specific grant opportunities:

• If / as needed during the assignment period, provide specific support to the development of targeted – or other – initiatives in response to funding opportunities

Key Internal Contacts

• The consultant works together with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) at the Kenya CO; comprised of the Country Director, Head of Programme, Head of Finance & Support Services and Area Programme Managers for Nakuru and Turkana. Other key programme and project staff may be engaged in different initiatives. The relevant DCA lead for each will facilitate any further engagement and collaboration with DCA HQ staff, including from the Global Partnerships and Resource Mobilisation (GPRM) team, and the Programme Advocacy & Learning (PAL) team.

Key External Contacts

• External local and international partners – NGOs, CBOs, FBOs, social enterprises, private sector, research institutions – will be involved in all projects. Engagement with these actors will initially be led or supported by DCA staff.

Reporting Lines

• The consultant reports to the Head of Programme (HoP)

Requirements – skills & experience:

• Demonstrated experience working in business development in international development or the humanitarian sector.
• Proven track record of writing and managing proposals and securing grants and contracts from donors, foundations, and trusts;
• Proven relationship building skills and ability to work jointly and effectively in cross-cultural settings and with a wide variety of stakeholders;
• Solid analytical skills and ability to present complex concepts in clear and concise formats;
• Experience in proposal writing and development for institutional donors;
• Proven experience in strategic planning and programmatic design;
• Demonstrate confidence in handling difficult situations;
• Exceptional problem-solving abilities and ability to perform confidently under pressure;
• Ability to take initiative and achieve results with limited supervision;
• Strong attention to detail and follow-up;
• Excellent people and negotiation skills;

Requirements - location:

• Must be based in and have the right to work in Kenya
• Willing to travel in Kenya; assignment may involve travel to Nakuru and/or Turkana

Please upload your CV (maximum 3 pages) and a cover letter, outlining both key specific and relevant achievements/experience and your anticipated daily rate, exclusive of tax (maximum 2 pages).

Closing Date: 21st of September,2023