Description

Heifer International is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) whose mission is to work with communities to end hunger and poverty while caring for the earth. We work with farmers and their communities to identify opportunities that deliver living incomes, creating solutions to local challenges that are designed to build inclusive, resilient economies. With Increased productivity of livestock and crops, farmers provide for their families and improve the health of their communities.

Heifer International is partnering with Cargill Inc and the International Poultry Council in the implementation of the Transformational Strategies for Farm Output Risk Mitigation or “TRANSFORM” in Kenya. TRANSFORM is a USAID-funded project and a critical part of the Health Security Program that seeks to drive animal health solutions to increase global health security and increase access to safe, affordable, animal-sourced nutrition while improving farm productivity and farmer incomes. TRANSFORM focuses on protecting human health by improving practices related to animal production through mitigation of antimicrobial resistance and preventing emerging infectious diseases (zoonotic and transboundary animal diseases-TADs) while improving farmer livelihoods in Kenya. Heifer is leading the deployment of biosecurity, farm management, and antimicrobial use stewardship practices training to farmers and other value chain players through community agro-veterinary entrepreneurs (CAVEs) and farmer agrobusinesses; social and behavior change awareness campaigns in biosecurity measures using different approaches; supporting farmer and value chain actors’ access to finance and market linkages to input suppliers, off-takers, and other actors in the market system.

FUNCTION

The Planning Monitoring and Evaluation (PME) Officer will manage the development and implementation of Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Systems for the TRANSFORM Project. The Officer will provide overall technical support, advice, and oversight on project-level monitoring, evaluation, collaborating, learning, and adapting. A strong emphasis for this role is on data collection, data quality assurance, data analysis, reporting, dissemination, and learning. The PME Officer will report to the Planning Monitoring and Evaluation Manager, and work in liaison with the Project Manager and team.

ESSENTIAL CHARACTER TRAITS

The ideal candidate is detailed oriented, self-driven, and has strong leadership skills.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DELIVERABLES

A. Implement monitoring, evaluation, learning, and systems for the Project. (30%)

• Prepare and maintain MEL Plan for the project.
• Collect and manage data to support needs assessment, TRANSFORM project logical framework design/Review and target setting, and progress management.
• Work with external evaluators to conduct the Baseline, Mid-term, and final evaluations.
• Conduct and manage the monitoring of semiannual project progress, annual surveys, living income validation, and support evaluations as per the M&E plan.
• Ensure the effective implementation of MELS policies, procedures, and guidelines for the TRANSFORM project.
• Ensure proper use of available digital tools and technology for effectively managing MELS activities, including data collection surveys using SurveyCTO.
• Provide support to implementing partners in preparing their MELS plans, and in using digital tools for data collection and management.
• Disseminate learning findings from project monitoring, evaluation, and research.
• Lead learning events with key stakeholders within the project communities, implementation partners, and Heifer in general
• Elevate MELS-related challenges to PME Manager and Project Manager for coordination with Signature Program Technical Lead and Country Director to find timely solutions.

B. Data management, analysis, and utilization for learning. (25%)

• Conduct and/or quality assure all M&E data collected in the country.
• Summarize/ aggregate data at County/ Farmer Owned Agribusinesses (FOAB) level and contribute to organization-wide aggregation.
• Manage all data properly in clean form, and analyze to use for project management, learning, and meet all the reporting needs.
• Provide expertise in the design, management, and evaluation of study protocols, questionnaires, sample selection, and analysis.
• Ensure timely data collection, analysis, and reporting as well as measurement against the project performance indicators and reporting to stakeholders as needed.
• Work with the project management to respond to periodic donor and Heifer requests for additional information on project activities and results.
• Document, store, and share lessons learned, successes, failures, and best practices via case studies.
• Collect data through Heifer’s Computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI) SurveyCTO system.
• Conduct internal Data Quality Assessment (DQA) using SPSS and oversee implementation of DQA recommendations.

C. Contribute to program effectiveness: design monitoring, evaluation, learning, and systems for the Project. (20%)

• Design monitoring and evaluation plan incorporating core standard indicators defined by TRANSFORM Project and set targets for indicators.
• Create an indicator reference sheet for all indicators.
• Design Monitoring and reporting tools for the projects
• Ensure adaptive learning from monitoring and evaluation findings.
• Support the Project Manager in monthly, quarterly, and annual progress reporting.
• Lead in monthly aggregating and reporting of Catalytic Leverage Fund (CaLF) from Producer Organizations
• Contribute to the design of monitoring and surveillance systems and analyses of data from them.
• Implement the project’s Results Framework & logical framework for TRANSFORM.
• Design data collection tools, plans, and processes for all required information, ensuring high quality and integrity of data.
• Review and adjust M&E plans and targets, tools, and processes periodically.
• Ensure alignment of TRANSFORM M&E plans and procedures with donor standards and requirements.
• Support the development of a MELS activity budget for the TRANSFORM project.
• Coordinate Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) efforts throughout the life of the project at regular intervals to review and encourage the use of data in decision-making.
• Track project outcomes through the annual Global Indicator Monitoring (GIM) Surveys.

D. Capacity development. (15%)

• Equip program, distributors, and FOAB staff with skills to deliver MELS activities efficiently.
• Orient and build Heifer, donor, and implementing partners’ capacity in MELS activities including proper record keeping and data management.
• As needed, supervise and manage supporting staff for efficient work and maintain project and MEL compliance.
• Provide coaching and training to equip staff to deliver the assigned responsibilities efficiently.
• Contribute to the recruitment, training, and supervision of external parties that are contracted to implement special surveys and studies required for evaluating project effects and impacts for TRANSFORM.

E. Business development. (5%).

• Support the development of concept notes, project proposals, and submissions to potential donors.
• Support research and evaluation initiatives in specific Project Counties.
• Assist in networking with other development organizations, governments, and other line agencies in promoting Heifer’s and donor development model/initiatives, and potential collaborations.

F. Perform other job-related duties as requested. (5%)

• Deliverables based on duties assigned.

Minimum Requirements

1. Bachelor’s degree in Monitoring and Evaluation, Project Management, Agricultural Economics and/or Statistics, Computer Sciences, Information Technology, or an equivalent technical field with an academic focus on monitoring and evaluation or another related field.
2. Demonstrated experience in coordinating and working with international donors and grantees in designing and implementing Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (MEL) systems.
3. Minimum of Five (5) years of directly relevant experience in MEL.
4. Substantial technical experience in monitoring and evaluating international development projects funded by USAID and or other donors.

Preferred Requirements

1. Experience performing monitoring, evaluation, learning activities, and reporting.
2. Experience in designing data collection tools on SurveyCTO, ODK, Kobo, etc.
3. Experience in quantitative data analysis
4. Experience in supporting and monitoring field-based programs in the project implementation regions will be an added advantage.
5. Experience in managing databases and coordinating evaluations, surveys, and impact monitoring.

Most Critical Proficiencies

1. Innovative, analytical, and solutions-oriented.
2. A good understanding of and sensitivity to issues associated with poverty, hunger, agriculture, and the environment, and knowledge of the context in which non-profit organizations operate.
3. Knowledge of market systems interventions and linkages to poverty alleviation.
4. Excellent organizational skills, including strong attention to detail.
5. Proven experience in building the capacity of partner institutions to document and disseminate industry information, manage knowledge, measure progress, and plan and advocate within the industry.
6. Proficient knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, presentation tools, electronic mail (Microsoft Office preferred), and the Internet.
7. Strong knowledge and skills in data management and analysis using statistical software (e.g., STATA, SPSS, SAS, EViews, etc.).
8. Demonstrated proficiency in English, both oral and written.
9. Experience with ICT.
10. Ability to work in a team.

Essential Job Functions and Physical Demands

1. Ability to understand, appreciate, and implement Heifer’s Values-Based Holistic Community Development model.
2. Demonstrated creativity, ability to think systematically, willingness, and ability to incorporate innovative solutions.
3. Quantitative and qualitative approaches to evaluation and the ability to communicate MEL concepts clearly with leadership, partners, and staff at all levels.
4. Willingness and ability to assign and review the work of direct reports and to use participatory management skills with junior and senior staff.
5. Ability to train and work cooperatively with a diverse staff, including field staff in various locations.
6. Constant face-to-face, telephone, and electronic communication with colleagues and the public.
7. Working with sensitive information and maintaining confidentiality.
8. Ability to manage and execute multiple tasks with little supervision while meeting sometimes inflexible deadlines.
9. Willingness and ability to travel.

Heifer International is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.

Deadline for Application: 1 September 2023