Monitoring and Evaluation Officer (re-advertisement)

BACKGROUND

The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) is a leading global development organisation working to tackle the root causes of poverty. For more than 50 years, we have helped create strong community institutions that support sustainable, locally driven initiatives to improve the lives of millions of people. By combining local knowledge with global best practices, we strive to bring about transformative and long-lasting improvements to quality of life. Working alongside the agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network and through partnerships with local communities, civil society, and businesses, as well as governments and international aid agencies, we are building a future where we all thrive together. AKF has been operating in Tajikistan since 1993 and, through its programme partners, continues to work in more than 60 districts and towns across the country. Together with state institutions, AKF Tajikistan (AKFTjk) directly contributes to the objectives of Tajikistan’s National Development Strategy and supports national efforts to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Local Impact is an innovative framework for meaningful and sustained impact on the most critical development priorities in Asia and Africa. Through Local Impact in selected countries in Asia and Africa, AKF and USAID target marginalized and vulnerable communities to: (1) Catalyze inclusive economic growth and ensure basic livelihoods; (2) Enhance infrastructure and access to basic services with a focus on clean energy; (3) Enhance the capacity of citizens and local institutions; and (4) Promote pluralism and social cohesion.

AKF Tajikistan (AKF Tjk) is looking for a qualified and experienced local professional to hold the position of Monitoring and Evaluation Officer (M&E Officer) under the Local Impact project. The M&E Officer will upgrade the established integrated and comprehensive M&E System. S/he should improve proper tools for quality control and tracking of the project progress. The M&E Officer shall guarantee the best approaches to use to improve the project M&E component. S/he will report to the Local Impact Country Manager. The incumbent will be based in Dushanbe with a possibility of travel to project target areas.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Programme Monitoring and Evaluation

Work with relevant programme staff to develop/strengthen the M&E framework for sectoral interventions, as well as for the programme (defining activities, processes, inputs, outputs, outcomes and associated indicators), and ensure annual reviews of the M&E Plan.
In line with the M&E plans and systems designed, lead and/or support the implementation of M&E activities, such as needs and annual assessments, applied studies, case studies, and endline assessments.
Supervise the whole process of the project End-line Evaluation, including developing an evaluation roadmap, finalizing comprehensive data collection tools in close collaboration with the project team and potential Research Company and verifying the data. Ensure quality analysis of the data and guarantee the high-quality analytical report as a result of the End-line survey.
Ensure the systematic collection including developing methodology and sampling, analysis, and reporting of routine data as per the overall M&E plan.
Develop the main tools (questionnaires, checklist, etc.) using MERL templates.
Using monitoring findings, conduct debriefing relevant project and program staff members to facilitate the development of solution to improve the performance of the project monitored, to inform the design of future projects or again support the development of communication materials.
Where studies are to be outsourced, prepare terms of reference (ToR) for assessment and learning studies to be undertaken during the course of programme implementation; and be responsible for the supervision and quality assurance of external assessments as required.
Contribute to the development of the M&E Plan and PMF for Local Impact each sub-project.
Analyse and present the research results using MERL templates.
After receiving the final approval from the Regional MERL Manager on the final research reports, present the findings internally as well as among communities surveyed and others.

Training and Capacity Building

Identify customized, on-site training opportunities to build the project staff capacity.
Oversee the design and delivery of training courses on M&E for programme staff as commensurate with their needs and level of familiarity with these concepts.

Reporting and Dissemination

Ensure the timely submission of results-based donor level reports and build the capacity of M&E Officer in results-based reporting; contribute to donor reporting by ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the data reported in these documents.
Report to the Local Impact Country Manager with dotted line reporting to the Regional Local Impact MERL Manager on the progress made against in the planned quarterly activities.
Prepare reports on M&E findings, as required, to the Local Impact Country Manager, AKF management staff and the donor, highlighting areas of concern and opportunities.
Guide the regular sharing of the outputs of M&E findings with programme staff, implementing partners and primary stakeholders.
Document best practices and share lessons learned with internal implementing partners and other network partners, and the donor.
Ensure efficient communication between the Local Impact project, MERL, and AKF projects/programs, the Communication Department as well as the Partnership Unit.
Provide regular support in maintaining databases for AKF Global Reach System (GRS) and Awards Information Management System (AIMS) of AKF.

Management

Manage and maintain the M&E budget and coordinate with the country manager on all matters pertaining to the budget.
Monitor implementation against target to ensure that programme contractual obligations are met.
Lead the development of action plans to ensure that M&E findings are used to improve the performance of the Local Impact project and its components, integrated in the design of future program or used to inform the development of the content of communication materials, among others.
Encourage staff to report frankly on fieldwork, highlighting problems and possible solutions, and lessons learned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Education

A post-graduate degree, preferably in rural or social development, with practical experience in the monitoring and evaluation of activities in integrated development programmes. (master’s degree is an advantage).

Special skills & knowledge:

Extensive knowledge of results-based management (RBM), including how to design and analyse logic models and how to develop SMART indicators.
Demonstrated knowledge and capacity to design and implement qualitative and/or quantitative research methods for the purpose of programme evaluation.
Demonstrated capacity to write results-based donor reports.
Experience with the development of data collection methods and tools (forms, formats, questionnaires) as well as systems for the entry, analysis, and storage of quantitative data (e.g. Ms Access, SPSS, or others).
Experience in performance measurement, including indicator selection, target setting, reporting, and developing M&E and performance monitoring plans.
Demonstrated capacity to use M&E data to adapt project activities, inform program development as well as to contribute to the development of internal and communication materials.
Excellent written and verbal English and Tajik languages skills; knowledge of Russian and other local languages is an asset.
Strong work ethic and confidentiality.
Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office.
Ability to independently interact and communicate with the stakeholders.
Ability to multi-task and manage multiple priorities.

Experience:

A minimum of 3 years of experience in M&E within development context.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested and qualified candidates are requested to submit their CV and Cover letter and other required personal documents via career center at www.the.akdn/careers/2159753 by 6th May 2024.

AKF strongly encourages qualified female applicants for this position. AKF seeks to ensure that male and female employees are given equal career opportunities and that staff members are able to keep an appropriate balance between work and private life.

For more information on the Aga Khan Foundation and Aga Khan Development Network visit: http://www.akdn.org.

AKF Tajikistan recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to equal opportunity, safeguarding of children from abuse and zero tolerance of sexual harassment.

DISCLAIMER

By sharing their cover letter and resume with AKF in response to this job application, applicants consent for AKF to keep this information on file for recruitment and human resources management purposes.