Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Specialist

Job description

We are seeking an experienced, dynamic, innovative, self-motivated, and results-oriented monitoring, evaluation and learning (ME&L) specialist to oversee and implement the ME&L activities of a large multi-country multi-partner project, “Drought Tolerant Maize Seed Scaling (DTMASS)” in Eastern and Southern Africa. Working with an interdisciplinary team, the successful candidate will bring along relevant expertise and in-depth experiences conceiving, implementing and rationalizing ME&L approaches in agricultural research for development, preferably including impact pathway analysis and theories of change. You will work as a member of CIMMYT’s Socio-Economics Program in close collaboration with CIMMYT’s other programs and with local and international partners.
 
The position will be based at CIMMYT’s Regional Office in Nairobi, Kenya with frequent travel to DTMASS intervention areas in eastern and southern Africa and beyond.
 
Specific duties of this position include:

• Be the focal point for DTMASS's ME&L; Drive and streamline the associated ME&L planning, implementation, reporting and use.
• Provide strategic oversight, guidance and quality control of ME&L, including the use of quantifiable output, outcome and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and of processes for measuring progress against outputs/outcomes/impact pathways at various levels.
• In collaboration with the DTMASS teams, periodically review and revise indicators and processes and draw out lessons/implications for impact pathways, theories of change, Intermediate Development Outcomes, up-scaling and out-scaling strategies and action plans to enhance uptake and impact of our work.
• Harmonize the integration of DTMASS's ME&L into CIMMYT's, including overseeing the quality of information in CIMMYT's Research Management System (RMS) and define and oversee the extraction of project specific indicators for reporting and evaluation purposes.
• Work closely with Project Leader, Impact Economist and Communications specialists to develop and document compelling outcome and impact success stories and to foster institutionalization and internalization of learning processes.
• Contribute to training of project managers, scientists and partners on ME&L methodologies. Provide guidelines to staff and partners on ME&L metrics and categories to effectively monitor current and future research.

Desired Skills and Experience

We are seeking candidates with the following academic qualifications, skills and attitudes:

• Relevant university degree (MSc/MBA or PhD) from a well-recognized university.
• Formal training in project M&E/ME&L.
• Substantive (at least 4 years) experience in conceptualizing M&E/ME&L in research and development.
• Excellent analytical and conceptual skills; resilient pro-active problem solver with eye for detail and good time management and reporting skills.
• Knowledge and practical experience using diverse approaches and methodologies for M&E/ME&L, especially in relation to output and outcome monitoring.
• Familiarity and preferably experience working with institutional learning processes, impact pathways analysis and applying theories of change.
• Enjoys working in multicultural environments and with diverse partners.
• Familiarity with USAID/Feed the Future Indicator will be an added advantage.

 
We will offer an initial contract for three years, which may be renewable subject to continued need and funding for the position and performance of the staff member. Our internationally competitive salary and benefits include housing allowance, car, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children’s education, paid vacation, annual airfare, contribution to a retirement plan, and generous assistance with relocation shipment.
 
CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.
 
To apply for this position, please email cover letter and CV to Human Resources, CIMMYT (Email: irsrecruitment@cgiar.org / Please indicate position reference number: 15811 in the header of your email).
Screening and follow up of applications will start on Friday, 13 February 2015. This position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
 
In your application, please specify where you saw this position advertised. For further information on the selection process, please contact Esther Mendoza Ramos, at e.m.ramos@cgiar.org