Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, Rural Agricultural Enterprises Development, Zambia 199 views0 applications

Since 1963 and in 148 countries, ACDI/VOCA has empowered people in developing and transitional nations to succeed in the global economy. Based in Washington, D.C., ACDI/VOCA is a nonprofit international development organization that delivers technical and management assistance in agribusiness, financial services, enterprise development, community development and food security in order to promote broad-based economic growth and vibrant civil society.

Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, Rural Agricultural Enterprises Development, Zambia**

ACDI/VOCA is currently seeking an experienced Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist for the anticipated USAID-funded Rural Agricultural Enterprises Development Activity. The activity is anticipated to facilitate access to finance for rural Small and Medium Enterprises (SME), address financial service providers’ barriers to lending to SMEs, and address barriers that limit agricultural enterprises’ ability to seek and qualify for loans. The position will be based in Lusaka, Zambia.

Responsibilities

· With the COP, confirm with USAID COR the indicators that will be tracked to ensure ACDI/VOCA is accountable to the client and provides information to enable effective project oversight (by USAID) and management (ACDI/VOCA).

· Fully develop and update as necessary an operational PMP that fulfills contract obligations, for submission to and approval by the client.

· Ensure that approved revisions and updates to the PMP are incorporated and all holders of the PMP (project staff, USAID, ACDI/VOCA home office) receive the most up-to-date (dated) version of it.

· Ensure that the PMP and related documents and instruments are properly kept in hard and soft copy, and that files are kept up-to-date.

· Develop systems and mechanisms for collecting project data on the PMP indicators.

· Conduct, as necessary, research from secondary sources for direct indicator input (when indicators are sourced to secondary or official data) or for comparative analysis.

· Develop and train users on data collection forms, instruments and tools.

· Ensure that data is gathered in a timely manner and is accurately recorded (manually/electronically).

· Provide project management with regular reports on project performance against PMP and work plan targets.

· Assist in the preparation of regular reports to the client (quarterly, semi-annual, annual, etc).

· Assist COP and other technical staff in developing presentations to explain project progress and performance.

· Take steps to ensure that data has been accurately collected, recorded, input and stored

· Conduct routine spot checks to ensure data has been accurately collected from stakeholders.

· As required, prepare for and participate in client-directed data quality assessment (DQA) and preparation of report.

· Based on DQA and in collaboration with project management, make recommended changes to PMP, indicators, methods of collection and methods of data storage.

· Assist in the development of Annual Work Plans and appropriate revision of annual targets.

· In close collaboration with the COP, manage internal or contracted special studies or surveys as required by the contract, technical direction from the client, or as warranted by the COP.

· Provide training and technical assistance to staff and local partners in monitoring and evaluation systems, use of tools and instruments to collect data.

· Assist staff, strategic partners and other stakeholders to analyze collected data to find ways of working more effectively and efficiently to meet targets, rationally adjust targets, and improve project performance. Qualifications

• Masters degree in economics, public administration, MBA or other economic development related degree.
• 5-10 years experience managing monitoring and evaluation systems for USAID or other international development programs.
• Excellent writing and verbal skills.
• Ability to manipulate Excel, Access and other database programs.
• Fluency in English is required; Fluency in Bemba, Nyanja, Tonga, or Lozi is preferred.

Zambian nationals are highly encouraged to apply.