Job Title: Strategic Learning Adviser, Development Food Security Activity, Madagascar
Area of Interest: Knowledge Management, Food and Nutrition Security, Gender, Program Quality
Location: International – Antananarivo, Madagascar
Reports to: Chief of Party, Development Food Security Activity, Madagascar
Note: This position is contingent upon candidate approval by the donor.
Background
The Maharo program addresses chronic food and nutrition insecurity and vulnerability in Southern Madagascar. The estimated timeframe for this program is October 2019 – September 2024. The overall goal of the proposed program will be to measurably reduce food and nutrition insecurity and vulnerability in targeted communes in the Regions of Atsimo Andrefana and Androy. Maharo has a multi-sectoral approach to reducing chronic food and nutrition insecurity, with a particular focus on enhancing resiliency and increasing individual, household and community capacities to manage and mitigate risk.
Job Summary
CRS/Madagascar seeks qualified candidates for the position of Strategic Learning Adviser (SLA). The SLA will promote coordination, collaboration and continuous learning across all DFSA activities. The SLA will ensure active, intentional and adaptive learning within and across sectoral activities, as well as knowledge sharing and application, activity-based capacity strengthening, evidence and data use and collaborating, learning and adapting (CLA). The SLA will develop and manage a system that captures, analyzes and disseminates learning, take the lead in collecting best practices and lessons learned and organize relevant reviews of program activities. The adviser will also ensure robust stakeholder coordination with stakeholders (local partners, USG, governmental partners, international donors, multilateral organizations and private sector actors…). The SLA should have demonstrated experience in food security, knowledge management, organizational learning and capacity strengthening.
Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS staff)
These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.
* Integrity
* Accountability and Stewardship
* Build Relationships
* Develops Talent
* Continuous Improvement and Innovation
* Strategic Mindset
Qualifications and Skills
* An advanced degree (master’s or PhD preferred) degree in communications, economics, agricultural/development economics, statistics, bio-statistics, nutrition, applied sociology, anthropology, or other relevant subject.
* At least three years relevant work experience (five if Bachelor’s degree) progressively increasing Learning and Coordination responsibilities in international development projects and at least two years of experience as a supervisor, preferably in a development setting with an international NGO.
* Experience working with large donors, USAID/FFP and/or USAID/FTF preferred.
* Strong conceptual knowledge about food and nutrition security indicators, M&E plan, data quality assurance, data utilization and gender integration into M&E.
* Demonstrated competence with Theory of Change Methodology.
* Experience on innovative learning practice including Inter nal Change Management for CLA, Evaluative thinking and Adaptive management.
* Demonstrated ability to transfer knowledge to diverse audiences (capacity strengthening) through training, mentoring, and other formal and non-formal methods, using adult learning methodologies.
* Demonstrated experience and expertise in developing and operationalizing a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation plan focusing on learning; familiarity with FFP M&E and Reporting Policy and Guidance for the components of an M&E plan.
* Demonstrated expertise and experience in developing and operationalizing routine monitoring system focused on learning to track both lessons learned and promising practices to inform learning decision making across the DFSA.
* Strong skills to facilitate learning events to capture and analyze lessons learned, success/failure factors, promising practices and best practices.
- Experience with facilitation, capacity strengthening and partnership building through formal and informal training, with the capacity to empower staff through opportunities for professional growth and development.
* Demonstrated experience to create an environment conducive to learning, incorporating the Agency’s Evaluative Thinking framework and resources. - Ability to self-manage and succeed in matrix management model, with demonstrated proactive and flexible nature in resolving problems and leading a productive, committed team.
* Knowledge of CRS’s program quality standards and MEAL standards and Catholic Social Teaching preferred. - Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with groups.
- Strategic communication skills, including producing publications and organizing public events.
- Detail-oriented and excellent time management skills with the ability to meet deadlines and deliver required results in a timely and quality manner.
- Flexibility to work both in a team and independently.
- Demonstrated personal accountability and driven to serve others.
- Cultural sensitivity, patience, flexibility and ability to work well in a multi-sectoral and multi-cultural team and to work closely, understand and support local Church partners.
- Ability to work in a challenging and stressful environment with unexpected challenges.
- Experience working in a variety of developing environments required; knowledge of the Madagascar context valued.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including TEAMS, Sharepoint, Word, Excel and Outlook required
Required/Desired Foreign Language: Excellent English and French language oral and written communication skills required; fluency in Malagasy desired.
Travel Required: Ability to travel for up to 30% level of effort as needed.
Disclaimer
This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skills, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position. CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. We welcome as a part of our staff and as partners people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.
More Information
- Job City Antananarivo