Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Lead at Alan & Grant

Job Description

• The Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Advisor will be assigned to work with the Office of the Vice President to develop a monitoring, evaluation and learning system for the Project for Agriculture Coordination and Execution (PACE) secretariat, the NLTP and the GI and ensure that indicators capture the desired outcomes across the three areas.
• In line with advisory MEL practices and approaches, the Advisor is expected to monitor the overall implementation of the programme as articulated in the Partnership Agreement/final proposal.
• The role will require travel across Nigeria, and potentially to a few international locations.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop a suitable, adaptive monitoring, evaluation and learning system for the PACE secretariat, the NLTP and the GI and ensure that indicators capture the desired outcomes across the three areas
• Develop baseline survey / incorporate existing available data to ascertain a baseline from which to measure change in indicators
• Work with the Programme Manager to ensure all internal and external reporting requirements are met with timely, relevant, triangulated and well analysed data
• Work with key implementing states to monitor their progress, evaluate their performance and learn
• Ensure that data collection methodologies used at field level are adapted for each local environment / state, enabling the site-specific data to be captured and analysed
• Ensure that verifiable, quantitative and qualitative data is routinely collected and analysed by the state teams for NLTP and the private center service operators and shared shared with relevant stakeholders
• Ensure that all assessment/evaluation reports promote the integration of recommendations and lessons learnt in project planning
• Seek opportunities for information sharing and learning exchanges with local actors/INGOs to promote coordination at local and national level
• Provide technical supervision of the field-based activities through regular contact, field visits and meetings.
• Work with key funding partners to share and manage learning experiences
• Work with the organization's Advisory MEL team to manage evaluation process to ensure programmatic and strategic relevance. Flag risks, bottlenecks and issues to relevant decision makers
• On a quarterly basis review the theory of change with related results frameworks of the programme for use as a management tool

Requirements
Experience, Qualification and Skills:

• A relevant University degree
• At least 8 years of MEL experience on a programme, complex project or institution
• Ability to develop clear MEL frameworks that result in delivery of outcomes
• Demonstrated strong monitoring and evaluation skills, including data monitoring and planning/participating in evaluations
• An understanding of the agricultural sector and market systems
• Ability to write clear and effective assessment and project reports
• Ability to work both in an advisory and a hands-on implementation capacity
• Ability to facilitate/conduct technical trainings for staff
• Experience contributing to successful funding proposals for donors would be an asset
• Politically and culturally sensitive with qualities of patience, tact and diplomacy
• Ability to manage shifting priorities with flexibility and accuracy
• Hands on approach to work, with the ability to deliver on deadlines in a fast-paced and fast-changing environment, with minimal or no supervision
• Exceptional oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Effective inter-personal and leadership skills with an ability to develop and foster relationships across a wide range of diverse and senior stakeholders
• Ability to operate and succeed in a highly political environment;
• Strong analytical and management skills, including sound knowledge of strategic planning and project management tools;
• Ability to use own initiative and actively look for opportunities to have an impact rather than simply be reactive
• A decent understanding of how governments, businesses and international development organisations operate and how to succeed in them
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office products Word, Excel and PPT and other relevant  software and tools
• Drive, motivation and ability to consistently achieve results in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience of living and working in developing countries is desirable but not essential.