Malawi: Research Associate - Monitoring & Evaluation

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking a Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist to contribute to the EU-funded KULIMA project.

The Project: EU-funded KULIMA project is implemented in 10 districts in Northern, Central and Southern Malawi. Under this project CIP will coordinate the activities of a consortium of CGIAR Centers to provide a wide range of science-based agricultural production technologies, training, and access to inputs and advice. CIP will establish a Project Management Unit (PMU) consisting of a Project Manager, M&E Specialist and Finance Specialist to coordinate the interventions of the CGIAR Centers. The project provides an excellent opportunity for demonstrating and further improving the value and uptake of CGIAR and DARS developed technologies in the context of a forward-looking innovation systems approach. As part of a GIZ-managed component of the wider KULIMA Action, the CGIAR will build capacity of Master Trainers (supported by FAO and government) who will pass on the knowledge to Community Based Facilitators, that will eventually support 400,000 households in Farmer Field Schools (FFS, supported by government extension and NGOs).

The Center: CIP is a not-for-profit international agricultural research-for-development organization with a focus on potato, sweetpotato, and Andean roots and tubers. Its vision is of roots and tubers improving the lives of the poor. CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improved well-being, and gender equity for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems of the developing world. CIP works with partners to contribute high quality science, technology, and capacity strengthening for sustainable science-based solutions. CIP is headquartered in Lima, Peru, with staff and activities in over 30 locations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. CIP is a member of the CGIAR Consortium. CGIAR is a global agriculture research partnership for a food secure future. Its science is carried out by the 15 research centers who are members of the CGIAR Consortium in collaboration with hundreds of partner organizations. The CIP Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) main regional office is in Nairobi, Kenya. CIP also has an existing office in 8 other SSA countries.

The position: This position will be based in Lilongwe and will report to the Project Manager. The M&E Specialist will be responsible for the overall monitoring and evaluation of the project activities of all CGIAR Centers, comparing plans with the actual delivery and performance. The principal tasks and responsibilities comprise the following:

The key responsibilities:

• Develop a transparent progress monitoring and reporting system for reporting on the indicators defined in the GIZ M&E Framework.
• Liaising with GIZ on all aspects of monitoring and evaluation and work closely with the professional staff in each CGIAR Center assigned to the project.
• Develop tools to facilitate data collection by CGIAR partner staff.
• Provide input and advice related to workplans submitted by partners to ensure that the indicators are in line with the GIZ framework.
• Develop and maintain an M&E database for the project.
• Mentor and train project and partner staff to build capacity on M&E.
• Contribute to review and planning workshops.
• Contribute to preparation and monitor implementation of work plans and budgets
• Ensure gender and youth aspects are adequately captured in work planning and M&E Systems.
• Contribute to specific studies commissioned by GIZ (e.g. baseline, adoption studies).
• Contribute to gross margins analysis for technologies and technology packages introduced by the CGIAR to the FFS.
• Support the project manager in the review of periodic progress reports received from partners and compilation of overall progress reports for the project.
• Document and collect information on lessons learned, including case studies and special research.
• Carry out periodical field checks and triangulate with received information to monitor the progress of the project.
• Conduct field monitoring visits to selected Farmer Field Schools to assess whether the lessons learnt by Master Trainers by the CGIAR experts are passed on to the farmers by Community Based Facilitators.
• Lead the implementation of the communication and visibility plans to promote information sharing on all aspects related to project activities among partners.
• Support monitoring and evaluation visits by the donor and participate in project evaluations and assessments.

Selection Criteria:

• MSc. in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness Management, Project Management or similar;
• Minimum of 3 years of experience working as an M&E Specialist for donor-funded agricultural development projects;
• Strong planning skills, analytical skills, ICT skills especially Microsoft Excel and Word;
• Have demonstrated success in working with multi-disciplinary teams and partnerships;
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision;
• Advanced written and oral communication skills in English;
• Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.

Conditions: This position is local and is open to Malawian Citizens ONLY. The employment contract will be for an initial 1 year term with three months’ probation period and with the possibility of renewal subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance. CIP prides itself on its collegial and supportive working environment, which allows space for personal and professional growth.

Applicants should apply online through CIP’s Job Opportunities website (http://cipotato.org/open-vacancies/ ), including a cover letter, a C.V. (maximum 4 pages) with the names and contact information of three references that are knowledgeable of the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience. Screening of applications will begin on 20 March, 2018. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

CIP does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing or training). CIP also does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.

Learn more about CIP by accessing our web site athttp://www.cipotato.org.

CIP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply.