FUNCTION

The Planning Monitoring and Evaluation (PME) Officer will manage the development and implementation of Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Systems for the KLMP Project. A strong emphasis for this role is on data collection integrity, data analysis, reporting, dissemination, and learning. The PME Officer will report to the Project Manager, and work in liaison with the Planning Monitoring and Evaluation Manager.

Essential Character Traits

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, self-driven, and has strong leadership skills.

Implement monitoring, evaluation, learning, and systems (30%)

• Prepare and maintain the project MEL Plan.
• Collect and manage data to support needs assessment, project logical framework design and review, target setting, and progress management.
• Liaise with external evaluators to conduct the baseline, mid-term, and final evaluations.
• Manage project progress, annual surveys, living income validation and evaluations as per the M&E plan.
• Ensure the effective implementation of MELS policies, procedures, and guidelines for the project.
• Ensure proper use of available digital tools and technology for effectively managing MELS activities, including data collection surveys using SurveyCTO.
• Provide support to implementing partners in preparing their MELS plans, and in using digital tools for data collection and management.
• Disseminate learning findings from project monitoring, evaluation, and research.
• Lead learning events with key stakeholders within the project communities, implementation partners, and Heifer in general
• Escalate MELS-related challenges to the PME Manager and Project Manager for coordination with the Signature Program Technical Lead and Country Director to find timely solutions.

Data management, analysis, and utilization for learning (25%)

• Conduct and quality assure all M&E data collected in the country.
• Summarize/ aggregate data at the County/ Farmer Owned Agribusinesses (FOAB) level and contribute to organization-wide aggregation.
• Manage all data properly in clean form, and analyze to use for project management, learning, and meet all the reporting needs.
• Provide expertise in the design, management, and evaluation of study protocols, questionnaires, sample selection, and analysis.
• Ensure timely data availability and reporting to stakeholders as needed.
• Work with the project management to respond to periodic donor and Heifer requests for additional information on project activities and results.
• Document, store, and share lessons learned, successes, failures, and best practices via case studies.
• Collect data through Heifer’s Computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI) SurveyCTO system.
• Conduct internal Data Quality Assessment (DQA) using SPSS and other approved software and oversee implementation of DQA recommendations.

Contribute to program effectiveness: design monitoring, evaluation, learning, and systems (20%)

• Design monitoring and evaluation plan incorporating core standard indicators defined by KLMP Project and set targets for indicators.
• Create an indicator reference sheet for all indicators.
• Design Monitoring and reporting tools for the projects
• Ensure adaptive learning from monitoring and evaluation findings.
• Lead in regular updates of KLMP data in the Heifer Integrated Project Management System (IPMS)
• Support the Project Manager in monthly, quarterly, and annual progress and impact reporting.
• Contribute to the design of monitoring and surveillance systems and their data.
• Implement the project’s Results Framework & logical framework for KLMP.
• Design data collection tools, plans, and processes for all required information, ensuring high quality and integrity of data.
• Review and adjust M&E plans and targets, tools, and processes periodically.
• Ensure alignment of KLPM M&E plans and procedures with donor standards and requirements.
• Support the development of a MELS budget for the KLMP project.
• Coordinate Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) efforts throughout the life of the project at regular intervals to review and encourage the use of data in decision-making.
• Track project outcomes through the annual Global Indicator Monitoring (GIM) Surveys.
• Collaborate with the Manager and KLMP project staff to ensure data is updated regularly in (IPMS) and train new staff on how to use IPMS.

Capacity development (20%)

• Equip program, distributors, and FOAB staff with skills to deliver MELS activities efficiently.
• Orient and build Heifer, donor, and implementing partners’ capacity in MELS activities including proper record keeping and data management.
• Provide coaching and training to equip internal staff and external stakeholders to deliver the assigned responsibilities efficiently and in compliance with MEL.
• Contribute to the recruitment, training, and supervision of external parties that are contracted to implement special surveys and studies required for evaluating project effectiveness and impact.

Business development (5%)

• Support the development of concept notes, project proposals, and submissions to potential donors.
• Support research and evaluation initiatives in specific project counties.
• Assist in networking with other development organizations, governments, and other line agencies in promoting Heifer’s and donor development model/initiatives, and potential collaborations.

Minimum Requirements
Perform other job-related duties as requested

• Bachelor’s degree in Monitoring and Evaluation, Project Management, Agricultural Economics or Statistics, or an equivalent with an academic focus on monitoring and evaluation or another related field.
• Demonstrated experience in coordinating and working with international donors and grantees in designing and implementing Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (MEL) systems.
• Minimum of four (4) years of directly relevant experience in MEL.

Preferred Requirements

• Experience performing M&E activities and reporting.
• Experience in designing and using data collection tools on any of the following: SurveyCTO, ODK, Kobo, etc.
• Experience in supporting and monitoring field-based projects in the project implementation regions will be an added advantage.
• Experience in managing program/project information systems, databases and coordinating evaluations, surveys, and impact monitoring.
• Experience in coordinating learning and adapting efforts to support decision-making in projects.
• A good understanding of and sensitivity to issues associated with poverty, hunger, agriculture, and the environment, and knowledge of the context in which non-profit organizations operate.
• Knowledge of market systems interventions and linkages to poverty alleviation.
• Experience in building the capacity of partner institutions to document and disseminate industry information, manage knowledge, measure progress and influence within the industry.

Requirements

Most Critical Proficiencies

• Innovative, analytical, and solutions-oriented.
• Excellent organizational skills, including strong attention to detail.
• Proficient knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, presentation tools, electronic mail (Microsoft Office preferred) and the Internet.
• Strong knowledge and skills in data management and analysis using statistical software (e.g. STATA, SPSS, SAS, EViews, etc.).
• Demonstrated proficiency in English, both oral and written.
• Experience with ICT.
• Ability to work in a team.

Essential Job Functions And Physical Demands

• Ability to understand, appreciate, and implement Heifer’s Values-Based Holistic Community Development model.
• Demonstrated creativity, ability to think systematically, willingness, and ability to incorporate innovative solutions.
• Quantitative and qualitative approaches to evaluation and the ability to communicate MEL concepts clearly with leadership, partners, and staff at all levels.
• Willingness and ability to assign and review the work of supporting staff and to use participatory management skills with other staff.
• Ability to train and work cooperatively with a diverse staff, including field staff in various locations.
• Constant face-to-face, telephone, and electronic communication with colleagues and the public.
• Working with sensitive information and maintaining confidentiality.
• Ability to manage and execute multiple tasks with little supervision while meeting sometimes inflexible deadlines.
• Willingness and ability to travel.