Search for Common Ground Design Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist

The Organization

Search for Common Ground (SFCG) is an international non-profit organization that promotes peaceful resolution of conflict. With headquarters in Washington, DC and a European office in Brussels, Belgium, SFCG’s mission is to transform how individuals, organizations, and governments deal with conflict - away from adversarial approaches and toward cooperative solutions. SFCG seeks to help conflicting parties understand their differences and act on their commonalities. With a total of approximately 400 staff worldwide, SFCG implements projects from 29 countries, including in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The organization is an exciting and rewarding place to work, with dedicated and enthusiastic staff who loves their work. You will be joining a highly motivated staff with a good team spirit and there will be opportunities to grow in the role.

Institutional Learning Team

The Institutional Learning Team (ILT) was set up in 2002 with the aim of supporting SFCG as a learning organization by enhancing the effectiveness of SFCG’s programming through a commitment to excellence in programing, monitoring and evaluation, and through continuous learning institutionally and within related fields.

Summary of Position

Recently, SFCG has formed a partnership with UNICEF to provide technical M&E support to “Peacebuilding, Education and Advocacy Programme” which is being implemented in 14 countries. The Design, Monitoring and Evaluation (DM&E) Specialist is responsible for providing leadership and technical support on design, monitoring and evaluation to UNICEF country offices and implementing partners related to the programme. The DM&E Specialist will work to coordinate help-desk requests, work with the ILT members to ensure that key project deliverables are completed on time, and substantial travel to support country offices and partners. S/he will also participate in stragegic meetings with UNICEF in New York City and other global or regional meetings when appropriate.

S/he will directly report to the DM&E Manager based in Washington DC. This position is based in Washington DC but an exception could be made for an exceptional candidate.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities and specific duties include, but are not limited to: Country-Level Responsibilities:

Develop the ability of each UNICEF country programme to improve programme design, monitoring and evaluation through:

• Providing orientation, technical support, and training to UNICEF staff members working with the PBEA in Africa, particularly in areas of design, monitoring and evaluation;

• Providing regular coaching and support to DM&E Coordinators within Africa;

• Providing leadership in the development of monitoring systems (eg. the development of common indicators, M&E plans, data collection tools, evidence-based processes, and knowledge management plans).

• Supporting DM&E Coordinators and staff with project planning meetings, baseline studies, monitoring missions and evaluations, where appropriate and based on project requirements;

• Provide support or conduct (when appropriate) baselines, mid-terms and evaluations; Regional-Level Responsibilities.

• Liaising with the SFCG Regional Programme Managers and Regional Directors to align UNICEF’s PBEA priorities and learning with SFCG.

• Convening regional DM&E Conference Calls with key UNICEF and SFCG staff;

• Strengthen capacity of UNICEF PBEA Teams to design high-quality and technically-sound proposals and projects;

Organisation-wide Responsibilities

• Working closely with the DM&E Manager based in Washington DC to set priorities

• Contributing to developing UNICEF and SFCG organization-wide DM&E tools, systems and processes for the PBEA programme;

• Facilitates cross-organizational learning, which includes providing information, guidelines, lessons learned, and user-friendly learning tools on DM&E on the Institutional Learning Team Intranet website.

As job descriptions cannot be exhaustive, the position holder may be required to undertake other duties that are broadly in line with the above key duties.

Minimum Qualifications

Essential:

• Minimum of five (5) years of work experience in design, monitoring and evaluation methodologies.

• At least two (2) years of field-based data collection and analysis experience.

• Multi-country and cross-cultural experience related to programme or DM&E implementation.

• Knowledge and experience on M&E in peacebuilding and/or education projects.

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related area required (Master’s degree preferred).

• Demonstrated technical capacity to provide support and guidance to project staff on DM&E.

• Experience in designing and implementing DM&E data collection methodologies and tools.

• Ability to coach and train others in M&E principles and best-practices

• Extensive knowledge of logical framework and results framework planning and evaluation methodologies and the ability to coach and train others in their use.

• Working knowledge of UNICEF systems.

• Self -motivated and self-starter.

• High standards of integrity, professionalism, and impartiality.

• Ability to multi-task, work independently, and work to meet tight deadlines.

• Proficient in use of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, Pivot Tables, Access, as well as web browsers.

• Fluency in French and English (verbally and in written form).

• Ability to travel for extended periods of time within Africa (40-50%).

Highly Desirable:

• Experience working internationally and specifically in conflict/fragile state environments.

• Prior experience as a trainer.

• Knowledge of participatory methods, mix-methods, outcome mapping and/or impact evaluation techniques.

• Knowledge of case study methodology.

• Experience in coordinating multi-prong projects.

• Knowledge of SPSS or STATA

Please note: Qualified local, national, and international persons are encouraged to apply. Note that this position is conditional on expected funding approval with an expected start in early fall.

Salary: Commensurate with experience and education, with excellent benefits.

How to apply:

To Apply: Closing Date: 26 July 2013 Please send a cover letter and resume to employment@sfcg.org or fax to +1 (202) 232-6718 with the subject heading: Design, Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist. Please be sure to include projected start date, salary range, and to mention where you found this posting. No phone calls please. Only applicants invited for an interview will be contacted. Please see our web site www.sfcg.org for full details of our work.