Monitoring Evaluation & Learning Research Officer, Nairobi

Vacancy Number: MELO/LGI/04/13
Humidtropics
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Duration: 2 years with the possibility of renewal

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) works to enhance the roles livestock play in pathways out of poverty in developing countries. ILRI has two main campuses in East Africa and other hubs in East, West and southern Africa and South, Southeast and East Asia. http://www.ilri.org.

CGIAR is a global agricultural research partnership for a food-secure future. Its science is carried out by 15 research centres that are members of the CGIAR Consortium in collaboration with hundreds of partner organizations. http://www.cgiar.org.

Humidtropics, a CGIAR Research Program (CRP), seeks to transform the lives of the rural poor in tropical Americas, Asia and Africa. Innovative integrated systems research in the humid tropics will help poor farm families, often led by women, boost their agricultural productivity while preserving the land for future generations. ILRI is heavily engaged in the Humidtropics, leading Strategic Research Theme 1 on Systems Analysis and Global Synthesis with strong inputs into other CRP’s. Further information is available at:http://humidtropics.org/

The Position

The overall purpose of this position is to provide support to the design of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning for Humidtropics Strategic Research Theme 1 (Systems Analysis & Global Synthesis) and to lead its implementation. The position will also support the translation of the Impact Assessment strategy for Humidtropics into field implementation. This position will be part of the Integrated Sciences Program – Livelihood, Gender, Impact and Innovation.

Key responsibilities

• Work with ILRI’s Impact Assessment and Monitoring & Evaluation team and Humidtropics scientists to design an M&E framework for Humidtropics activities;
• Develop field survey tools (including both quantitative and qualitative methods) and protocols for collection of Humidtropics M&E data, linking with the tools for initial systems analysis currently under-development;
• Work with the data systems manager to incorporate M&E indicators into the overall data platform for Systems Analysis and Synthesis strategic theme;
• Together with other team members implement field survey tools – including training of enumerators, quality assurance standards and checks;
• Carry out analysis and produce reports to monitor progress of the Humidtropics towards its research and development output and outcome targets;
• Participate in the dissemination of these reports; document learning and adjustments resulting from these reports;
• Participate in increasing staff and partners capacity in ME&L.

Requirements:-  

• MSc in Agricultural or Development Economics, Research Methods or a related discipline – that must contain significant content relating to monitoring & evaluation;
• At least 6 years of relevant experience in the development and implementation of Impact Assessment and M&E frameworks and tools (including household level surveys);
• Experience of applying these skills to agricultural research for development projects necessary;
• Good understanding of Impact, Monitoring and Evaluation theory and applications extending to study design, quantitative and qualitative analytic methods;
• Familiarity with environmental and livestock system issues and challenges an advantage;
• Good analytical skills and extensive experience of using statistical packages for data analysis (SPSS, STATA, R or similar);
• Experience in producing project reports, training manuals and peer-reviewed publications;
• Ability to work effectively in multi-regional teams and partners with members drawn from a diverse range of nationalities, cultures and scientific disciplines;
• Ability to work under pressure, often to tight deadlines without compromising the quality of deliverables;
• Ability to prioritize tasks and able to work with little or no supervision;
• Experience in informal and formal capacity development of colleagues and partners;
• Strong English language skills, both written and spoken (proficiency in a second language, Spanish or French, is an advantage);
• Willingness to travel frequently, often to rural areas in developing countries.

Terms of Appointment

This is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position based at ILRI’s Nairobi campus.  The position is on a 2 year contract with the possibility of renewal, contingent upon individual performance and continued funding.

Job level and salary

ILRI offers an attractive salary for this position, which is exclusive of other benefits provided by ILRI.

Location: The position will be based at ILRI, Nairobi.

How to Apply

Applicants should send a cover letter and CV combined as one document addressed to the Human Resources Director, explaining their interest in the position, what they can bring to the job and the names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience by 8th May, 2013. Log on to: http://www.myjobsinkenya.com/ilri_jobs. The position title and reference number REF: MELO/LGI/04/13 should be clearly marked on the cover letter. Only online applications will be considered, and only short listed candidates will be contacted.

To find more about ILRI, visit our Website at http://www.ilri.org/

To find out more about working at ILRI visit our website at http://www.ilri.org/ilricrowd/

ILRI is an equal opportunity employer.