Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning Officer

A. Brief Overview of VSF Germany

VSF Germany is an International Non-Governmental Organization, providing humanitarian assistance and development aid to agro-pastoral and pastoralists and vulnerable communities in areas where livestock is of importance. In the Horn of Africa region, VSF Germany implements programmes in South Sudan, Sudan, Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia since 1998. Effective from January 2019, VSF Germany has expanded its programme scope to Uganda. VSF Germany programmes focus on Food Security and Livelihoods, Nutrition, Natural Resources Management, Peacebuilding, Water and Sanitation, Protection and Response to Disasters and Emergencies. Each country program is managed through the country offices and country teams. Country programmes are coordinated and facilitated from the Regional Office Nairobi (RON). The organization is a registered charity in Germany with its headquarters in Berlin.

B. Brief Overview of the Project

VSF Germany is a member of the ILRI led consortium that has received funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) to implement a five-year Research for Development project in Uganda under the Framework of investment package for improving animal health in Africa. Uganda is chosen as a key focus country in the sub-Saharan Africa on the account that around 70% of all households keep at least one kind of livestock (inclusive of poultry). Livestock production is however limited by pathogens including parasites that cause losses due to diseases or death of animals, threatening food security, balanced diets as well as the livelihoods of animal keepers. Zoonotic diseases also threaten the health of producers but also processors and consumers. Widespread use of antibiotics to manage animal health conditions and poor hygiene and safety of animal sourced foods also pose a threat to human health due to Antimicrobial Resistance.

The goal of the project– “Boosting Uganda’s Investments in Livestock Development” (Build Uganda) is therefore to improve the health of food producing animals and as a consequence, improve the health of those people who work in the production and processing of animal sourced food. The investment package is implemented under four different components in line with, and as per the recommendations of the OIE GAP analysis of the performance of veterinary services in Uganda. This forms the basis of a holistic approach to improve animal health and includes: support to ongoing campaigns to eradicate transboundary diseases (e.g., pest des petits ruminants, PPR), control of zoonotic diseases (e.g., Rift Valley fever, RVF), control of antimicrobial resistance (AMR); and improved Veterinary Public Health (e.g., food safety and occupational health).

Key target beneficiaries are women and men small ruminant livestock producers, private animal health service providers, students, training institutions, the Government of Uganda, and livestock traders, butchers and meat vendors. The project is being implemented by multiple partners playing different roles in research and development activities. These include ILRI as the Consortium lead, VSF Germany, The German Federal Institute of Risk Assessment (BfR), the German Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, the Ugandan Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industries and Fisheries (MAAIF) and the National Agricultural Research Organization in Uganda among other several partners and collaborators. **

C. Purpose of the Positon

VSF Germany seeks to recruit an experienced Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning Officer to strengthen the project’s MEAL functions. This position is crucial to the management and implementation of project by providing a strong evidence based and continued learning approach through improved data collection and analysis methods and procedures for effective monitoring and evaluation, learning and reporting of project activities; and to support regular update of information in the online data management systems particularly WebMo and other program linked systems e.g Goodge Drives to ensure that data is accurate, updated and timely available to support lessons learnt documentation and dissemination to a variety of audiences and platforms. in addition, the position will support capacity building initiatives for various stakeholders through the development of appropriate extension messaging packages to support behavioral change campaigns under the BUILD-Uganda Program.

D. Reporting Lines and Collaboration

The MEAL Officer shall report to and work under the direct technical, operational and administrative supervision of the Project Technical Manager in consultation with other project component staff, and in collaboration with BUILD Uganda Program Coordinator and ILRI Component Leads, and all other project partners and student fellows across PPR and RVF, AMR and VPH components of the project. S/he shall also liaise with the designated component Focal Points of the Ugandan Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industries and Fisheries (MAAIF), including the national district veterinary services authorities.

E. Key Duties and Responsibilities

• For assigned projects, develop comprehensive log frame, M&E plans and indicator tracking table, data collection tools, information flow, reporting and reviews consistent with VSF Germany WebMo reporting system, as appropriate, and in accordance with specific donor requirements.
• Ensure that monitoring incorporates and consider aspects of output, process, context and outcome levels for assigned projects and that appropriate data collection and reporting tools are developed and used.
• Develop tools to gather relevant data according to donor and VSF Germany projects log-frames.
• Train and or support field staff and other stakeholders on data collection, analysis and reporting.
• Synthesize and analyze M&E quantitative and qualitative data received on a monthly basis and produce monthly M&E reports for running projects.
• Ensure effective monitoring through regular field visits (including remotely) conducting data verification, quality assessments and reporting the findings.
• Coordinate periodic review with partners to facilitate dialogue and intentional learning and reflection from assessments, program progress monitoring etc, while proposing approaches to improve project implementation and project quality.
• Ensure a master beneficiary database is developed for the project and is updated regularly.
• Ensure a master indicator database is developed for the project and is updated regularly.
• Prepare and lead Mid-term and end of project evaluations as per donor requirements.
• Prepare monthly MEAL plans and corresponding reports covering work completed for the period under review and ensuring that key performance indicators are captured.
• Review monthly and periodic reports produced by projects/programs to ensure compliance with recommended M&E guidelines, formats
• Assist in the planning and implementation of capacity needs assessment activities.
• Contribute to development of training materials, extension communication materials and content creation for digital information management platforms
• Contribute to the design, delivery and documentation of different training programs, meetings or workshops.
• Contribute to development of blog stories, case studies or briefs showcasing impact of the project
• Maintain liaison and communication with different stakeholders for successful implementation and follow-up of field extension and capacity development plans and activities.
• Seeks and applies knowledge, information, and best practices from within and outside project
• Ensure that projects’ MEAL systems and reporting clearly reflect VSF Germany’s contributions to the overall program and VSF Germany objectives.
• Register any new project and regularly upload documents and update data in VSF Germany’s WebMo Projects Management System and produce monthly summary project M&E reports.
• Support Project Technical Manager and other technical staff in the preparation of donor reporting by providing information coming from monitoring findings and data collected from field staff in a timely manner.
• Organize and facilitate trainings on MEAL functions for capacity development and awareness with implementing partners, counterparts and other VSF Germany field staff.
• Organize and facilitate team learning events through technical sound power point presentations
• Perform any other relevant tasks relevant to the skill sets and the achievement of project goals as may be assigned from time to time by the line manager or senior management team.

F. Essential Requirements

• Bachelors of Social Sciences, Development Studies, Agricultural Economics or related subject
• Postgraduate Qualification in Monitoring and Evaluation, Media Studies or Journalism,
• Strong familiarity with statistics, bio-statistics and or other relevant quantitative background,
• At least 5 years of experience in progressively increasing M and E responsibility in international development of projects,
• Diploma / Certificate in Communication / Publishing an essential added advantage
• Excellent communication and writing skills evidenced by recent publications and or articles in journals,
• Team player, self-motivated, ability to work with little supervision
• Ability to prioritize, problem-solve and meet agreed deadlines
• Understanding of capacity development and adult-learning principles,
• Experience in mobile learning and creation of online learning and sharing platforms,
• Ability to multi task under tight deadlines,
• Ability to think quickly and improvise when necessary,
• Focuses on results for the client and responds positively to feedback,
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Application Packages relevant to the needs of the project-

G. Other Requirements

• Demonstrated ability in the use of quantitative and qualitative data collection and analytical techniques.
• Creative self-starter with an ability to work independently and as an integral part of a team to deliver results,
• Demonstrated ability to transfer knowledge through informal and formal training.
• Demonstrated ability in the use of quantitative and qualitative methods including questionnaire design, survey techniques and participatory approaches.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team.
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

H. Technical/Functional Skills and Requirements

• Practical hands on work experience and knowledge of the target districts and regions in Uganda.
• Ability to write briefs and concise project reports
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Familiarity with Uganda national livestock sector policies and strategies.

I. Selection Criteria

Selection will be based on requirements, competencies and skills outlined above. Shortlisting of candidates will be done on a rolling basis. VSF Germany is an equal opportunity employer. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.