Field level Learning and Knowledge Management Advisor

Mercy Corps is an international humanitarian organization operating Water and Sanitation, Economic Development, Livelihoods, Capacity Building, Emergency Response, Health and Nutrition and similar sectors in the regions of Somali, Oromiya, Addis Ababa and SNNPR. Mercy Corps works with communities, public, and private sectors to implement appropriate relief, recovery and development interventions.

POSITION:                  Field level Learning and Knowledge Management Advisor

OPEN POSITION:        one

DUTY STATION:          Jijiga, Somali Region

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Field level Learning and Knowledge Management Advisor will lead enhanced innovation learning and knowledge management activities of the Pastoralists’ Areas Resilience Improvement through Market Expansion (PRIME) program in the Eastern Cluster. This will require close cooperation with other technical field level advisors, the LKM team at field level and in Addis Ababa, as well as partners and stakeholders.

He/she will work closely with the LKM field officer/s to coordinate the collection, compilation, consolidation and analysis of data at field level, while monitoring PRIME’s progress in Eastern Cluster for output and outcome indicators.  He/she will lead LKM efforts in the field, including reflective practice, lessons learned generation, documentation and dissemination; and the implementation of communication and feedback mechanisms with PRIME partners, stakeholders and beneficiaries.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1.      LKM strategy implementation and review at field level – working closely with the LKM Advisor in Addis Ababa, the incumbent will lead the implementation of the PRIME LKM strategy in the Eastern cluster, ensuring all partners and their staff understand the strategy and its work plan. He/she will also ensure that the strategy and LKM activities are monitored and reviewed bi-annually to make changes based on regular staff, partners and stakeholders’ reflections and lessons learned. He/she works with the cluster manager to make sure that cross learning and coordination takes place among technical teams in the field. The incumbent will lead the process of quarterly and yearly work plans for IR 4 in the cluster.

 

2.      Oversight of M&E plan implementation at field level – working closely with the LKM Field Officer/s and LKM Deputy Advisor, the incumbent will lead the implementation of the M&E plan at field level, supervising the work of the LKM Field officer in the collection, compilation and consolidation and analysis of data in the cluster. Works closely with the LKM Field officer to ensure data is timely and accurate from partners, following up and doing data audits when necessary. With the LKM Field officer, monitors EMMP and other programmatic compliance at field level through document audits using a variety of methods, and assists LKM partners in performing random spot checks and assessments as planned. The incumbent will work closely on data quality with Kimetrica and Deputy LKM Advisor.

3.      Information management, dissemination and feedback at field level

•       In coordination with technical teams and cluster managers, put together monthly updates from the cluster and other reports as required, especially summarizing monthly lessons learned and disseminating these with partners.

•       Provides weekly updates for LKM advisor in Addis Ababa to share with partners and stakeholders.

•       Assists technical teams in developing, implementing and analyzing sub-activity evaluations and to alert technical teams of results provided by the online information system.

•       Organizes feedback sessions and other platforms at cluster level with partners, beneficiaries and stakeholders (private and public sectors), and, with the assistance of the cluster manager, ensures responses are provided timely.

4.      Technical Leadership and Support to Sub-Grantees

•       Works closely with the Communication Specialist and cluster manager to ensure branding and marking policies are followed correctly in the field.

•       Working with the LKM Field Officer/s and the Communication Specialist, provides assistance to partners in developing success stories.

•       Organizes, with the LKM Deputy Advisor, quarterly LKM/M&E workshops based on the needs of the cluster and gaps observed in the field.

5.      Staff Training and Capacity Building- Builds the capacity of all relevant team members to develop, review, and maintain an excellent M&E system, including regular reflection and analysis of program monitoring data and production of evidence-based recommendations and reports at the cluster level. He/she provides ongoing capacity building for incoming staff on LKM and M&E, and assists human resources on exit interviews’ section on program and technical learning. He/she organizes other capacity building activities with cluster manager and LKM Advisor in Addis Ababa.

6.      Evaluation Assessments – Play a central role in supporting the mid-term and final evaluations and work with partners in the design, field-testing, data collection and analysis of any additional evaluation initiatives that may be required at the cluster level.

7.      Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.

8.      Other duties as assigned by the LKM Advisor in Addis Ababa (IR4 Leader).

1.     Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, international development,           communications, or related field is required or demonstrated           equivalent work experience in the field.

2.      Three to five years relevant field management experience, especially in the areas of monitoring and evaluation and learning and knowledge management;

3.      Strong management skills, with good understanding of relevant cross-cultural issues.

4.      Previous experience working on USAID funded programs strongly preferred

5.      Demonstrated experience and ability to professionally and appropriately represent the organization and negotiate with a diverse range of government officials, local organizations, donors and other groups for outcomes in the best interest of program implementation

6.      Effective verbal and written communication, multi-tasking, organizational, and prioritization skills are necessary

7.      Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members is required

8.      Strong written and oral communication skills in English, including report development, writing and editing.

SUCCESS FACTORS:

•       Conscientious, with excellent judgment

•       Display an entrepreneurial spirit that is both creative and flexible. We are looking for a motivated individual, who is eager to learn and share knowledge and who can balance working independently and in a team environment.

•       Multi-tasking, prioritizing, problem solving and simultaneous attention to detail and strategic vision are essential.

•       S/he must have the confidence, and humility, to work effectively with a large variety of people who will be diverse culturally, economically and in social status

•       S/he must be sensitive to political and cultural nuance and able to consistently apply excellent judgment to a variety of demanding and fast-changing situations

•       Ability to foster solid working relationships with USAID, host Government, beneficiary communities, and partner organizations

•       Ability to work as part of a team and coordinate with project personnel.

Strong organizational skills

Closing date: Mar 26, 2016

All interested candidates are encouraged to apply for the position advertised.  All applications submitted to the Mercy Corps office include a CV, three references, and all relevant official documents. Applications will not be returned and will not be retained for future recruitment efforts.  In order to ensure fairness to all applicants personal inquiries are not permitted.

 

Only candidates that are short listed will be acknowledged and called for interviews.

“Women are strongly encouraged to apply”.

 

DEADLINE FOR ALL APPLICATIONS: March 26, 2016/ 4:00 PM

Please send non-returnable applications and credentials to one of the following address:

Mercy Corps Recruiter

Addis Ababa: P.O. Box 14319

Arbaminch: P.O. Box 33

Jijiga: P.O. Box 225

Negelle Borena: P.O. Box 116

Dire Dewa: P.O. Box 974

Moyalle: P.O Box 118