Senior International Monitoring Learning and Evaluation Expert

Vacancy Announcement

ETHIOPIAN AGRICULTURAL TRANSFORMATION AGENCY

Position: Senior International Monitoring Learning and Evaluation Expert

Term of Employment: One Year

Duty Station(s): Addis Ababa

Required Number: One

Salary & Benefits: Competitive

Application Deadline: August 16, 2015

BACKGROUND:

The Agricultural Transformation Agency (ATA) has been established by the Government of Ethiopia (GoE) to identify and address systemic bottlenecks to Ethiopia’s agricultural development. The Agency does this through problem-solving, implementation support, and capacity building of stakeholders involved in implementation of interventions that address the systemic bottlenecks. The Agency reports to a Transformation Council chaired by the Prime Minister and whose co-chair is the Minister of Agriculture.

BACKGROUND ON ATA MLE PROGRAM:

The MLE team, as one of ATA’s Cross-Cutting Initiatives (CCI) and supporting ATA programs and the broader agricultural sector, focuses on two main areas of activity. On the one hand, the team seeks to support ATA program teams to promote learning, monitoring/evaluation of agricultural programs and evidence based planning within their respective areas of work; on the other hand, the MLE team works directly with partners (such as the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and Regional Bureaus of Agriculture (RBoAs) to shape the development of a sector-wide Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) system.

Currently, the MLE program is narrowly focused on building capacity and systems within the MoA and RBoAs for enhanced planning, monitoring and evaluation—focusing on: creating appropriate space within MoA and RBoAs’ organization structures for M&E and policy analysis functions; building related capacity; establishing effective process for aligning multiple plans, harmonized and results-based M&E as well as a functional MIS; and, improving sector-wide portfolio management. ATA seeks a Senior International Expert to help further develop the MLE program so that it encompasses broader MLE system development issues (including advocacy and communication, building partnerships for MLE, promoting evaluation and research, using information to improve planning and program development, etc.) and includes a strong knowledge management component.

Our Culture

We have an exceptional team of employees with a proven track record of success in managing complex activities and achieving transformational results. Our culture is one where talented individuals are committed to doing their best and work together to achieve excellent results.

At ATA, we provide an exceptional platform for people who want to achieve their highest potential and make a meaningful contribution in changing the country’s agricultural sector. We offer rewarding work in a young, fast-paced growing organization with passionate, motivated colleagues and excellent career development and training. We recognize our most valuable assets are our people and are committed to providing our employees with the tools and training necessary to achieve their career goals.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Achieving successful transformation in Ethiopia’s agriculture system will require evidence based strategy development and planning; which in turn requires strong systems for monitoring and evaluating agricultural programs, analyzing developmental trends in the sector, incorporating national and international best practices and establishing strong knowledge management processes that extend beyond the sector given its pivotal role in the Ethiopian economy. ATA is committed to help agricultural sector stakeholders develop such systems and seeks content expertise at a Senior International Expert level to carve out a comprehensive program of support. This individual would leverage experience with developing MLE systems beyond Ethiopia, support the design of innovative changes and strengthen existing practices while understanding nuances of the Ethiopian context. S/he will furthermore have strong facilitation skills to effectively consult with key federal and sub-national stakeholders in developing a strong MLE program for ATA.

The ideal Senior International Expert would possess a passion for improving the lives of smallholder farmers, deep knowledge of Ethiopia’s agricultural sector, and extensive skills in M&E techniques and instruments. S/he would likewise possess the entrepreneurial ability to visualize transformation, mobilize stakeholders, and drive practical change on the ground.

This role is a unique opportunity to engage with planning and MLE related stakeholders at senior Government levels, while working to transform smallholder agriculture in Ethiopia. This position is a one year contract that supports and reports to the Director of the MLE Program.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:·

· Apply international best practices (leveraging past experience and consult literature) related to MLE system development and innovation to introduce new models and suggest thoughtful, implementable changes to current system.

· Help the MLE Program Director to develop a strong MLE program to support sector wide Planning and M&E systems that extends beyond the current narrow focus on capacity building for MoA-PPD and RBoAs to include strong processes for routine monitoring, generating information and using various sources of information for decision-making at different levels, appropriate reporting across different levels of government, building partnership and leveraging analytical capacity both domestically and internationally, etc.

· Facilitate consultations with sectorial stakeholders on ATA’s MLE program

· Support the MLE Program Director in delivery of the MLE program and overall program management

· Work closely with and build the capacity, as necessary, of key government partners (specifically the MoA-PPD and regional counterparts) to enable long term systemic improvements

· Help improve the engagement of the ATA MLE team with sectorial stakeholders

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:·

· Post graduate degree in economics, management, agricultural sciences or any other relevant field

· At least 10 years of experience in monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems with a focus on small-holder agricultural development

· Experience in sector wide M&E system development and its implementation in other countries (especially on agricultural and rural development sector)

· Deep understanding of M&E systems as they related to rural/agricultural development and transformation

· Demonstrated knowledge of Ethiopia’s agricultural sector

· Experience with program design, piloting and scaling up relevant solutions with stakeholders

· Ability to thrive in a fast-moving, start-up environment, with an emphasis on high-performance, teamwork, accountability, and results

· Highly facilitative and collaborative leadership style

· Excellent adaptive problem-solver in challenging environment

· Strong set of personal values including integrity, honesty, and desire to be of service

· Fluency in English required; knowledge of Amharic and other Ethiopian languages is a plus

· Willingness to travel to Ethiopia’s priority regions