About Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS)Frankfurt Zoological Society is an international nature conservation organisation based in Frankfurt, Germany that coordinates projects in 18 countries. We envision a world where wildlife and wild lands are cherished and sustainably protected for their intrinsic and economic value to present and future generations. Our mission is to conserve wildlife and ecosystems focusing on protected areas and outstanding wild places. More than 1,600 colleagues work for FZS conservation projects worldwide. Our goal is the preservation of wildlife and wilderness. Together we protect biodiversity, the basis of human life. Our partners in the projects on site are local communities, nature conservation authorities, national park administrations and other NGOs. To learn more about us, visit www.fzs.org.

About the Project:

FZS Zambia (FZS-ZM) has a rich history of conservation, having been actively involved in the preservation of the North Luangwa Ecosystem since 1986 and the Nsumbu-Tanganyika region since 2017. Our mission at FZS-ZM is to bridge the connection between livelihoods and landscapes through conservation and enhancement efforts. We are dedicated to continuously expanding our initiatives, broadening both our geographical reach and thematic focus. These endeavours are made possible through FZS core funding, international government partners, and the contributions of private donors.

1.    Job Purpose

FZS is seeking a rigorous, dynamic Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning Senior Advisor (MERL SA) for the North Luangwa Conservation Programme (NLCP) and for the USAID-funded Hearth Program, Luangwa Landscape Conservation Activity (LLCA). S/he will be responsible for reviewing/developing an integrative and dynamic MERL framework, research, monitoring, evaluation, learning, reflection and adaptation, and ensuring high quality and timely support to baseline and KAP, developing proposals, reporting, and strategic and learning processes.  S/he will work across the different operational teams and program partners to assist with baseline surveys, provide training, carry out data collection, collate all relevant data, photographs, videos and stories from the NLCP teams, and ensure that the program’s database is up to date, and, in collaboration with the team members, carry out analyses on the data, provide feedback for adaptation of programs in response to, and guide the learning that results from the program data and analyses.  S/he will lead the dissemination of information to wider audiences. This is a fixed-term position for 2 years, renewable up to January 2027 pending performance and funding availability.

2.    Reporting

The Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning, Senior Advisor reports to the Chief of Party, North Luangwa Conservation Programme Landscape Integration Unit.

3.    Key responsibilities

These will include

• Develop a dynamic MERL framework that is integrative with other donor programmes and associated indicators.
• Design and oversee the research, monitoring, evaluation, reflection and learning activities of the NLCP, with a key focus on the overall USAID HEARTH LLCA.
• Review, adjust and establish KPIs and MERL programme for the North Luangwa Conservation Programme, with a primary focus on activities and associated impact under the USAID HEARTH LLCA.
• Establish, review, adjust and maintain data collection (using and adapting appropriate monitoring and evaluation tools – baseline surveys, KAP surveys, Management Effectiveness Tools, Capacity Scorecards, etc), collation, management and reporting systems, and ensure that disaggregated data are collected as appropriate and necessary.
• Drive the use and review of data for reflection, learning, adaptive management and to inform management decision making; promote theory-of-change, design thinking and/or results-based management among all staff of the NLCP.
• Build capacity of all FZS staff and NLCP partners in MERL, and supervise and mentor specific monitoring and evaluation staff as well as interact with other staff with data collection responsibilities to ensure quality of data collection and reporting against the MERL programme, inclusive of conservation agriculture, conservation, livelihood, enterprise and health activities.
• In field training of staff and partners in monitoring and evaluation, including validation/quality assurance of in field activities against the MERL framework.
• Design and implement baseline, ongoing and follow up surveys, using electronic data collection/entry interfaces and cloud-based storage systems e.g. ODK, SMART etc.
• Develop appropriate tracking tools and guidelines for data collection and management, and review the use thereof.
• Analyse and report on data.
• Assist with management of external and internal evaluations of project programme
• Oversee the publication and dissemination of information on successful and innovative approaches, lessons learned and other programme results to partners, donors and other key stakeholders.
• Draft reports, success stories and lead knowledge management.
• Liaise with communications staff for dissemination of learning and results
• Develop and lead the implementation of a robust learning framework and agenda for continuous learning, collaboration and adaptation
• Contribute to the process of grant writing and proposal preparation, including ensuring that the M&E frameworks that are written into grant applications and proposals fully align with the NLCP’s results framework
• Working with other members of the FZS NLCP team to ensure that data required for donor reporting (including donor specific results frameworks) are collected, collated, analysed and prepared for reports in a timely fashion.
• Assisting with the process of writing reports and preparing notes and outputs for different audiences.
• Assist in the development of impact reports.

4.    Required Qualifications and Experience

Candidates will need to demonstrate clearly that they have the necessary experience and skills to i) work with other team members and partner organisations to collect and collate data, ii) carry out qualitative and quantitative data collection and analyses, iv) build and maintain databases, v) contribute to the process of writing reports, vi) providing rigorous analysis to feed into strategic decision making processes and vii) promote learning from the monitoring and evaluation processes.  This requires:

• An analytical mind that grasps complex issues facing the diversity of people living with and surrounding the program area
• An intellectual interest in the development – environment nexus in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Master’s degree in a relevant field field, e.g. Social Sciences, Environmental Sciences, or similar.
• At least 7 years of demonstrated professional experience carrying out similar work specifically within the fields of conservation management (or catchment management), livelihoods (conservation agriculture, enterprises, health), project planning and management
• At least 5 years previous experience related to monitoring, evaluation, research and learning with non-profit organisation(s) and on large-scale donor-funded project(s)
• Strong qualitative and quantitative research, data collection, analytical and management skills, proven IT skills including database management and knowledge of statistical software (e.g., R or Stata), and use of data collection tools such as ODK (or equivalent). Knowledge of GIS is an added advantage.
• Ability to work with a diverse, interdisciplinary team of people
• Demonstrated openness and sensitivity to the socio-cultural environment of North Luangwa
• Experience in ODK or SMART systems of data collection and storage
• Excellent written and spoken English, including report writing,  communicating project results and learning, and making presentations
• Dynamic, energetic, creative and ambitious

This job posting summarises the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. Management reserves the right to review and revise the TOR at any time.

5.    Behavioural Competencies

• Teamwork: Cooperate, support and work well with others to achieve project goals. Share information, and contribute effectively to FZS` objectives and solving problems.
• Planning and organising: Plan and organise complex activities and work on multiple tasks. Determine actions, time frames and required resources for projects and monitor progress. Set goals and budget estimates effectively, and manage time effectively.
• Management control: Establish and implement procedures to regulate own task activities and responsibilities.
• Hollistic interpretation: Ability to understand the NLCP vision and interpret MERLat all levels in respect to scale, importance and implementability and its consequential impact.
• Problem analysis: Pointing out problems, recognising important information and establishing connections between various data. Tracing potential causes for problems.

We Offer:

• Engaging and meaningful work with room for your ideas
• Opportunity to contribute towards the protection of impressive landscapes in Zambia
• Form part of a dynamic and motivated team, as well as the larger FZS team working to secure outstanding wild places across the globe
• Flat hierarchy, opportunities for further training

The position will be based in Lusaka, Zambia.

Your Application:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications to [email protected]. Please include the following documents (single document) in your application:

1. A cover letter explaining why you should be considered for this position.
2. A comprehensive CV highlighting your relevant experience and achievements.
3. Contact details for two referees (who will not be contacted without your permission).
   Please mark your application ‘Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning, Senior Advisor -FZS Zambia’.

Application Deadline: Thursday, 22nd August 2024