INTRODUCTION

The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) is a regional integration grouping of 21 African States which have agreed to promote regional integration through trade development and transport facilitation. COMESA has also established a number of institutions to support integration.

The Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation (ASCENT) Program is an ambitious leap toward universal energy access and the clean energy transition in the Eastern and Southern Africa (AFE) region, home to 656 million people. ASCENT presents a programmatic framework for the World Bank to support acceleration of access to electricity in AFE, which utilizes the Multiphase Programmatic Approach (MPA). The Project activities are based on known technologies and business and implementation models. Grid electrification will use well-established technologies and methods. The typical investments will include extensions and strengthening of low-voltage (LV) and medium-voltage (MV) lines, substations, transformers, and service drops. The projects may finance ready boards and internal wiring to increase affordability of connections, as well as appliances and productive-use equipment. Country-specific projects may also include variable renewable energy (VRE) integration investments and equipment, including battery storage. Financing of large-scale transmission is not expected; however, on case-by-case basis.

PROJECT BACKGROUND:

Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation (ASCENT) (P180547) is a multi-year, multi-billion-dollar programme aimed at scaling-up energy access in the Eastern and Southern Africa (AFE) Region. The ASCENT program seeks to increase access to sustainable and clean energy, enhance energy security, promote renewable energy solutions, and strengthen climate resilience throughout the region.

Funded by a $5 billion financing envelope from the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), ASCENT aims to mobilize an additional $10 billion from public and private sources. The project will span over 20 countries in Eastern and Southern Africa during a seven-year period (FY24–FY30). Key targets include providing electricity access to 100 million people and clean cooking solutions for 20 million people.

The ASCENT focuses on three key pillars:

Regional and National Platforms to Accelerate Energy Access

Expanding Grid-based Electrification

Scaling Distributed Renewables and Clean Cooking

The Regional Energy Access Acceleration Platform (REAAP) is part of ASCENT Phase 1 pillars for delivery. Managed by COMESA, REAAP aims to provide comprehensive technical assistance (TA) and capacity building for participating countries and the private sector. REAAP will drive the acceleration of energy access in the region and provide support to countries that have joined the ASCENT programme, as well as those that are preparing their projects for program entry. The REAAP includes the following components:

Component 1: Digital Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (D-MRV) Platforms for Energy Access and Climate Finance. The Platform is supporting countries with adoption of D-MRV platforms and other digital technologies to improve sector planning; implementation of project activities; and monitoring, reporting, and verification of countries’ energy-access efforts; as well as enabling access to climate financing, including facilitating participation in carbon markets

Component 2: Project Preparation Facility (PPF). The PPF is a critical component of the ASCENT MPA, offering support to governments and the private sector in developing bankable, investment-ready projects through a demand-driven approach.

Component 3: Advisory support facility. This component is supporting participating countries on strengthening the policy and regulatory environment for energy access.

Component 4: Knowledge exchange, skills development, consumer engagement, convening and partnerships. This component is building data, knowledge, and skills for energy-access planners, funders, and providers, as well as their current and prospective employees and energy-access consumers. It will enable participating countries to share both technical knowledge and experience in energy-access interventions, thus facilitating faster learning and replication of successful approaches.

PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION UNIT

As part of the implementation of the project, the COMESA secretariat will set up an integrated Project Implementation Unit to support the implementation of the above-mentioned project. The Unit will be based mainly within the infrastructure with the respective technical experts integrated into respective technical divisions and units at COMESA Secretariat.

The COMESA Secretariat intends to recruit staff for the Project Implementation Unit as described in the job description below

No.

POSITION

NO. OF POSTS

1.

Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist

1

2.

Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) Finance Specialist

1

3.

Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) Technical Specialist

1

4.

Grants Officer

1

JOB DESCRIPTION POSITION ONE

JOB TITLE

:

Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist

SALARY

:

USD 78,000 Per Annum all inclusive

PROGRAMME

:

Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation (ASCENT)

DUTY STATION

:

COMESA Secretariat, Lusaka, Zambia

CONTRACT DURATION

:

Two (2) years with a possibility of extension subject to availability of funds for continued project implementation and satisfactory performance. The initial contract period shall include a six (6) months probationary period.

REPORTING TO

:

Project Coordinator with dotted line to the Head of COMESA Monitoring and Evaluation Unit.

4.1. SCOPE OF WORK

Under the direct Supervision of the Project Coordinator and the overall supervision of Head of COMESA Monitoring and Evaluation Unit, the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialist will provide technical expertise to design, implement, and manage the monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems for activities under COMESA’s Regional Energy Access Acceleration Platform (REAAP).

The specialist will play a key role in ensuring results-based management, tracking performance indicators, and generating data-driven insights to enhance the effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of ASCENT Projects. This position also plays an important role in supporting results monitoring as part of the deployment of the digital Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (dMRV) platform.

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The Monitoring and Evaluation Expert will will perform the following main functions in order to ensure overall delivery of the project:

Monitoring and Evaluation Systems Development

Develop monitoring and evaluation tools and systems in order to facilitate implementation of REAAP and ASCENT.

Develop and review monitoring and evaluation procedures, actions and record them in the Project Operations Manual.

Prepare and implement the Project Monitoring and Evaluation Plan, including production of the overall M&E Manual for ASCENT that could be customized for country0level operations.

Support the development and continuous improvement of the regional dMRV platform to track key performance indicators (KPIs) and ensure alignment with results frameworks of the ASCENT Projects.

Performance Monitoring and Reporting

Monitor project implementation progress against defined indicators and targets.

Regularly collect, analyze, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) at both the REAAP and ASCENT programme levels.

Ensure that the dMRV platform is updated with accurate, validated data received from country project implementation units (PIU) and implementing partners.

Prepare high-quality periodic performance reports (quarterly, bi-annual, and annual) for internal and external stakeholders.

Develop data visualization products (infographics, summary reports) to communicate ASCENT performance trends.

Data Management and Quality Assurance

Oversee data collection processes across PIUs to ensure accuracy, completeness, reliability, and timeliness across the region.

Coordinate data consolidation and indicator calculation from country-level M&E teams into the central dMRV system.

Establish quality control mechanisms and troubleshoot discrepancies within the dMRV platform.

Maintain the integrity, security, and usability of the dMRV platform and ensure its integration with broader COMESA data and reporting systems.

Impact Evaluation Support

Collaborate with evaluation teams in designing and implementing impact evaluations for select interventions under ASCENT.

Support the development of evaluation frameworks, baseline and endline methodologies, sampling designs, and data collection instruments.

Support field-level data collection for evaluations and ensure data consistency with monitoring systems.

Ensure integration of impact evaluation data and findings into broader learning and adaptive management processes.

Capacity Building and Knowledge Exchange

Provide technical guidance and capacity building of Monitoring and Evaluation Specialists at country level in regards to standardisation of methodologies and measurement timing, and the use of the dMRV system.

Organize regional workshops and learning exchanges to promote harmonized practices and foster a results-oriented culture.

Performs any other job-related duties as assigned by the Supervisor from time to time

4.2. REQUIRED Skills and Competencies

Advanced statistical and analytical skills, with demonstrated ability to design and analyze complex datasets, apply statistical methodologies, and ensure rigor in monitoring frameworks and impact evaluations (proficiency in tools such as R, STATA, SPSS, or similar is an advantage).

Proficiency in digital M&E tools and platforms, including experience with web-based data systems, dashboards, and data visualization tools such as Power BI.

Strong project management and coordination skills, with the ability to organize and lead project-wide activities, while managing competing priorities and tight deadlines.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a collaborative mindset and the ability to engage constructively with colleagues, implementing partners, and government counterparts to foster a culture of learning and evidence-based decision-making.

Willingness to learn from and consult with colleagues for inputs and information sharing

Demonstrated leadership in system development and change management, particularly in initiating and leading the rollout of new M&E platforms (such as dMRV systems) and promoting their institutional uptake at regional and national levels.

Research capability will be an advantage, with experience preparing high-quality analytical reports, policy briefs, learning documents, and visual data presentations for diverse audiences (including donors, policymakers, and regional stakeholders).

EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum of bachelor’s degree in a development-related field, i.e. Development Studies, International Relations, Statistics, Economics, Finance, Social Sciences or Public Administration; and

Possession of a master’s degree in project management, Monitoring and Evaluation or Development related field would have an added advantage.

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

A minimum of 8 years directly applicable experience, of which at least 2 years should be in the energy sector (in energy access environment in providing management advisory services, hands-on experience in design of monitoring and evaluation tools at the systemic level in development contexts;

Demonstrated experience of working on the World Bank or donor funded projects;

Proven experience with statistical applications and data analysis; familiarity with both qualitative and quantitative information analysis tools;

Proven experience in designing M&E tools, systems, and procedures, including logical frameworks, indicator development, and performance monitoring plans in development contexts;

Demonstrated experience in working with global, regional and country partners and other agencies in planning of monitoring activities; and

Prior experience in the energy sector M&E, including tracking indicators relevant to energy access, will be an added advantage.

WORKING LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL POSITIONS

Must be fluent in English – both spoken and written.

Knowledge of French or Portuguese will be an added advantage.

ELIGIBILITY FOR APPLICATION

Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements for selections and contracts funded by proceeds from a World Bank funded project. Citizens of COMESA Member states are encouraged to apply.

Applications MUST be submitted electronically through email on the prescribed COMESA APPLICATION FORM which can be accessed at the following COMESA website: http://www.comesa.int/, Opportunities, COMESA Job Application Format. Applications without the COMESA Job Application Format will not be considered.

ONLY SHORT-LISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED.

Application should reach the address below not later than Friday 26^th December 2025 at 17:00 hours Lusaka, Zambia time.

The Director of Human Resources and Administration

Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa

COMESA Centre

Ben Bella Road

P.O Box 30051

LUSAKA

Zambia

Email: [email protected]