PROJECT BACKGROUND

The Government of the Republic of Zambia has received a loan from the African Development Bank/African Development Fund/Nigeria Trust Fund to finance the Chiansi Smallholder Outgrower Support Project (COSP).

The Principal objectives of this project are to increase agricultural income and improve the livelihoods of the smallholder farmers by increasing agricultural productivity, and market access.

The Project has three strategic components: Development of Climate Resilient infrastructure Social Services and Skills Development and Institutional Support and Project Management. Each component has complementary actions defined under sub-components for each implementing entity.

Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced candidates to fill the following positions under the COSP.

Position: Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist

Duty Station: Chiansi Smallholder Outgrower Support Project (COSP)in Kafue

Reports to: Project Coordinator

Objectives of the Assignment

The Monitoring and Evaluation Specials will be responsible for planning, monitoring, evaluation reporting, and knowledge management functions under COSP. He/she will report directly to the Project Coordinator working in close collaboration with staff from MOA and key stakeholders supervising and coordinating M&E activities in line with the Government and AfDvies and procedures

Specific Terms of Reference:

• In collaboration with key stakeholders, elaborate a detailed COSP results-based log framework as the basis for assessing the overall performance of COSP activities
• Prepare and coordinate the monitoring and evaluation plan based on the COSP results-based log framework
• Responsible for setting up a monitoring and evaluation and knowledge management system in collaboration with service providers and ensuring that it functions effectively
• Determine baselines and confirm/validate targets for key project performance indicators
• Facilitate capacity building for participating MOA staff of provincial and district levels in monitoring and evaluation
• Establish procedures for quarterly and bi-annual management assessments to ensure that the conclusions are recorded, incorporated in AWBPs and reported to the PSC.
• Coordinate annual participatory planning and review workshops, including arrangements for ensuring for representation of all participants, target groups women, and youths.
• Prepare a monitoring framework, in coordination with the Project Accountant and the Project Coordinator for COSP activities and execution of the AWPBs through a computerized management information system established within Country systems
• Prepare an outcome monitoring and impact evaluation framework using a participatory monitoring process including designing the necessary surveys, the midterm review and studies to be undertaken by the consultants and take the lead in supervising such surveys and technical assistance programs
• Assume the role of COSP focal point on gender and nutrition, ensuring that gender, nutrition, and environmental issues are mainstreamed in the M&E system and that these are well articulated by reflected in COSP activities.
• Make quarterly monitoring reports to the Project Coordinator, PSC, and the AfDB highlighting areas of concern and prepare the required documentation for review at management meetings
• Be conversant with online databases/information system and ensure a well-functioning web-based information management and sharing system, m)
• Be an advocate for smallholder farmers, particularly women value chain players

Contract Duration

This is a full-time Position for a period of four (4) years (1) Year (Renewable  Performance Based Contract)

Qualifications and skills:

• At least a First Degree and five years of professional experience in Agriculture Science, Agriculture Economics, Economics, Business Management, or any relevant field related to this assignment. Any specific training in M&E will be an added advantage
• Experience in policy formulation and development will be an added advantage
• Proficiency in both written and spoken English
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and experience in working with a wide range of individuals in government, private sector, and civil society and excellent analytical and research slots and well-developed report writing skills

General professional experience:

• At least 5 years of practical experience and demonstrated knowledge in developing M&E Policies, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Results Frameworks at National and Sector levels within government preferably in Sub-Saharan Africa,

Specific professional experience:

• Five years of demonstrated experience in Monitoring and Evaluation designing of logical frameworks and M&E tools, as well as familiarity with Results-Based Management, approaches;
• Five years of demonstrated experience in policy formulation;
• Demonstrated experience in institutional and organizational capacity building;
• A good knowledge of and experience with agricultural development programmes
• A good understanding and knowledge of the Zambia/Africa social-economic contexts an added advantage