Reports To: Quality Assurance Manager
Classification: This is a managerial, exempt-level position and is not eligible for overtime
Overview: The Somalia Program Support Services (SPSS) contract implemented by International Business & Technical Consultants Inc. (IBTCI) provides support for program-related services to program and technical teams in the USAID/KEA/Somalia Office in Nairobi, Kenya. The contract comprises multiple, simultaneous Task Orders including: implementing an ongoing monitoring system for funded activities; baseline studies and evaluation and providing logistical, administrative, and facilitation support for technical team meetings with partners or other stakeholders for the purposes of planning, monitoring, evaluating and/or learning. For this exercise, SPSS is seeking a Monitoring &Verification Technical Officer. This position will focus on research, planning and monitoring and verification process management; relationship management, database management; training; and line management. This position is open to Kenya nationals only.
Essential Duties/Tasks and Responsibilities:
Research, Planning and Monitoring &Verification Process Management
Directly responsible for the day-to-day implementation of all key MV&R work processes (pre-deployment, deployment, post-deployment and reporting).
Maintain a thorough knowledge and understanding of all USAID Implementing Partners’ (IP) key activities, target populations and implementation approaches.
Develop relevant M&V tools and protocols that reflect client’s needs for each Implementing Partner and against the overall USAID activity portfolio.
Work closely with the Deputy Chief of Party/Technical on site selection, tool/protocol application and revision as well as MV&R policies and strategy.
Test all new tools within the mobile data collection (MDC) platform and responsible for final green-lighting of all new tools and sites prior to field work.
Conduct random back-checking of a sample of data entered onto the MDC platform and conduct random field spot-checking of a sample of verifications conducted by TPMs.
Conduct sample of verification activities in the field according to specific requirement for sensitivity, objectivity and / or diplomacy.
Sign-off all individual M&V reports presented by report writers prior to collation by the Quality Assurance Manager for submission to USAID.
Manage MV&R folders and update senior management as needed.
Troubleshoot and problem-solve challenges arising in the field with tact and diplomacy.
Relationship Management
Serve as the main point of contact with USAID IPs to enable efficient and timely communication on all M&V related matters, including tool development, feedback on site selection list, access to IP databases/ work plans on range of sub-activities to be monitored.
Manage all documentation related to IPs, including documents received from IPs as per verification requirement, information sheets, versions of individual M&V reports and IP feedback trail.
Develop and maintain a tracking system for effective performance management of TPM outputs and approval of TPM deliverables.
Partner with the M&V Officers in problem-solving and responding to issues identified in field processes;
Make timely requests for periodic additional human resources (report writers, MDC scripting etc.) against MV&R budget.
Contribute to the presentation of MV&R findings to USAID and IPs per round of fieldwork.
Database Management
Implement quality control management policies and processes for checking all incoming and outgoing details of data in the mobile platform, and ensure all relevant personnel (SPSS and TPMs) are adhering to such.
Coordinate queries related to database to relevant team members for prompt resolutions.
Work closely with MV&R team to verify and cross-reference incoming data and completed reports as needed.
Establish and maintain the data archive system.
Training
Develop and update training materials in key aspects of monitoring and verification tools, protocols and processes.
Facilitate training to field staff and third party monitoring contracted firms, using Trainer-of -Trainer and adult learning methodologies.
Line Management
Directly manage workload and performance of SPSS Data Manager, M&V Officers and M&V Data Administrative Assistant, using dedicated performance management tools and processes / policies.
Participate in recruitment and management of Field Supervisors and support M&V Officers in on-going line management / performance management.
Approve Field Supervisor monthly invoices.
Other duties/tasks as assigned.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of relevant USAID rules and regulations (incl. ADS 204 and ADS 320) related to monitoring and verification activities and approaches.
Experience in mobile data collection platforms and processes (preferably ASKIA, but any other experience valued), including CAPI formatting and mobile scripting processes.
Ability to multi-task within tight deadlines.
Strict attention to detail.
Strong collaborative and relationship management skills.
Minimum Requirements:
At least seven years of international experience in the management, monitoring and evaluation of development programs.
Experience in developing monitoring and verification tools, and training and managing staff in effective use of those tools.
Willingness and ability to travel to various project sites in Somalia as needed.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Oral and written fluency in English required.
Education: Graduate degree in the field of evaluation, international development or a related technical field required.
Working Environment: Work is typically performed in an office environment.
Physical Requirements: This is largely a sedentary position that requires the ability to speak, hear, see, and lift small objects up to 20 lbs.
Supervisory Responsibility: This position does have supervisory responsibilities.
Travel: An average of 25% to 35% travel for project implementation and/or project management. Percentages may vary depending on business needs.
Work Authorization: Must be authorized to work in the Kenya. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
No phone calls please. All candidates will be acknowledged, but only final candidates for particular activities will be contacted.
IBTCI is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity for all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or any other classification protected by applicable anti-discrimination laws. We prohibit and do not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment.
