Consultant (Monitoring Evaluation & Learning & Data Management)

Job Description

About WorldFish

WorldFish is an international, non-profit research and innovation organization reducing hunger, malnutrition and poverty across Africa, Asia and the Pacific. For over 45 years, our work on sustainable aquaculture and fisheries has improved the lives of millions of women, men and youth.

Fish and other aquatic foods grown in and harvested from oceans, lakes, rivers and ponds provide income for more than 800 million people and provide 3.3 billion with 20% of their animal protein intake. Our focus on sustainability makes sure that the way we produce and use these foods today means a plentiful future of generations to come.

Our evidence-based solutions range in scale from households to global policies and spans across six interlinked themes: nutrition, gender, climate, sustainability, economy and COVID-19. We champion aquatic foods for healthy people and planet and believe that a sustainable blue planet of well-nourished children, women and men is within our reach.

Background

Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) is multi-organizations and multi-programs online platform for integrated planning, management, monitoring, and impact reporting of Research and Development Initiatives aiming to contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). It creates synergy between research and development partners, bridging competences in a results-oriented enterprise environment. The platform allows to save resources and time, reducing paperwork, facilitating administrative steps, quickening project related communications, and enabling near real-time data collecting to inform decision-making.

WorldFish is seeking a consultant to assist the organization in implementing a Results Based Management (RBM) approach and Knowledge sharing and learning processes through the utilization of the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) web-based platform.

WorldFish seeks to hire a dynamic and highly qualified Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Data Consultant to work in close collaboration with relevant WorldFish Team Leaders and members. The Consultant will make contributions towards the monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) and data and knowledge processes to support knowledge sharing and learning through a well‐established and designed MEL system that promotes transparency, accountability and learning. The successful candidate will have a background in/familiarity with RBM and MEL, preferably in relation to aquaculture and fisheries, and related theories underpinning MEL research and development; and be conversant with qualitative and quantitative tools and techniques for comprehensive analysis. S/he will be passionate about Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) mission and have both internal and external facing responsibilities. Under the guidance of the MELIA leader, Research Program Manager and the MEL Specialist, the Consultant will be expected to undertake the following duties:

Key Tasks/responsibilities:

• Assist in technical features of the MEL Platform by supporting the user-based testing and piloting of the new features to enhance the web-based MEL platform and developing MEL procedural guidelines.
• Enter and review the relevant projects and initiative information on the web-based MEL platform ensuring data integrity and quality.
• Assist MEL and project teams in the preparation and design of MEL plans for different donors.
• Design and develop a Theory of change (ToC), Results Framework, logical framework and a range of planning and MEL tools including indicators, data collection processes and protocols
• Coordinate with initiative/project team members to adhere to the timely submission of progress reports as per the defined processes.
• Review M&E and data components of the project and suggest M&E and data input for a well-functioning M&E and data management system.
• Keep a consistent follow- and check on project timelines, reporting, and data requirements.
• Contribute to project and initiative dashboards and periodic reports by providing support with data inputs, quality check, analysis and visualization.
• Develop MEL procedural guidelines, reports, and other documents as requested.
• Design, develop, and modify data infrastructure to accelerate the processes of data analysis and reporting.
• Reviewing graphs and tables to ensure accuracy and quality.
• Participate in regular team meetings virtually, when required, and can accommodate different time zones.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements

Essential Skills and Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Social Science, Development Studies, or Economics or other related fields.
• Post Graduate Diploma/Certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation preferred.
• Practical experience in designing project MEL systems project MEL systems embedded within a wider program/ system MEL.
• 3-5 years’ experience in a similar role.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) in English.
• A good understanding and skills in MEL and data management particularly an understanding of statistics as it relates to MEL and the use of statistical data management tools such as Stata and/or SPSS.
• Excellent data analysis skills, producing tables/graphs with interpretation.
• Apt in learning and utilizing new data science-related information technologies such Kobo Toolbox or ODK for mobile data collection.
• Strong in essential computer software/packages like MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, STATA/SPSS, or similar software.
• Experience with Research and Development Organizations or INGO, in the areas of fisheries and aquaculture, food systems, sustainable development, data and knowledge management.

Terms of Appointment

This position is an excellent opportunity to apply knowledge and experience with an international research and development organization. The consultancy will be carried out remotely and is home-based. The successful candidate should be available to commence as soon as possible for a minimum duration of 6 months with the possibility of an extension up to 12 months depending on performance. This position is open to national and international applicants.

How to Apply

The application process is rolling. Interested applicants are invited to submit the following information online here by 15 January 2023:

• A cover letter stating why you are interested in and well-suited to the position. Your cover letter should also demonstrate what you hope to gain from consultancy.
• A current curriculum vitae.
• Names and contacts (telephone and e-mail addresses) of three professional referees who are familiar with your qualifications and work experience. Your nominated referees ideally should have persons from each of the following category: direct supervisor, internal peer and/or direct report.

The screening will start immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

About the Organization

WorldFish is an international, non-for-profit research organization that works to reduce hunger, malnutrition and poverty by improving fisheries and aquaculture. With a 45-years track record of leading-edge science, WorldFish generates research evidence and innovations to inform sustainable practices and inclusive policies that enable better livelihoods and healthier diets for millions of poor people, particularly women, who depend on fish for food, nutrition and income. WorldFish is a member of CGIAR, the world’s largest global partnership on agriculture research and innovation for a food secure future. Headquartered in Penang, Malaysia and with regional offices across Africa, Asia and the Pacific, WorldFish leads the cross-disciplinary CGIAR Research Program (CRP) on Fish Agri-Food Systems (FISH).