Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, Energy Sector

Job Description

MONITORING AND EVALUATION SPECIALIST, ENERGY SECTOR, JAMAICA

TERMS OF REFERENCE

CONSULTING SERVICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A MONITORING AND EVALUATION FRAMEWORK FOR MEASURING PROGRESS TOWARDS THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NATIONAL ENERGY POLICY 2009-2030

1. PURPOSE

The consultancy seeks to

• design and establish a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework and system to measure the progress towards implementation of the National Energy Policy (NEP) 2009-2030 incrementally through the several three-year National Energy Action Plans (NEAPs), with initial focus on the second NEAP (2013 to 2016);
• (ii) strengthen the institutional capacity of the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining (MSTEM) and its implementing agencies to effectively utilize the M&E system and
• (iii) design and implement a robust and user-friendly reporting mechanism to support reporting by stakeholders on progress of the NEAP as part of the MSTEM’s overall reporting requirements.

The M&E framework should be designed to interface with existing national and sector systems, be flexible and pragmatic, taking into account sector level circumstances and establish core Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) at the sector level in keeping with the Vision 2030 Medium Term Socio-Economic Policy Framework (2013-2016) and the Ministry level KPIs to assist in aggregation of sector and country level results.

1. BACKGROUND

The approval of the NEP by the Houses of Parliament in November 2010 was a major step towards transforming Jamaica’s energy sector. The NEP outlines a comprehensive policy framework for improving energy efficiency, aggressively pursuing fuel source diversification and energy security strategies in order to reduce the country’s dependence on high cost imported oil whilst achieving long-term energy sustainability for Jamaica in keeping with national developmental goals. A key focus is on reducing the price of electricity to levels that will improve business competitiveness and facilitate economic growth, job creation and protection of the environment.

MSTEM continues to advance the implementation of priority projects and programmes articulated in the second 3-year (2013-2016) National Energy Action Plan (NEAP). Important to this is the ongoing collaborations with International Development Partners (IDPs), which will contribute tremendously to the success of the programme.. Equally important, is the support services being offered by MSTEM to other ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), the public and other key stakeholders with regards to all aspects of the energy portfolio, including petroleum and electrical safety and security. Jamaica’s energy agenda continues to impact and is being impacted by global environmental sustainability initiatives, to which end the need to harmonize and optimize all the various initiatives is being prioritized as new programmes and partners emerge.

• OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this consultancy are to:

1. Review and identify the gaps in the existing Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanisms for the Ministry’s energy projects, programmes and plans and develop a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation framework for the policy implementation
2. Improve the monitoring evaluation skills at the level of implementing agencies to facilitate the development of appropriate templates for data collection and storage and to ensure continuous assessment.
3. Ensure that there is a buy-in by stakeholders prior to undertaking an evaluation and after its completion.
4. Encourage transparency and dialogue by sharing evaluation findings and the related recommendations with stakeholders for input.

1. SCOPE OF WORK

The consultant will work alongside the Principal Director, Energy Division and other staff and partners and will have responsibility for performing the following tasks:

1. Design a complete methodology, analytical framework and prepare a work plan to attain the objectives of the Terms of Reference;
2. Carry out Literature review of the existing policy documents, studies, plans and programmes
3. Review existing Monitoring and Evaluation frameworks and advise on their appropriateness and the extent to which the objectives are being met;
4. Develop of sector KPIs and activity KPIs
5. Develop a draft Monitoring and Evaluation framework for the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining clearly indicating;
6. Input, process, outputs, targets, KPIs, outcomes and impact and other monitoring indicators;
7. A list of monitoring and evaluation initiatives that the Energy Division will periodically need to do in order to make decisions on policy and planning

• An M&E action plan with reporting frequencies, formats, responsibilities and procedures

1. Conduct a workshop to discuss with key stakeholders the draft Monitoring and Evaluation mechanism
2. Provide training to MSTEM personnel at the policy and implementation levels in use of the system
3. Finalize the draft M&E framework; and
4. Submit the final Monitoring and evaluation Document in soft and hard copies, to allow for any future modifications as may be deemed necessary.

1. DELIVERABLES

The Consultant shall prepare and submit:

1. An inception report reflecting an assessment of current situation and work plan including time frames on how the work will be undertaken (within the first two weeks of taking up the role) due 10 working days after engagement
2. A Monitoring and Evaluation Framework with draft indicators and targets

• At least one stakeholder workshop to share the results of the M&E Framework and submit workshop reports

1. Training for M&E staff, with delivery reports including recommendations for follow-up
2. A comprehensive monitoring and evaluation framework for the several three year Energy Policy Action Plans
3. Reports on all findings gathered during the framework development and review of existing M&E systems, with recommendations.

• An execution plan to roll out implementation of the M&E system

1. REQUIREMENTS

The Consultant is required to participate in Stakeholder Meeting(s) to be coordinated by MSTEM and to be available to present to Senior Managers of the Ministry and implementing agencies findings gathered during the framework development and review of existing M&E systems, with recommendations.

• QUALIFICATIONS

The Consultant shall possess:

Education:

A post graduate degree, ideally in Public Management or Policy Monitoring & Evaluation.

Experience:

1. At least 5 years relevant and successful work experience in developing and implementing M&E frameworks, with experience in energy M&E systems
2. Demonstrated knowledge and practical application experience of monitoring and evaluation methodologies and experience in evaluating development projects, national programs and organizations

• Training in monitoring and evaluation methodologies

1. Understanding of the linkages between energy and development and the types of indicators that are relevant at the national and sector levels
2. International best practice experience in developing M&E instruments, with experience in the energy sector as asset
3. Sound knowledge of, as well as, application and analysis of economic tools and instruments

• Strong technical skills in social science research design, management, analysis and reporting
• A mix of quantitative and qualitative research, survey methods is desired

1. Excellent facilitation and training skills
2. Demonstrated ability to think strategically and develop effective and practical solutions for complex issues
3. Understanding of the Government of Jamaica’s reporting systems

• Working knowledge of the National Development Plan; Vision 2030 and its MTF.

• REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

The Consultant shall report directly to the CEADIR Jamaica National Coordinator. He/she will provide update reports as required by the project. The deliverables are to be sent to the National Coordinator, who will circulate to the relevant stakeholders for review and feedback.

The Consultant will work closely with the Energy Division in execution of the activities. The Principal Director, Energy at the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining (MSTEM) and/or any person designated by the Director will review and provide feedback on the deliverables.

1. TIMEFRAME

The Consultancy will be conducted over a period of six months commencing January 2016.

1. CONTACT

Interested candidates should send resume and cover letter to Ms. Hayman at ceadirjamaicajobs@gmail.com.

About the Organization

Abt Associates is a mission-driven, global leader in research and program implementation in the fields of health, social and environmental policy, and international development. Known for its rigorous approach to solving complex challenges, Abt Associates is regularly ranked as one of the top 20 global research firms and one of the top 40 international development innovators. The company has multiple offices in the U.S. and program offices in more than 40 countries.

Abt Associates is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce. Abt Associates provides market-competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits.