M&E Specialist (Islamabad Office)
Chemonics International Inc.
USAID Small and Medium Enterprise Activity (SMEA)’s development hypothesis is that SME-led economic growth will result in poverty reduction, job creation, and entrepreneurship development contributing to increased GDP. SMEA is working to increase incomes and employment in project-assisted economic sectors and improve the enabling environment for private sector led growth in Pakistan.
The objective of this assignment is to support SMEA’s management in implementation of project Activity Monitoring and Evaluation plan (AMEP) and to provide technical support to M&E team in the development of M&E tools, data collection, data auditing and verification, data analysis, case studies, quarterly and annual reports, documentation of international best practices, and any other M&E-related tasks. The M&E specialist is also tasked with enhancing the capacity of the SMEA project staff to effectively carry out M&E functions and conduct detailed analysis of M&E data.
For all routine responsibilities and duties, either directly or indirectly related to this position description, the individual holding this position shall report directly to, and be supervised by, the Monitoring and Evaluation Lead or his designee.
Responsibilities:
- Assist in the development, updating and implementation of the USAID SMEA Activity Monitoring and Evaluation Plan (AMEP), Log Frame and other M&E systems and documents utilizing clearly defined objectives, activities, indicators, and results for each component in the implementation period;
- Assist in the development and implementation appropriate and innovative M&E tools, reporting guidelines for project activities with an aim to improve the overall M&E system of the project;
- Conduct data analysis related to sales revenues, jobs, private sector investments etc;
- Draft SoWs, ToRs and concept papers for various M&E tasks including but not limited to routing monitoring, surveys, assessments, evaluations and other relevant studies;
- Review the project indicators, including agreed targets and aggressive time-frames for achieving them;
- Assist in the development of systems to monitor the provision of project inputs grants and training activities and the beneficiaries receiving these products and services;
- Conduct data quality assessments & data audits to ensure that the collected data is accurate and maintain the integrity of the project;
- Collect and/or verify M&E data of the project activities through regular visits to the project locations, when needed;
- Conduct beneficiaries’ interviews, focus group discussions and verification visits to the project sites as per the instruction from the M&E Lead;
- Assist in the design and implementation of project impact evaluation, when needed;
- Operate, administer and update the M&E information management system/database using automated information management system from time to time;
- Orient and train project staff, subcontractors and grantees on the M&E framework, including objectives and indicators, on their responsibilities for the complete, accurate and timely collection and reporting of data and information;
- Assist M&E Lead in preparing project status reports including but not limited to weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual reports;
- Coordinate with component and technical leads, provincial and district staff as necessary to perform M&E duties including providing guidance on priority areas for attention/action;
- Perform other monitoring and evaluation tasks as needed;
Qualifications:
- Advanced degree in business administration, economics, audit, development studies or other relevant discipline and at least 5 years of relevant experience or bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline and at least 7 years of relevant work experience;
- Work experience in the private sector especially in private businesses, SMEs and in development project environment is preferred, with work experience in the former being preferable;
- Demonstrated experience in research, and monitoring and evaluation of business development and economic development programs;
- Understanding of business processes, financial management and audit is desirable.
- Familiarity with USAID monitoring and evaluation protocols required. Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation requirements of USAID Economic Growth and Agriculture (EGA) thematic area preferred;
- Ability to determine key indicators to measure project impact, and to develop measurement systems for them;
- Ability to perform successfully as a member of multiple project-related teams;
- Ability to analyze and report on program performance and impact from the perspective of donors, program planners and partners;
- Strong computer literacy skills required in word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, web browsers, and email;
- Proficiency of working on data analysis applications including excel, SPSS etc.
- Excellent communications and writing ability;
- Demonstrated successful interpersonal skills;
- A willingness to travel to all provinces of Pakistan, with overnight stay;
- Fluency in English and Urdu required; Fluency in other Pakistani languages preferred.