Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Assistant (MELA) at EAMCEF

Full Time Tanzania May 15, 2023 Project Jobs

Job Overview

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

BACKGROUND

The Eastern Arc Mountains Conservation Endowment Fund (EAMCEF) is a Trust Fund that was established as a mechanism to provide sustainable financing for effective conservation of biological resources in the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania. The Eastern Arc Mountains Conservation Endowment Fund was initially conceived as a joint initiative of the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, the Board of Trustees, the World Bank and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The Fund aims at providing long- term and reliable funding support to conservation activities related to the promotion of biological diversity, improvement of ecological functions and sustainable use of natural resources in priority areas of the Eastern Arc Mountains. The Eastern Arc Mountains ecosystem forms a major portion of the Eastern Afromontane Region which is recognized globally as one of the 34 biodiversity hotspots characterized by high concentrations of endemic species now under serious threat. Major mountain blocks of the Eastern Arc spread over fifteen districts in five regions of Tanzania namely, Tanga (East and West Usambara and Nguu Mountains), Kilimanjaro (South and North Pare Mountains), Morogoro (Udzungwa, Ukaguru, Nguru, Rubeho, Malundwe, Mahenge and Uluguru Mountains), Iringa (Udzungwa Mountains) and Dodoma (Rubeho Mountains). Governed by a Board of Trustees, the Fund was officially registered in Tanzania in June 2001 under the Trustees’ Incorporation Act (Cap. 318 R.E 2002) and it operates as a not-for-profit Conservation Finance Trust organization with its day-to-day operations being run by the Endowment Fund Secretariat. The Fund’s Executive Director is the Head of the Secretariat with the main administrative offices located in Morogoro Municipality.

The Eastern Arc Mountains forests are under considerable pressure due to various human activities as a result of increased population. Threats leading to biodiversity loss include expansion of human settlements, shifting cultivation, forest fires, extraction of wood for commercial and domestic uses, gold mining, dry season grazing, extraction of non-wood forest products including honey, fruits, medicines, natural ropes, resins, mushrooms and game hunting. Effective control of the drivers of deforestation and forest degradation now ongoing in the Eastern Arc Mountains can only be assured through the EAMCEF’s unequivocal commitment to taking exceptional care of the Eastern Arc Mountains ecosystem and all stakeholders impacting positively/negatively on its biological resources.

Whereas requirements for professional manpower necessary for effective conservation of the Eastern Arc Mountains are quite enormous, the staff line-up of EAMCEF is currently still modest. Thus, EAMCEF needs to recruit adequate and competent staff so as to increase and enhance its capacity to undertake its operations and programme activities. In order for the conservation efforts to be sufficiently effective to secure and save the unique natural heritage, the now vacant positions needs to urgently be filled by suitably qualified and competent professional staff as detailed below.

GENERAL PROVISIONS

The following requirements will apply to all the posts now available in the Endowment Fund Secretariat

General Conditions

Proven ability in writing and speaking both English and Kiswahili Languages.
The EAMCEF Head Office in Morogoro Municipality will be the duty station for each of the positions.
All the positions are equally available for both female and male Tanzanian applicants; female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Excellent knowledge and proven ability in working with computers and a variety of computer programmes especially Microsoft Office applications (e.g. MS-Word, Excel, Access, Power Point, E-Mails, Internet, etc.) and establishment and management of databases.
Ability to work under pressure and for extended hours including working on week – ends and holidays as it may be required from time to time.
Mature, energetic, hardworking, versatile and self-motivated.
Obedient, honest, trustful, fast learner, smart and socially active.
Demonstrated ability to work independently or under minimum supervision, effectively supervise and lead others.
Each appointed Candidate will report and be answerable to the Executive Director.
Only one (1) position is available for each of the vacant posts.

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Terms and Conditions of Employment
A Contract of two years will be issued to each of the successful applicants upon satisfactory performance during the probationary period of the first three months. Depending on the ability to perform the assigned duties, the Contract may be renewed at the end of the second year. An attractive remuneration package will be offered to the selected candidate commensurate with professional qualifications and working experience.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Assistant (MELA)

Duties and Responsibilities

The successful Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Assistant (MELA) will be the principal in-charge of all matters, aspects, activities and functions pertaining to programme monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning in the Endowment Fund Secretariat (EFS). The principal duties and responsibilities of the selected Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Assistant (MELA) will include but be not limited to the following;

Act as principal and immediate assistant to the Programme Officer – Planning, Coordination and Information Management (PO-PCIM) and appropriately assist, back – stop and gap – fill in his/her functions as may be required from time to time.
Assist and coordinate the development of a comprehensive overall monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning (MEAL) framework, toolkits including performance indicators, baselines, targets, milestones and benchmarks for each aspects of the EAMCEF.
Assist to develop and implement a systematic approach to integrate programme defined inputs, indicators and results (Outputs, Outcomes and Impacts).
Assist in the coordination of project evaluations and in capturing best practices emerging from the intervention strategies.
Ensure that the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) framework is robust and in-line with good practice and provides a strong and objective basis for performance measurement and management.
Assist to compile and coordinate preparation of quarterly, semi-annually and annually programme performance reports.
Assist and facilitate MEAL capacity building within the EAMCEF Secretariat, programme beneficiaries and stakeholders.
Assist and facilitate the training of both EAMCEF Board and EFS Members in Results Based Management (RBM) both in theory and in practice.
Review and assist to build a robust results framework with all outcome level indicators linked to conservation and updated templates for the whole programme cycle of the EAMCEF.
Assist in improving the quality of reporting especially for outcome and impact levels.
Assist in building a modern digital information management system allowing real-time portfolio analysis and releasing human resources to technical monitoring.
Assist in the monitoring and evaluation and associate their contributions into the achievement of the overall results.
Assist in making sure that exercises and findings from the monitoring and evaluation positively inform the development of new intervention strategies.
In collaboration with other programme and field staff, coordinate and capture good practices emerging from the programme activities.
Assist to develop a comprehensive reporting framework with provisions for rigorous impact assessment.
Prepare requisite periodical performance reports and produce analytical progress reports to guide the making of management decisions.
Assist to put in place systems and mechanisms for collecting data to monitor the development of defined indicators under the comprehensive reporting framework.
Assist to develop and implement a standardized Management Information System accessible to the Senior
Management Team Members and other relevant parties.
Assist and coordinate monitoring, evaluation and reporting of the programme performance.
Assist to design and develop an MEAL database for the programme that is integrated with the Monitoring and
Evaluation Framework.
Provide technical support and coordinate MEAL activities across the entire programme cycle.
Ensure monitoring and reporting requirements are understood by implementers and key stakeholders.
Assist in timely planning, budgeting and progress reporting for all programme activities.
Effectively collaborating and working closely with the Marketing and Engagement Officer and Planning and
Communication Assistant and appropriately gap filling in their functions as it may be required from time to time.
Assist, provide back-up support and appropriately gap-fill in the functions of Field Project Officers as it may be required from time to time.
Assist in setting up a Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning system and follow up closely its operationalization.
Build capacity of field staff and partners to set a functional groundwork for efficient data collection, entry, compilation, processing and timely reporting at site level, district level and programme level.
Contribute to development and implementation of the organization’s MEAL framework including indicator mapping.
Facilitate the utilization of reports at site level and district level for programme planning, management and evaluation.
Lead the preparation of MEAL based quarterly feedback reports from the grantees and field partners.
Maintain proper records on implementation of the programme which will provide basis for decision making and feedback to stakeholders.
Assist in the preparation and operationalization of a computerized programme for field data collection, coding, processing, storage and dissemination/reporting.
Carry out any other responsibilities as assigned by the Executive Director, immediate supervisor and other Senior Staff.

Academic and Professional Qualifications

Advanced Diploma or Bachelor Degree in either Project Planning and Management, Statistics, Planning, Natural Resources Assessment, Economic Planning or Development Studies.
Formal training in Results Based Management (RBM) and/or Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) will be one of the necessary conditions for selection.
At least 3 – years solid experience in MEAL with a reputable Organization/Programme/Project.
Ability to present information in logical and convincing manner.
Computer literacy especially competence in MS Excel and Statistical packages and database management.
Experience in strategic planning with good background of reporting and showing results with donors, sponsors, government entities and other key stakeholders.
Proven knowledge, skills and experience in Results Based Management (RBM).

MODE OF APPLICATION
Well qualified and interested professionals should lodge their well written applications to the undersigned not later than 10th June 2023. Application letters with detailed CVs, copies of relevant certificates, testimonials and names of three easily contactable referees should be timely made. Only shortlisted applicants will be called for one or more interviews within two months from the application deadline.

Applications should be addressed to:

The Executive Director, Eastern Arc Mountains Conservation Endowment Fund (EAMCEF), Plot No. 348, Forest Hill Area, Kingalu Road,
P.O. Box 6053,
MOROGORO – TANZANIA.
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: +255 (0) 23 2934274 Cellphone: +255 (0) 755 330 558

The deadline for submitting the application is 10th June 2023.