Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor

Purpose and Objectives:

The Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission (EDRMC) is mandated to lead Ethiopia’s Disaster Risk Management work in the country. The commission in collaboration with its partner had developed the “DRM Strategic Plan and Investment Framework (DRM-SPIF)” approved by the Federal Government in 2013. Accordingly, the National DRM mainstreaming guideline was developed and launched in 2018. Guided by the strategy and guideline, the EDRMC has embarked on an initiative to mainstream disaster risk management across all line ministries as well as regional states. The EDRMC is currently in the process of finalizing its policy reform agenda and a 10-years strategic plan taking into consideration the complex humanitarian situations, risk management dynamics, and global system change. The policy reform and strategic plan give due emphasis on strengthening the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) as well as accountability throughout all EDRMC directorates’ programs and DRM mainstreaming into other development sectors. As part of the enhancement of the virtual working environment and knowledge & information management during the New Normal caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the establishment of a web portal, and the digital library is being implemented. The portal serves as an information and knowledge management tool involving multiple directorates EDRMC and external stakeholder organizations.

EDRMC in partnership with the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC)[1], is currently implementing a program namely “Improving Coordination Capacity for Preparedness and Emergency Response in Ethiopia (ETCOR)” with funding support from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (The Foundation). The program aims to improve the institutional capacity of EDRMC and key sectoral ministries including Agriculture and Health by enhancing systems, capacity, and coordination mechanisms for preparedness and response, and improving information and knowledge management system.

Initially, the program will focus on supporting the relevant Government institutions in the effective coordination of emergency relief, humanitarian coordination, emergency preparedness, and early recovery in the conflict-affected areas in NorthernEthiopia and other vulnerable regions where the respective sectoral stakeholders are involved. The medium- to long-term focus will be on enhancing the inter-and intra-sectoral coordination capacity of the Government system for overall preparedness and emergency response in Ethiopia through technical and leadership capacity development support to the relevant agencies within the framework of Ethiopia National DRM policy and implementation strategy.

The program is looking to recruit a qualified consultant as the Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation Advisor Advisor to be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The consultant will be responsible for leading the implementation of identified activities in this TOR. The key objectives of the position include:

1. To strengthen the existing planning, monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems at EDRMC and support the generation of evidence-based policy formation and program planning.
2. To support the development of standard approach, tools, and guidelines for planning, monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) documentation and dissemination system that can be applied across all directorates of EDRMC towards achieving the organizational strategic goal.
3. To support building a culture of evidence-based programming, after-action review, learning from practices in multi-sectoral DRM program cycle implementation, and organization’s performance improvement.
4. To provide technical capacity building for decision-maker and technical staff of EDRMC and its regional structure on monitoring and evaluation.
5. To provide technical support to the ten-year, five, and annual plans of EDRMC performance evaluation and reporting exercises.

This consultant position is open for Ethiopian Nationals only. The position is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Expected Outputs:

As part of the Program Management Unit (PMU), the Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation Advisor would be based in EDRMC. The consultant will directly report to the Deputy Commissioner and work closely with the Planning, Reforms, and Good Governance Affairs Directorate, and provide technical assistance for the establishment of effective integrated DRM cycle program planning, monitoring, evaluation, and learning processes at EDRMC including:

• Development of quantitative and qualitative methods, participatory planning procedures and approaches, monitoring and evaluation guidelines, standardized evidence gathering tools and formats, performance measurement systems, after-action review, and organizational learning documentation and dissemination system in consultation with the various Directorates of EDRMC.
• Provide technical capacity building of EDRMC staff on strategic and operational planning, application of robust monitoring, evaluation, and learning methods, and tools to ensure consistency in program management, quality assurance, reporting, and archiving system.
• Assess ongoing M&E support initiatives of EDRMC and map out recommendations for strengthening the disaster risk management strategic programs and frameworks.

The consultant is expected to commence the work from June 2023 till December 2023. Below are the expected outputs with the timeline.

Responsibilities and Tasks:

1. Undertake a review of existing planning and M&E strategies, guidelines, tools, and formats available within the EDRMC and lead DRM mainstreaming sector ministries, and develop a synthesis of areas of strengths, weaknesses, and gaps for potential improvement and integration in the DRM mainstreaming programs.
2. Organize and lead the international inter-directorate discussion to establish a common understanding of the essence of effective participatory planning, MEL practices and agree on priority areas for improvement as well as shared responsibilities among the Directorates for the achievement of a common goal.
3. Lead the development of draft Planning procedures, MEL framework, quantitative and qualitative methods, performance measurement guides that serve as a cross-directorate framework for planning, design, and implementation of MEL plans and reporting.
4. Provide technical assistance for the development of Disaster risk and emergency, and post-disaster assessment methodology and tools, accountability and complaint handling mechanisms, and ensure alignment to DRM-SPIF and Directorate level strategy.
5. Review the DRM-SPIF log frame to strengthen the M&E capacity of EDRMC.
6. Liaise with the different Donor initiative support in the area of Planning, M&E and streamline the expected outputs.
7. Support the Directorate on consolidating progress evaluation report requirements including international conventions like the Sendai framework.
8. Facilitate multi-Directorate, multi-sectoral joint planning processes, and events, ensure integration of action research and alignment with DRM cycle management principles and effective DRM mainstreaming.
9. In collaboration with ICT and Study, Research and Training Directorates, develop a system of archiving and digital database of MEL, program performance data management, evidence for planning input, accomplishment report, good practice documentation, and among EDRMC Directorates and/or with key stakeholders/partners.
10. Provide technical assistance for the development of program/project evaluation TOR, review, and ensure that evaluation results meet the quality assurance criteria and its contribution to program improvement.
11. Facilitate program after-action review, lesson, and good practices sharing and consolidation workshops involving EDRMC directorates and their stakeholders.
12. Organize factsheet, review and provide inputs to the production of publications, annual organizational reports, decision-makers humanitarian situation updates, humanitarian requirement document, and PowerPoint presentations.
13. Organize training on participatory strategic and operational planning processes, monitoring, evaluation, and learning methodology and practices targeting senior management, technical program staff, and frontline workers.
14. Provide backstopping support to all directorates with regards to effective planning and MEL implementation.
15. Provide monthly system improvement progress updates and quarterly comprehensive reports in MEL improvement implementations.
16. Any other duties as assigned by EDRMC for the overall objectives of the position.

Working Principles and Reporting:

In performing the duties and responsibilities indicated above, the consultant will report directly to the Deputy Commissioner at EDRMC, and will closely work with the Planning, Reforms, and Good Governance Affairs Directorate Director and staff, and coordinate with other EDRMC Directorates.

Qualifications:

Education:

• MSc or advanced studies in Planning, Rural Development, Social Science, Development Studies, Economics, Public Administration, or any other related fields with working experience in Ethiopia is essential. Ph.D. in a related field would be an added advantage.

Work Experience:

• At least 10 years of proven experience in strategic planning, design, and implementation of MEL systems manuals and guidelines in multi-level structured organization operations;
• Experience in building theories of change, MEL plans, logic models, logical frameworks, MEL frameworks/results chains, monitoring matrices/tools, and others.
• Proven experience the managing program, projects, and multi-disciplinary team
• Ability to work both in an advisory and a hands-on implementation capacity
• Understanding of DRM cycle management, humanitarian principles, integration of MEL in emergency preparedness, and response planning and implementation.
• Proven capacity to supervise, train, and coach staff
• Ability to facilitate/conduct large technical training for staff
• At least 5 years of proven experience of working with the Ethiopian government involving multiple stakeholder’s coordination;
• Proven experience in government structure, capacity building and design, and delivery of training at various levels.

Personal Qualities:

• Self-motivated, pro-active, and takes initiatives;
• Demonstrated ability to plan, and organize work & time independently;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and team-oriented work style
• Excellent influencing skills with experience in advocacy
• Excellent skills in facilitation, team building, and coordination;
• Excellent analytical, oral presentation, report writing, and interpersonal skills
• Strong networking capacity and understanding of humanitarian and development nexus at local and regional levels;
• Strong desire to learn, undertake new challenges, must be creative problem-solver, and must have self-confidence;
• Willingness to work hard, good sense of humor but with seriousness about the quality and excellence of work.

Languages

• English is the working language of ADPC. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Verbal and written communication skills in Amharic are essential. Knowledge of another language is an advantage.

General Requirements:

• Operate within all EDRMC and ADPC Guidelines & Procedures/ Policies;
• Operate within specific program needs.

Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Duration: May – December 2023 with the possibility of extension based on the performance and technical requirement of the position and duration of the project.

Itinerary: In case the official mission under the ETCOR program outside of the duty station is required, the consultant will be entitled to domestic flight, local travel, daily subsistence allowance, accommodation, and other related travel costs as per EDRMC financial policy and cost will be covered by EDRM / or project.

How to apply

Interested Candidates can submit the completed ADPC application form, (downloadable from www.adpc.net), resume, copy of degrees/certificate(s) together with a cover letter, to: adpcjobs@adpc.net

Female candidates are especially encouraged to apply.

Apply here