CHARITY JOBS IN AFRICA

Organization: Options Consultancy Services
Country: United Republic of Tanzania
Closing date: 30 Jan 2015

About Us

Options Consultancy Services Limited (Options) was established in 1992 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marie Stopes International. Options is a leading provider of technical and management expertise in the health and social sectors. We work in partnership with national and state governments, international development agencies, the private sector and civil society to strengthen programmes and policies to support the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals in health and poverty reduction.

Our work focuses on providing expertise in sexual and reproductive health, maternal newborn and child health, HIV and AIDS, citizen voice and accountability, gender, social inclusion and equity to enhance institutional effectiveness to support strengthening of health service delivery.

Role profile

Long-term post-holders are required for a programme of support in Tanzania by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) to: Reduce the number of stunted children by 7% (50,000) in the targeted regions of Tanzania within a period of 5 years. This programme is being tendered, and the post will be confirmed should the Save the Children led consortium be successful.

Project outcomes are:

1. Improved maternal, infant and young feeding practices;
2. Enhanced quality of nutrition services through the health system;
3. Improved household access to diverse and nutrient rich foods through own production and purchased from the local market;
4. Improved multi-sectoral response to nutrition at sub-national levels (Agriculture, WASH, Health, Early Child Development (ECD), Community Development, Livelihoods).

The Research, Evidence and Advocacy Adviser will be responsible for the coordination, oversight and quality assurance of the ASTUTE research portfolio, including operations research. The post holder will work closely with and provide support and guidance to the Programme Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) post. The post-holder will work at national level based within the project office in Dar es Salaam with frequent travel to the selected regions.

Key responsibilities

• Manage the design, implementation, analysis and write up of innovative qualitative and quantitative research studies (e.g. operations research; intervention evaluations; qualitative studies to understand mechanisms of behaviour change) that are relevant to the DFID logframe indicators and programme objectives.
• Design in-house and outsourced research tools (e.g. quantitative surveys; interview topic guides) in consultation with the relevant technical advisers. Ensure use of appropriate software for data management and analysis of research data.
• Write TORs for the outsourcing and/or recruitment of consultants for research as required.
• Oversight and quality assurance of in-house and outsourced research activities (e.g. reviewing proposals to ensure the highest quality agencies are selected; checking plausibility of data; data verification; ensuring staff are adequately qualified and trained). Technical management of subcontracts and review of associated deliverables.
• Reporting results and progress of research studies to meet DFID’s requirements (e.g. writing up research findings; proposing plans and costs for further scale up of successful interventions).
• Ensure research includes an economic component (e.g. cost effectiveness analyses; cost modelling) to inform the Government of Tanzania about the likely cost of further scale up beyond the DFID programme.
• Train appropriate staff in the collection of primary data for in-house research. Strengthen capacity for analysis and effective use of data at national, provincial and district level, with a focus on building the capacity of regional and district staff who are administering nutrition information systems
• Present data in an accessible way for government/stakeholders (e.g. top line findings; briefing sheets; executive summaries, scorecards, infographics). Ensure evidence of successful approaches and gaps in provision inform national policy and planning and resource allocation at provincial/district level. Facilitate use of data for decision making, encourage transparency on progress and advocate for improvements in service provision and resource allocation.
• Convene research dissemination workshops with government staff from multiple sectors, donors and partner organisations to share and discuss relevant data. Ensure data is fed back to service providers to enable them to make informed decisions on effective delivery of services.
• Ensure use of programme M&E and research findings to support effective multi-sectoral dialogues, regular exchange of information and decision making.
• Leverage existing accountability mechanisms and platforms to integrate discussion on nutrition into existing policy dialogues, discussion fora and media partnerships. Ensure data is used for advocacy to improve nutrition.
• Strengthen advocacy for better services for women and children through effective use of evidence by civil society groups and leveraging on pressure points through relevant local accountability platforms.
• Ensure gender, ECD and WASH feature as part of the research studies and stunting reduction interventions being implemented.
• Work alongside the Programme M&E Advisor and collaborate as needed (e.g. provide relevant research findings to inform updates to the logframe).

Behaviours/attributes

• Facilitates transparency, inclusiveness, and exchange in collaborative partnerships
• Identifies common goals and opportunities for collaboration between stakeholders with diverse mandates or structures
• Manages group dynamics among collaboration partners (e.g. build consensus, manage conflict, facilitate exchange)

Qualifications and experience

Essential

• Master’s degree in a related subject
• At least seven years’ relevant experience
• Proven capacity in management/oversight/quality assurance of research studies
• Experience of operational research
• Expertise in use of data for influencing policy and planning at national and local levels
• Strong analytical skills, including use of statistical software packages (e.g SPSS, STATA)
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Experience of working within the health sector, ideally maternal and child health or nutrition
• Fluent in Swahili

Desirable

• Knowledge of nutrition, in particular child stunting
• Experience of working with donor funded programmes, such as DFID, USAID etc.
• Experience of capacity building and mentoring

How to apply:

Application process

To express your interest in the role, please send your CV with a summary note of your skills and experience to Freya Stothard at opportunities@options.co.ukbefore 30^th January 2015. Please note that CVs will be shortlisted as they are received.

Organization: Options Consultancy Services
Country: Ethiopia, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Closing date: 06 Nov 2014

Role profile

We are seeking an experienced Accountability Lead for the upcoming DFID-funded programme ‘FP2020: monitoring and accountability at the national and local level’. The programme aims to ensure that country-level commitments made at the 2012 London Summit on Family Planning are met. It will do this by supporting strategic national and local accountability mechanisms that build the capacity of a) civil society to advocate for, and, where appropriate, b) the state and service providers to respond to civil society actions to ensure and accelerate the delivery of those commitments.

Key responsibilities

• This role will be responsible for directing and overseeing the work of one cluster of country programmes. The Accountability Lead will work closely with the implementation advisors to:
• Provide overall leadership and management on the implementation of the FP2020 programmes to the countries that fall within their cluster.
• They will facilitate the country teams to develop and operationalise the country operational plans
• Ensure effective coordination between local and national level accountability mechanisms and ensure that the implementation advisors and country level are effectively linked into and mobilising the networks of the consortium partners and beyond.
• Work with the Technical Support Unit Leads to identify and facilitate the inputs of STTA and FP2020 Partners
• Develop and facilitate the delivery of any capacity building plans developed to support increased capacity of civil society, government or service providers within their cluster.
• Oversee the Cluster M&E Leads to ensure robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are in place in line with those established for the programme
• Link with AFP in the identified linking country to ensure effective coordination and lessons learned.
• Oversee the technical delivery of any projects funded at country level through the “opportunities fund”

Qualifications and experience

The Accountability Lead will have substantial experience in management of multi country programmes and have the skills and leadership required to oversee operations in focus countries that fall within their cluster. They will have had substantial experience in delivering programmes to a high level and oversight, monitoring and quality assurance of technical inputs from short term technical assistance and from partner organisations. They will have a deep understanding of accountability mechanisms and have successfully delivered programmes which seek to utilise both long and short route accountability mechanisms operating on both demand and supply sides of accountability. They will have substantial experience of working effectively with teams at a distance and ideally within a multi-country programme. Experience of supporting capacity building of government and civil society at the national and sub-national level is essential.

How to apply:

Application process

To express your interest in the role, please send your CV with a summary note of your skills and experience to Kathy Samuel at opportunities@options.co.uk before 6 November. Please note that CVs will be reviewed as they are received.

Organization: World Vision
Country: Sudan
Closing date: 06 Nov 2014

PURPOSE OF POSITION:
Provide strategic support and technical guidance to the Accountability, Monitoring and Evaluation (A,M&E) processes in World Vision Sudan. Ensuring the adherence of key A,M& E principles, practices and approaches for program and field level staff in coordination with the Ministry Quality Director and Operations Manager/Director. Work closely with the Programs Ministry Quality Director and Program Officer to design evidence-based projects which align with and support the overall program framework, set up and support teams to carry out the monitoring system, ensure management and other decision makers have timely and accurate information regarding the progress of projects, and ensure the program accurately measures its impact in communities (by supporting the baseline and evaluation survey processes).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Design:

• Work closely with Ministry Quality Director and Sector Managers to ensure overall design aligns with programmatic framework, log frame indicators are realistic, measurable and aligned with Sphere (and LEAP), and that targets reflect intended outcomes and the proposals are done as per the identified gap.
• Ensure that project/ programme baselines are carried out as per the World Vision standards.
• Coordinate/facilitate dissemination of baseline findings (via workshop, sharing report with other agencies).

Monitoring:

• Work with the M&E team, program officers and other key staff to design and implement an effective monitoring and accountability system for World Vision Northern Sudan (WVNS) programs that will help to track the organization’s efforts in program/project implementation and assist program documentation
• Take lead in the monitoring of child wellbeing (CWB) outcomes and compilation of annual CWB report.
• In collaboration with the sector managers, provide assistance to programme staff and local partners in understanding program performance monitoring and reporting requirements.
• Ensure that monitoring outputs (dashboards, monthly reports, LEAP data base etc.) are generated accurately, reflect the status of progress toward reaching targets, and are disseminated in a timely manner to managers for effective decision-making.
• Work on regular monitoring reports and review monthly, quarterly, bi-annual, and annual and end-of-project reports, primarily for ongoing projects.

Evaluation:

• In close coordination with Program Management to plan and implement evaluations as appropriate (mid-tem, grant-specific and end of program/ project) according to agreed upon evaluation plans and according to LEAP principles and standards. This will include adequate forward planning and sharing of the evaluation finding.
• Follow through to ensure action plans for evaluation recommendations are developed, and monitor their implementation.

Capacity Building:

• Actively engage in knowledge and skills transfer of Accountability, DME systems/functions and initiatives to field staff.

Representation:

• Maintain external relations with partners and donors by attending meetings and workshops both locally, regionally and internationally.
• Provide support in the preparation of the organization’s annual operating plan, Sector/States and Strategies and National Office strategy.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Required:

1. Master's degree in Social Sciences, Statistics or a related field from accredited university.
2. At least 3-5 years of previous experience in Design, Monitoring and Evaluation in INGO in a relief and / or development context. At least two years of field-based work in a similar, conflict-prone environment is required.
3. Have the experience of handling negotiations with the Government, Bi / Multi-lateral Agencies, private donors.
4. Knowledge and awareness of Sudan context.
5. Experience in working in a cross-cultural environment.
6. Strong knowledge and understanding of humanitarian industry (relief, development, and advocacy), including how INGOs operate in the global and local contexts. Understanding WV current ministry and operations is critical.
7. Broad understanding and in-depth knowledge of government and bi/multilateral agency requirements and systems.
8. Skills in project Design, Monitoring and Evaluation.
9. Understanding of World Vision’s Child wellbeing objectives, LEAP/IPM processes.
10. Advanced skills in statistical data management.
11. Excellent English Language communication skills (oral and written).
12. Outstanding analytical/problem-solving skills and proven attention to detail in the development of written documents.
13. Knowledge of World Vision’s initiatives and field operations.
14. Clear understanding of donor relations with a track record of successful grant management.
15. Documented and traceable experience in program development, writing reports as well as evidence of donor engagement.
16. Understand and be familiar with LEAP DME framework.
17. Cross-cultural sensitivity, flexible worldview, emotional maturity and physical stamina.
18. Ability to maintain performance expectations in diverse cultural contexts, psychologically stressful environments, and physical hardship conditions with limited resources.
19. Commitment to World Vision Core Values and Mission Statement. Agreement with World Vision’s Christian ethos.
20. Ability to exhibit exemplary lifestyle as interpreted in specific local cultural context.
21. Adept in expressing ideas thoughts and concepts clearly and effectively.
22. Computer Skills: Demonstrates effective computer skills including use of SPSS, Microsoft Office Suite, Lotus Notes.

Preferred:

1. Prior knowledge and or willingness to learn Arabic.

How to apply:

https://jobs.wvi.org/webjobs.nsf/WebPublished/01F0326EFBB9A45788257D7100...