The Position: The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) is looking to hire an M&E Specialist/Lead Writer to support a Mid-Term Review (MTR). The consultant will play a key role in designing and implementing the MTR in the four regions of Ethiopia and contribute to the preparation of high-quality review reports. The M&E specialist will also guide other M&E experts in conducting qualitive impact evaluation of the project. 

General: The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) works to improve food and nutritional security and reduce poverty in developing countries through research for efficient, safe and sustainable use of livestock. It is the only one of 15 CGIAR research centers dedicated entirely to animal agriculture research for the developing world. Co-hosted by Kenya and Ethiopia, it has regional or country offices and projects in East, South and Southeast Asia as well as Central, East, Southern and West Africa. www.ilri.org.

Background:

The Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), in partnership with the World Bank, is currently implementing the Livestock and Fisheries Sector Development Project (LFSDP). To support the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of the project and lay the foundation for subsequent sound and scientific impact assessment, a baseline survey was conducted in the project areas and selected control sites in 2019. ILRI has now been contracted to conduct a Mid-Term Review (MTR) of the LFSDP and seeks to recruit consultants who will be part of the ILRI team working on this MTR.

Main Duties:

• Plays a leading role in the design of the MTR which will involve:
• review of relevant project documents, progress reports, quarterly and annual project physical and financial performance reports and other relevant project implementation documents;
• preparation of an inception report;
• advises on the design of survey tools and sampling protocols
• Monitors the data collection process and provides technical support to experts engaged in this process;
• Prepares a summary report on the main findings of the mid-term review mission for submission to donors and the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) immediately after completion of the field data collection;
• Ensures the midterm review task is undertaken as per the agreed upon schedule and milestones addressing all the evaluation questions and indicators in the result framework;
• Prepares the final evaluation reports that can meet the requirements of the client and donor;
• Presents the findings of the project evaluation at forums involving donors (WBG), MoA, project beneficiaries, regional project staff, implementing partners and other stakeholders;
• Guides other M&E experts in conducting the qualitative impact evaluation of the project.

Requirements:

Education

• At least a Master’s degree in Agricultural/development economics, , agriculture, project management, rural development, development studies and related fields

Experience

• At least 10 years’ experience in conducting research using qualitative/mixed methods in agricultural/development economics, agriculture, project management, development studies and related fields
• Experience in midterm and end line evaluation of projects
• Experience in facilitation of community discussions in rural areas
• Experience in collection and best use of secondary data in project evaluation
• Experience in evaluation of world bank funded projects using qualitative tools and preparation of evaluation reports for such projects is an advantage

Skills

• Demonstrated strong research management, coordination, facilitation, teamwork and planning skills with proven ability to function effectively under challenging field conditions;
• Excellent verbal and written skills in English with the ability to articulate information at various levels;
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multicultural work environment;
• Proven track record in similar past assignments;
• Proficiency in use of Microsoft Office software;
• Ability to work well with multiple stakeholders;
• Ability to deliver under tight deadlines;
• Creativity skills.

Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with expected travel to Amhara, Oromia & SNNP Regions

Terms of appointment: This is a Consultant position based at ILRI’s Addis Ababa campus. Initial appointment is for four months which will not be renewable.

The ILRI campus is set in a secure, attractive campus with dining and sports facilities.

Applications: Applicants should provide a cover letter and curriculum vitae; names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to be included in the curriculum vitae. In addition to submitting CVs, applicants should indicate on their cover letters their availability between 15 February and 15 June 2021, languages they master and their proposed monthly rate.

How to Apply

The position and reference number: REF: C-LW/07/21 should be clearly indicated in the subject line of the cover letter. All applications to be submitted online on our recruitment portal  on or before 17 February 2021 (given short timelines ILRI reviews applications on a rolling basis as of 10 February, with a decision as soon as 17 February 2021).