Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist

Project: Technology for Youth and Jobs -TechStart and Innovative Private Sector Development -IPSD

Expected start date: June 2023

Level of effort: Full-time

Location: Ramallah, Palestine

Duration: 1 year, renewed annually through the lifetime of the project

Background

 Palestine Technology for Youth and Jobs Project

TechStart is the Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technology (MTIT) Project funded by the World Bank (WB), The Netherlands, The Swiss Development and Cooperation Agency SDC and the European Union.

TechStart is a, US$30 million project with the objective of increasing economic opportunities for IT service firms in the West Bank and Gaza. It also falls under the World Bank’s overarching objective to alleviate market failures related to gaps and binding constraints in the entrepreneurship ecosystem of the digital economy including in human capital, financing, product markets, enabling policies, institutional support, connectivity and competitiveness of Palestinian IT services sector.

Innovative Private Sector Development (IPSD) Project

The Innovative Private Sector Development Project (IPSD) is a Ministry of National Economy (MoNE) project funded by the World Bank (WB) and implemented by DAI as a Project Implementing Agency (PIA). IPSD is a US$22 million project with the objective of improving economic opportunities for individuals and firms in the West Bank and Gaza, through the creation of conditions that incentivize the private sector and simultaneously mitigate the risks faced while investing in a fragile and uncertain environment. The project’s components are aligned to major WB and Government objectives of:  i) increasing ties to regional markets; ii) building skills for the private sector’s labor market needs; and iii) business environment reform. 

Objective

 DAI is the implementing agency (PIA) for both projects and is looking to hire a qualified Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, to lead the implementation of monitoring and evaluation tasks according to the M&E handbooks and logical framework, using data analysis and feedback to ensure the project meets its objectives and maximizes its impact. The Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist will split his/her time equally between two World Bank funded projects; TechStart and IPSD. The roles and functions of the post described below cover both projects.

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Scope of work:

• Implement the indicator-based M&E plan and associated tasks according to the M&E handbook of IPSD and TechStart DAI projects.
• Formulate M&E implementation arrangements, roles and responsibilities, work plan and budget.
• Create and update projects digital surveys according to the M&E plan.
• Collect, analyze, validate, aggregate, and disaggregate results based on location, gender, sector and other baseline fields collected.
• Create and update projects online program applications and ensure they entail needed M&E baseline data.
• Liaise with primary focal points (including WB Specialists), private sector stakeholders and other staff to ensure a two-way flow of information on implementation.
• Ensure that an effective and participatory M&E system and methodology are established, consistent with a robust M&E function.
• Contribute to the project workplan using the above-mentioned frameworks and strategies, and work with components leads across both projects to ensure their workplan is in line with the targets designated for each implementation year.
• Supervise the implementation of the approved M&E work plans during implementation, and, if required, update and amend the M&E process, plan, handbook, or theory of change following ongoing consultation with stakeholders, partners, and beneficiaries.
• Generate and assess information required for monitoring and reporting on key operational and performance indicators and on outcome objectives established for the project, as detailed in the approved M&E handbook and results framework.
• Promote accountability by drawing on efficiency and effectiveness information to assess and communicate whether project activities are likely to achieve expected results and/or realize its objectives.
• Assess and communicate whether project activities are likely to achieve expected results and/or realize its objectives and advise on corrective action as necessary.
• Implement semiannual surveys, quarterly, and closeout surveys for beneficiary firms and individuals.
• Validate reported data to ensure it reflects reality which includes communicating with respondents, comparing reported data to previous results, comparing reported data against baseline, among other validation techniques.
• Organize all collected results in the M&E folder, file, and sheets of each project One Drive/SharePoint folder to ensure data backup and secure access of project directors.
• Oversee the preparation of quarterly progress reports, mid-term evaluation report, annual report and end-of project evaluation report.
• Liaise with primary focal points (including World Bank Specialists), private sector stakeholders and other staff to ensure a two-way flow of information on implementation.
• As required, undertake regular visits to the field to support implementation of M&E and identify where adaptations might be needed.
• If required, provide M&E training to partners and other key stakeholders so there is a shared understanding of the projects’ log frame, system and tools.
• Advise Project Director and other PIA staff on all M&E systems relating to the project.
• Train technical professionals from selected MoNE and MTIT staff to ensure knowledge transfer and capacity building.
• Organize regular reflection sessions to discuss results, beneficiary feedback, and draw lessons learnt in close coordination with directors, and subcomponent and component managers.
• Based on the ongoing project monitoring, share insights and trends with the Project Directors, the subcomponent/component managers, and make recommendations for project improvements and adaptations, and document and incorporate lessons learned.
• Work with the Communication Specialist to produce success stories/videos to reflect the achievement of the projects.
• Contribute to the project's reporting to the client and other stakeholders, including periodic reports and workplans, ensuring that complete and accurate data is provided by the projects.
• With the other team members, nurture and maintain team spirit and a collegial working environment that reflects DAI's core principles of integrity, responsibility, excellence, and global citizenship. Comply with DAI ethics, safeguarding, and security policies and procedures.

Experience, competencies and qualifications

• A minimum of a first degree in relevant field.
• A minimum of 8 years relevant experience in the monitoring and evaluation of donor-funded projects.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with project management; significant exposure to M&E practice, including experience in reporting requirements of donor-funded projects.
• Excellent analytical and writing skills (i.e., report writing) is required
• Capacity to work under pressure and meet tight schedules under minimum supervision.
• Prior supervisory experience
• Native Arabic with fluent written and spoken English. Excellent written and oral communication skills in Arabic and English.
• Detail-oriented, highly organized, with the ability to handle multiple assignments, work under pressure and meet deadlines on a continual basis.
• Enthusiastic and proactive problem-solver with an ability to think creatively and critically, and to use own initiative to drive processes forward.
• A strong team player with excellent interpersonal skills, with demonstrated ability to build effective working relations with colleagues and service providers.
• Impeccable integrity, a positive and entrepreneurial attitude and readiness to work in a multi-cultural environment.
• Proficiency in the effective use of all Microsoft Office applications, especially excel.

Reporting and support

The post holder will be line managed by the Project Directors of both projects (Ramallah based).

These profiles are indicative only and therefore subject to change.

In order to evaluate the most suitable candidate on the same evaluation basis, the selection will be based on the following criteria that should be demonstrated in the CV:

1. a) General qualifications (studies).
2. b) Adequacy for the Assignment.
3. c) Relevant experience.

To Apply:  If you would like to be part of a dynamic project team and are interested in submitting your CV for consideration, please apply through the following link:  https://fs20.formsite.com/DAIForms/utgovuooi9/index

Individual position postings including job description and qualifications sought can be viewed at the link provided. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for additional information.  All applications must be received no later than May 22, 2023.

About DAI: DAI is a global development company with corporate offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, EU, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Palestine and project operations worldwide. We tackle fundamental social and economic development problems caused by inefficient markets, ineffective governance, and instability. DAI works on the frontlines of global development. We are committed to shaping a more livable world.

DAI is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer with a commitment to diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.