Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Specialist

About CNFA:

CNFA is a not-for-profit international agricultural development organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. and dedicated to empowering farmers and rural entrepreneurs to improve their livelihoods and increase their incomes. CNFA assists smallholders to increase household-level food security and nutrition through improved agricultural practices, introduction of new varieties, diversification of crop production, food preservation and storage, development of farmer-based organizations, and strengthened linkages to markets. CNFA has a track record of implementing successful agricultural development programs in 47 countries.

Project Description:

CNFA is seeking applications from qualified candidates for a Monitoring, Evaluation, and learning (MEL) Specialist position for the Q’tra Activity. The purpose of this activity will be to work with farmers in the West Bank and Gaza (WBG) to improve climate-resilient conservation and management of freshwater resources and associated ecosystems by increasing the availability, quality, and environmental resilience of drinking water supply sources. The duration of this Activity will be five years.

Position Description:

Reporting to the Program Manager, the MEL Specialist will be responsible for supporting and monitoring activities at the field level in Gaza. S/he will oversee grantees meeting milestones before payments and collect and transmit frontline data and program feedback for MEL. The MEL Specialist is based in Gaza.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Data Collection:

• Work collaboratively with the MEL Director to coordinate and streamline the data collection process from Program beneficiaries.
• Ensure optimal response rates by following up on late surveys, verifying submitted data, and engaging in follow-up processes to confirm reported data for enhanced data quality.
• Ensure accurate and high-quality data entry for both qualitative and quantitative data collected, adhering to data entry templates.
• Support the facilitation of data collection for mid-term and final evaluation processes, coordinating both external and internal evaluation activities.

2. Engagement with Program Team:

• Assist the MEL Director in liaising with the Program team to facilitate necessary engagement with project stakeholders for effective MEL activities.
• Support the project team in drafting relevant work plans aligned with the project's annual targets and priorities.

3. Engagement with Project Beneficiaries and Stakeholders:

• Conduct field visits and spot checks, in coordination with the MEL Director, to observe progress, determine achievements, and support the project's learning efforts.
• Provide support in preparing and conducting learning and engagement activities at the community level.
• Provide support to beneficiaries regarding reporting requirements, addressing questions, collecting feedback, and addressing concerns.
• Provide support during site visits, delivering relevant information on assigned projects for Program Management, USAID representatives, and other interested parties, as requested.

5. Reporting:

• Collaborate with the MEL Director to gather essential data for reporting from the project team and beneficiaries, ensuring a timely and high-quality reporting process.
• Ensure timely updates for trackers, databases, and indicators with the necessary data to accurately reflect progress for each reporting period and provide up-to-date progress information to management.

6. Success Stories and Media Data:

• In coordination with MEL Director and Communication Specialist, support in nominating and capturing data required to produce success stories, case studies, videos, and data for project reports, social media platforms, and website.

7. Ad Hoc Responsibilities:

• Undertake additional duties and responsibilities related to MEL, as assigned by the supervisor

• Bachelors in a relevant field, such as international development, political science, sociology, statistics/social research or similar required.
• Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in monitoring and evaluation and/or learning with experience and knowledge in M&E systems and developing indicators for international development projects. Experience working on USAID-funded projects preferred.
• Familiarity with the developmental sector in West Bank and Gaza (WBG). Previous WBG MEL experience in agricultural project in a plus.
• Experience and knowledge in data collection approaches, tools (including quantitative, qualitative, and participatory), data validation, data entry, data analysis, indicator reporting, and database management.
• Understanding and adherence to ethical standards in data collection, validation, and reporting.
• Experience in reporting and supporting the production of success stories and media production.
• Understanding or demonstrated experience in integrating considerations of youth and gender into MEL systems is preferred.
• Experience in coordinating and supporting project teams and familiarity with work plan development and implementation.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to communicate and engage with Program beneficiaries and stakeholders, and ability to convey technical information in a clear and understandable manner.
• Ability and willingness to travel around Gaza as needed, and experience in conducting field visits and spot checks. A Valid Driver License is a plus.
• Proficiency in computer skills, with expertise in Microsoft Suite and Excel.
• Fluency in Arabic and professional proficiency in English required.
• Demonstrates capacity to thrive in high-pressure situations, meet tight deadlines, and exhibit flexibility in handling ad hoc responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.
• Possesses a positive personality and attitude, fostering a collaborative and constructive work environment.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status. CNFA takes affirmative action in support of its policy to advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

Only those candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.