Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Officer at Cultivating New Frontiers in Agriculture (CNFA)

Cultivating New Frontiers in Agriculture (CNFA) is a US-based nonprofit nongovernmental organization (NGO) that works to stimulate economic growth and improve rural livelihoods by empowering the private sector through five core capabilities: Productivity, Food Security and Nutrition; Input Supply and Farm Services; Economic Resilience and Rapid Recovery; Value Chain Development; and Volunteer Technical Assistance. CNFA assists smallholders in increasing 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 (FBOs) and strengthened linkages to markets.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Officer

Location: Abuja

Program Description

• The five-year USAID Feed the Future Nigeria Agribusiness Investment Activity, implemented by CNFA as part of the United States Government’s Feed the Future Initiative, strengthens the business enabling environment to promote private sector investment in agriculture. 
• To achieve this goal, the activity focuses on three interrelated components: improving the ease of doing business in the agricultural sector; broadening access to finance by mitigating the credit risks of agribusinesses; and promoting investment opportunities for agribusinesses to expand and scale up operations. In line with the U.S. and Nigerian Government’s commitment to growing the non-oil-based economy, these efforts will increase the quality, quantity, market access, and diversification of Nigeria’s agribusiness sector.
• Beginning in December 2018 and closing in 2023, this $15.6 million project aims to integrate thousands of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and producer organizations as high-performing commercial actors in the value chains for rice, maize, soy, aquaculture, and cowpeas. 
• As a result of streamlined regulations, more effective policies, improved production and processing practices, and significantly increased finance and investment flows, the project will increase the competitiveness and returns of both large and small sale agricultural enterprises. 
• Employing a value chain approach, the Agribusiness Investment Activity aims to facilitate $100 million in new investment and $75 million in finance across the 5 crops in 7 designated States: Kaduna, Niger, Kebbi, Benue, Delta, Ebonyi, and Cross River.  

Position Description

• Reporting to the MEL Manager, the MEL Officer will support all Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) activities, and be solely responsible for managing data collection activities and maintaining all databases.

Duties and Responsibilities
The main duties of the MEL Officer are:

• Support the design of the Activity’s MEL System, including development of Activity MEL Plans, MEL Field Manuals, Data collection toolkits, and databases.
• Support the implementation of the Activity MEL system, including tracking and reporting of KPI status/results, periodic surveys, CLA activities, knowledge management, learning activities and reporting.
• Ensure the collection of quality and robust monitoring data including GIS data and relevant attribution information by providing continuous supervisory support to the State Agribusiness Coordinators and other technical staff on the use of data collection tools and methods.
• Perform monthly analysis of Activity monitoring data and submit reports/statistics showing the status of the Activity’s Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Ensure that Activity databases (both digital databases and filing system for hardcopy documents) contain updated information on beneficiary stakeholders and outputs from activity-supported interventions.
• Undertake regular performance field visits to obtain beneficiary feedback, perform data quality verifications, and identify challenges, key success factors, and lessons learned.
• Provide continuous support to technical staff on data collection and to ensure timely data collection, analyses, reporting, and completion of other MEL activities.
• Perform the analysis and reporting of post-event evaluation assessments for training and events organized or co-organized by the Activity.
• Upload Activity KPI targets and results on USAID MONITOR, Feed-the-Future Monitoring System, CNFA’s M&E database, and other relevant databases adhering to specified timelines and regulations.
• Draft MEL Unit progress reports including quarterly reports, semi-annual reports, annual reports, and annual work plans.
• Ensure compliance with all requirements provided in the Activity contract, USAID regulations, CNFA standards, and, if/where applicable, host country government requirements.
• Complete other duties as necessary and assigned by the MEL Manager and/or Chief of Party.
• Backstopping and supporting other long- and short-term specialists.

Qualifications

• Degree (Master’s preferred) in the relevant field, or equivalent combination of education and work experience in a relevant competency area, including statistics, international development, economics, or other.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience working on monitoring, evaluation, and learning for donor-funded agribusiness and livelihood projects; USAID experience is highly desirable. Knowledge and experience of USAID-funded project close-out is an added advantage.
• Experience working with donor-funded programs and working in the specified Activity focal states and contexts.
• Experience using monitoring and evaluation systems; experience with USAID-supported indicators, including Feed the Future indicators, a definitive plus.
• Appreciable knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite Applications (MS Word, MS Excel, PowerPoint, Power BI).
• Significant Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems – GPS coordinate collection using mobile applications, design of maps using Quantum GIS or Arc GIS
• Willingness to collaborate, innovate, work hard, and contribute to a high-performing and dedicated group of development professionals.
• Demonstrated ability to interact and communicate with a wide range of stakeholders both verbally and in writing as well as think strategically and systematically.
• Proven experience in managing multiple and competing tasks while maintaining high-quality deliverables within strict deadlines (e.g., an ability to work under pressure).
• Strong communication skills and ability to present and write high-quality technical reports in English.
• Experience effectively managing and supporting a team of long- and short-term domestic and international specialists
• Able to maintain a rigorous focus on project deliverables, indicators, and results, including being able to engage stakeholders to capitalize on any shared efficiencies; and
• Well organized, strong analytical skills, creative thinker, innovative, demonstrated personal initiative, stress tolerance, a high level of integrity and ethics, and a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English is required, knowledge of local languages is an advantage.

Application Closing Date
9th December, 2022.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should forward their CV to: [email protected] using the Position as the subject of the email.