Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Junior Consultant for the Challenge Fund for Just Transition Program

Background

Hivos

Hivos is an international organisation guided by humanist values, that works for a world where people can realise their full potential, unleashing their ingenuity and creativity to build fair, just and life-sustaining societies for themselves and generations to come. We work in partnership with others in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Latin America in three impact areas: 1) civic rights in a digital age, 2) climate justice, and 3) gender equality, diversity and inclusion. Our approach is solution driven, and we build wider movements for change by amplifying and connecting voices. To ensure continuity and expansion of our work, we aim to diversify our sources of funding and increase our funding base.

The Challenge Fund for Just Transition (CFJT)

North Africa has a relatively young population, which is expected to grow by a quarter by 2030. The region suffers from high unemployment and underemployment levels which are accentuated in rural areas and marginalised regions. The region is particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of climate change, such as water scarcity, intense heat waves, scarcity-induced conflict, rising sea levels, etc.

In order to face these challenges, the countries of the region need to adopt a sustainable economic model which facilitates decent, green employment, especially for women and young people.

The Challenge Fund for a Just Transition (CFJT) is funded by the Challenge Fund for Youth Employment (the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands), and aims to contribute to climate change mitigation by supporting small and growing businesses (SGBs) in North Africa to provide sustainable, decent jobs in the region’s green transition process.

The CFJT focuses on identifying green SGBs and providing them with the right support to scale rapidly through an alliance of local and regional partners. The project specifically seeks to identify and support SGBs that can act as catalysts for green value chain micro clusters. By rapidly scaling such “champion” SGBs, the CFJT also scales the clusters of micro-suppliers and distributors, as well as the micro-business clients around the SGBs, which will lead to the creation of new jobs, improve conditions of existing jobs, and connect unemployed youth with job opportunities.

Purpose and Scope

The CFJT Hivos team is seeking a junior consultant to support MEL activities of the CFJT program. This role will focus on data collection, verification, and basic analysis, ensuring the accuracy and quality of data collected by the program.

Specifically, the consultant will support the CFJT MEL Officer in:

1. Data Collection and Verification:
2. Support the development and implementation of data collection tools and methods.
3. Conduct regular data collection activities, including surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions.
4. Verify the accuracy and completeness of data collected from program partners and field activities.
5. Perform data entry and maintain accurate records of data collected.
6. Assist in the development and application of data quality control processes.
7. Conduct regular data quality assessments and provide feedback to partners and field staff.
8. Work with the MEL Officer to identify and address data quality issues.
9. Provide basic training and support to local implementing partners on data collection methods and tools.
10. Assist in the development of partner capacity building plans related to MEL activities.
11. Data Quality and Control:
12. Support to Partners:
13. Monitoring and Reporting:
14. Support the development of project-based M&E plans.
15. Assist in tracking program indicators and outcomes.
16. Contribute to the preparation of regular MEL reports, program evaluations and presentations.
17. Learning and Knowledge Sharing:
18. Support the MEL Officer in the development and implementation of learning activities and events.
19. Assist in the documentation and dissemination of lessons learned and best practices.
20. Support the production of learning materials and products.
21. Additional Tasks:
22. Provide administrative support for MEL activities as needed.
23. Assist in other MEL-related tasks as requested by the MEL Officer.

Technical Competencies

1. Bachelor’s degree in international development, social sciences, statistics, or a related field.
2. Minimum of 3 years of experience working in the development sector, with at least 2 years specifically in M&E.
3. Basic knowledge of quantitative and qualitative M&E methods and tools.
4. Experience in data collection, verification, and basic data analysis.
5. Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data handling.
6. Good organisational and time management skills.
7. Ability to work effectively with diverse teams and partners.
8. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel. Knowledge of statistical software is a plus.
9. Experience conducting interviews and focus group discussions with a variety of stakeholders.
10. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Arabic. Knowledge of French is an advantage.

Behavioural Competencies

1. Strong team player with a positive attitude.
2. Well-organised and able to handle multiple tasks and deadlines.
3. Takes initiative and is proactive in problem-solving.
4. Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
5. Ability to work independently and remotely with minimal supervision.
6. Critical and analytical thinker with the ability to identify and address issues effectively.
7. Trustworthy, reliable, and able to maintain confidentiality.
8. Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Timeline

The location of the assignment is Tunisia, Egypt or Morocco.. The duration of the assignment is 12 months, starting October 2024 (final details on total working days and budget to be confirmed with the consultant during contracting).