Junior Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation (M&E) Officer

ABOUT FIRST CONSULT

First Consult is a leading economic development consulting firm implementing projects in Ethiopia. Founded in 2006, First Consult has grown to design and implement projects across the agriculture, manufacturing and service sectors. First Consult currently is implementing many programmes in partnership with MasterCard Foundation, USAID, GIZ and other development partners. Our multidisciplinary teams combine a capacity to execute with a clarity of the local context. We have delivered at-scale real impact in terms of jobs & wealth creation, business formation & growth as well as investment attraction & mobilization.

 ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The USAID-funded Highland Resilience Activity (HRA) - will contribute to the Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP) 5’s “Big Push” initiative and has the overarching goal of strengthening resilience among vulnerable households in Ethiopia’s Highlands, resulting in 120,000 PSNP households reaching the graduation threshold. HRA will support these households in moving above the graduation threshold and to where they no longer require social safety net programming for household food security and have the capabilities and assets to withstand regular and predictable shocks. The Activity will achieve this goal by directly supporting households in increasing their on-farm, off-farm, and employment incomes while facilitating improvements in the market systems required to increase demand for goods and services in PSNP communities. HRA is a five-year program that starts in October 2023. The program is implemented by a consortium of Mercy Corps, First Consult, and other regional implementing partners. The access to finance component of the HRA enable an environment for graduation of PSNP clients through access to credit by engaging the financial service providers, including banks, microfinance institutions, rural cooperative unions and VESA informal lending systems, as well as the provision of multiple financial services to selected PSNP clients.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Junior Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation (M&E) Officer will be a key member of the HRA team, responsible for conducting field-level data collection, analyzing the data to identify trends and insights, preparing periodic progress reports, and supporting research activities. The position holder will play a crucial role in ensuring the effectiveness and impact of the HRA program by providing timely and accurate data to inform decision-making and program adjustments.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Data Collection:

• Conduct field-level data collection using a variety of methods, including surveys, interviews, focus group discussions, and observation.
• Ensure data quality and accuracy through rigorous data collection procedures and quality control measures.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive database for storing and managing collected data.

Data Analysis:

• Analyze collected data using appropriate statistical and qualitative methods to identify trends, patterns, and insights.
• Prepare data visualizations and reports to present findings in a clear and concise manner.
• Support the M&E Manager in conducting impact evaluations and assessments.

Reporting:

• Prepare periodic progress reports on the HRA program, including key performance indicators (KPIs) and achievements.
• Contribute to the preparation of donor reports and other relevant documentation.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting of data and findings.

Research Support:

•  Assist the M&E Manager in conducting research activities, including literature reviews, data analysis, and report writing.
• Contribute to the development of research proposals and methodologies.
• Stay abreast of relevant research and best practices in M&E.

Capacity Building:

• Provide technical support and training to project staff on data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and learning within the project team.

• Bachelor's degree in Statistics, Economics, Development Studies, or a related field.
• At least 1 year of experience in research, monitoring, and evaluation, preferably in the development sector.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills.
• Proficiency in data collection and analysis software (e.g., SPSS, STATA, Excel).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Fluency in Amharic is highly desirable.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to the mission and values of FCD.

How To Apply

HOW TO APPLY

All documents requested by First Consult at various stages of the recruitment process will be used for this purpose only. Competent candidates should submit their one-page cover letter and updated CVs only to: jobs@firstconsultet.com before July 1, 2024. Candidates MUST refer to the position title "Jr Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation (M&E) Officer" in the subject line of their email and applications.

The applicant is required to carry out his/her duties in accordance with First Consult’s Code of conduct, HR and Safeguarding policy. All applicants should be aware that our organization is committed to safeguard our programme participants, staff, representatives of the organization and community members we work with is our top priority in everything we do, including recruitment. By applying, you acknowledge and agree to adhere the First Consult recruitment procedure in which all offers are subject to satisfactory background checks. By submitting your application, you consent to the use of your personal data for recruitment purposes. All documents requested by First Consult at various stages of the recruitment process will be used for recruitment purposes only.