The International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) is an independent non-profit organization that combines innovative research, market systems development, and strategic partnerships to spread sustainable agricultural solutions for improved soil health, food security, and livelihoods around the world.

IFDC is recruiting for two anticipated projects related to Highland Farming Systems and Climate Smart Jobs in Uganda expected to start in early/mid 2022 – 2026. The proposed projects will work with over 100,000 beneficiaries in the highland areas of the three regions of Elgon, Kigezi, and Rwenzori, in northern Uganda and in other areas relevant to agricultural production and processing of project supported crops.

The proposed project aims to achieve the following main impacts:

• Food security and dietary diversity improved for rural households in the Ugandan highlands, Northern Uganda and other productive regions of the country
• Ugandan smallholder farming households obtain a living income and are sustainably economically resilient
• Eco-efficient farming, making sustainable use of and protecting natural resources
• The agriculture sector offers resource-constrained households a pathway out of poverty
• Creation of jobs and economic opportunities for rural and urban populations with a focus on women, youth and socially and economically disadvantaged persons

IFDC is seeking to recruit a qualified individual to fill the position of MELS for this project, to be based in Kampala or one of the field offices.

Position Summary

The person will lead the oversight of the monitoring and evaluation system for reporting progress against expected results and maintain reporting procedures and guidelines in compliance with agreed systems and regulations. He/she will help the project team to refine the monitoring and evaluation plan and system consistent with the project results framework, coordinate the collection and validation of data, monitor completeness of data sets, and monitor project performance against targets. S/he will contribute to efforts for building the capacity of staff and project partners on activities related to MEL, which may include data collection, utilization, and dissemination.

Main Tasks And Responsibilities

• Help to refine and implement the project’s MEL system, including developing and refining indicators; setting targets; monitoring project progress; ensuring timely data collection; writing quarterly and annual reports.
• Provide inputs to the technical team by assisting in developing program goals and objectives; MEL systems, tools, and strategies, including database(s); and providing monitoring data to inform the decisions on project performance and future direction to the project.
• Regularly produce high-quality reports on the results of the project against the project goals and objectives to the project management team, and others as needed.
• Collaborate with the technical and management teams to identify essential project activities, processes, and outcomes to document, and design a system for capturing lessons learned and best practices
• Ensure daily management of project technical leads and field staff, including routine reporting and implementation of field-level activities and key partnerships.
• Ensure the coordination of learning agenda activities as well as oversight and technical inputs for the delivery of action research products and reports.
• Effectively inform project leadership, key personnel, partners and the donor advisory committee in making vital adjustments for maximizing project effectiveness.
• Design standard data collection and survey tools based on project needs and conduct pre-tests and adjustments for uniform comprehension.
• Contribute to planning and execution of baseline, annual surveys, and impact evaluation studies at household level.
• Ensure the accuracy data entry into the project database.
• Maintain data storage and data quality.
• Conduct data analysis, including creation of GPS maps.
• Support the development of work plans and annual reports.
• Assure quality of trainings and other activities delivered by local partners and compose reports of observations and recommended actions.

Supervision and team collaboration

The MELS manager is supervised by and reports to the project manager. She/ he works in close collaboration with project colleagues, other IFDC staff and colleagues from other project consortium members.

Position and duty station

This is a national position with a duty in the IFDC offices in Kampala or one of the field offices.

The position requires intensive travels (up to 50% of the time) in target regions in Uganda and may require some international travel to other IFDC countries.

Qualification Requirements

This is a senior position that requires highly motivated and self-driven individuals with the following qualifications.

• Advanced degree in a relevant discipline (statistics, evaluation science, public policy, social sciences, political science, or other related degree);
• At least 3 years of demonstrated experience designing, and implementing monitoring and evaluation activities in developing countries
• Excellent command of monitoring and evaluation methodologies
• Previous experience implementing and managing a rigorous M&E system including developing and refining performance monitoring plans is required; experience managing Management Information Systems (MIS) is strongly preferred
• Knowledge of data collection protocols to ensure accurate data collection and verification; ability to identify data trends and communicate this information for strategic decision-making in program implementation
• Excellent organizational, verbal and written communication skills to manage project communications and disseminate project information are required
• Excellent skills in MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint; proficiency in MS Access preferred
• English language fluency required.
• Must be a self-directed, highly organized person who can effectively prioritize and follow through on multiple initiatives simultaneously.