Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Consultant

Focus of the Role

TBI is scoping for a Senior Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning expert to support our project in the Office of the Vice President to evaluate the monitoring, evaluation and learning system for the Project for Agriculture Coordination and Execution (PACE) secretariat, the NLTP and the GI and ensure that indicators capture the desired outcomes across the three areas. This is a short-term independent consultancy contract until December 2022 with the potential of an extension.

Job Introduction

Overview of services (deliverables):

The Project for Agriculture Coordination and Execution (PACE) in the Office of the Vice-President has been set up with responsibility for the coordination of the implementation of two flagship programmes: the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) and the Green Imperative Project (GIP) - a partnership with Brazil to improve access to mechanization and technology in Nigerian agriculture. PACE also supports the Agric for Food and Jobs Plan (AFJP) through overseeing the smallholder farmer enumeration exercise.

In line with TBI’s advisory MEL practices and approaches, the Senior MEL expert will lead the MEL component of the Secretariat and work alongside the MEL associate. The successful candidate is expected to monitor the overall implementation of the programme as articulated in the Partnership Agreement/final proposal.

The role will work closely with and report to the Project Lead and TBI’s MEL team in London. The successful candidate will facilitate planning and follow-up of corrective measured required to achieve. You'll collaborate with technical advisors to analyse data, discuss findings in regular meetings and collate into reporting.

Key Responsibilities

You’ll provide the following services, which may include, but won’t be limited to:

• Review existing monitoring, evaluation and learning system for the PACE secretariat, the NLTP and the GIP and ensure that indicators capture the desired outcomes across the three areas
• Work with the MEL associate to ensure all internal and external reporting requirements are met with timely, relevant, triangulated and well analysed data
• Work with key implementing states to monitor their progress, evaluate their performance and learn
• Ensure that data collection methodologies used at field level are adapted for each local environment / state, enabling the site-specific data to be captured and analysed
• Ensure that verifiable, quantitative and qualitative data is routinely collected and analysed by the state teams for NLTP and the private center service operators and shared with relevant stakeholders
• Ensure that all assessment/evaluation reports promote the integration of recommendations and lessons learnt in project planning
• Seek opportunities for information sharing and learning exchanges with local actors/INGOs to promote coordination at local and national level
• Provide technical supervision of the field-based activities through regular contact, field visits and meetings
• Engage with key funding partners to share and manage learning experiences
• Work with TBI Advisory MEL team to manage evaluation process to ensure programmatic and strategic relevance. Flag risks, bottlenecks and issues to relevant decision makers
• On a quarterly basis review the theory of change with related results frameworks of the programme for use as a management tool

Person Specification

• The role must be filled by a candidate with the right to work in Nigeria
• Significant  experience of MEL experience on a programme, complex project or institution
• Ability to develop clear MEL frameworks that result in delivery of outcomes
• Demonstrated strong monitoring and evaluation skills, including data monitoring and planning/participating in evaluations
• An understanding of the agricultural sector and market systems
• Ability to write clear and effective assessment and project reports
• Ability to work both in an advisory and a hands-on implementation capacity
• Ability to facilitate/conduct technical trainings for staff
• Experience contributing to successful funding proposals for donors would be an asset
• Politically and culturally sensitive with qualities of patience, tact and diplomacy
• Ability to manage shifting priorities with flexibility and accuracy
• Hands on approach to work, with the ability to deliver on deadlines in a fast-paced and fast-changing environment, with minimal or no supervision  
• A relevant University degree

Please note that we may be closing this role earlier due to the high volume of applications received.

About The Institute

The Tony Blair Institute (TBI) is a mission-driven not for profit organisation. We exist to equip political leaders and governments to build open, inclusive and prosperous societies. We work hard, every day, to make a difference. When governments work well they are able to create economic and social change in a way that promotes fairness, social justice and opportunity. We work relentlessly to support leader and governments with the challenges they face. Giving them practical solutions and actionable insights, that once implemented, can be transformative for their people  

We do this within two connected divisions: 

 Government Advisory 

Our Government Advisory teams work directly with political leaders and governments around the world to implement reforms that improve the lives of their citizens. It works with a variety of partners and its outputs cover a range of disciplines and projects across countries in Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and South Asia.

 Policy Futures 

Our Policy Futures work encompasses three broad areas: 

• Renewing the Centre: developing a bold and innovative domestic policy programme to help renew the centre ground of British politics; 
• Tech and Public Policy: exploring the policy challenges and opportunities presented by the technological revolution; and 
• Extremism Policy Unit: creating solutions designed to tackle the threat of extremist ideologies in the UK and around the world. 

As an organisation, the core beliefs we all embrace are: 

• Open and Progressive: you’ll believe in the value of teamwork 
• Bold and Pragmatic: you’ll approach everything you do with integrity and authenticity 
• Optimistic Changemaker: you’ll be focused on results 

TBI believes embracing diversity and inclusion make us a better place to work.  It’s our goal to reflect everyone in society and we actively welcome applications from individuals and groups who are under-represented in the workplace. We celebrate difference be it ethnicity, religion, age, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation or disability. We will only ever assess you on your abilities and fit for a role. We’re happy to discuss any adjustments you need to ensure a level playing field during recruitment and, if you\'re successful, discuss any adjustments you might need to thrive in your role.