Conseil Ouest et Centre Africain pour la Recherche et le Développement Agricoles West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development CORAF/WECARD - VACANCY POSITION Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist West Africa Seed Program (WASP) INTERNATIONAL POSITION FULL-TIME WORK Based in Dakar, Senegal Call opening: 12 th November, 2015 Call closing: 30 th November, 2015 WHO WE ARE CORAF/WECARD is one of the four Sub-regional Organizations (SROs) in Africa under the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), which brings together 23 National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS). The CORAF/WECARD Strategic Plan (2007-2016) aims at achieving the goals of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme [CAADP], as the objectives of the Agricultural policies of the Regional Economic Communities of West and Central Africa (ECOWAS, UEMOA, ECCAS and CEMAC). Within this context, CORAF/WECARD s strategic intentions are articulated in its Vision and Mission statements. CORAF/WECARD s Vision is for a sustainable reduction in poverty and food insecurity in WCA through an increase in agricultural-led economic growth and sustainable improvement of key aspects of the agricultural research system. CORAF/WECARD s Mission is to sustainably improve the competitiveness, productivity and markets of the agricultural system in West and Central Africa by meeting the key demands of the sub-regional research system as expressed by target groups. Currently, there are seven Programmes in the Portfolio which fall into the following three broad categories: Technical research around four Programmes: [1] Livestock, Fisheries and Aquaculture; [2] Crops; [3] Natural Resource Management; and [4] Biotechnology and 1
Biosafety, - which use an integrated research approach based on systems and commodities, but employing new holistic and participatory methodologies. Policy research around one Programme: [5] Policy, Institutions, Markets and Trade, - which, through research, identifies and responds to key issues preventing achievement of improved markets, competitiveness and productivity. Efficient research delivery around two Programmes: [6] Knowledge management and [7] Capacity strengthening and coordination - to improve access to information and knowledge management, including research into mechanisms and methodologies. THE WEST AFRICAN SEED PROGRAM (WASP) The program is being implemented under the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS Seed Regulation C/REG.3/05/2008 on the Harmonization of Rules Governing Quality Control, Certification and Marketing of Plant Seeds and Seedlings in ECOWAS Region. The Goal of WASP is to expand both the production and supply of quality improved certified seed, both OPVs and hybrids, from the current 12 to 25% over the five years of the program. The General objective is to contribute to the sustainable improvement of agricultural productivity. The specific objective of WASP is Availability and use of quality improved seeds increased. The program achieves its objectives by building an Alliance for Seed Industry in West Africa (ASIWA) involving all partners working in the seed sector, which ensures the sustainable production and use of quality seeds of the major staple crops in West Africa. The program allows the ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS countries to share experiences across the sub-region and with other regions of the world while minimizing duplication of effort between programs and building synergies. WASP draws upon the combined expertise of the CGIAR centres, NARS including the National Seed Services, Quality Control and Certification Agencies, NGOs, Farmers organizations, Universities, Local and National Private Sector Organizations and Companies, Seed initiatives, Sub-regional organizations and International private and public sector organizations and companies to achieve the following expected results: (i) Alliance for Seed Industry for WA effectively coordinated and sustained, (ii) ECOWAS Seed Regulations Implemented, (iii)supply of breeder seeds increased and (iv) Supply of Foundation/Certified seeds by the Private sector increased. Activities are defined in general terms and specific activities vary depending on the needs and strategies of individual countries and technical agencies. At the national level, WASP works in close partnership with WAAPP within special institutional arrangement. The WASP also partners with the existing governmental organizations and the private sector; these include the (i) National Agricultural Research Institutions for breeder seed production, conduct of variety trials and training; (ii) Agricultural Extension Services in the promotion of new varieties and fostering linkages between farmers and seed entrepreneurs; (iii) National Seed Services on coordination activities; (iv) National Seed Committees in governance issues; (v) National Variety Release Committees in the release and cataloguing of new varieties; (vi) National Seed Quality Control and Certification Agencies in carrying out the implementation of seed policy and regulatory activities; (vii) Plant Protection and Regulatory Services in carrying out general regulatory activities relating to plant health; (viii) Universities in training and development of new varieties, and (ix) NSTAS in the production and marketing of seeds. The program support the CAADP, ECOWAP and the USAID FtF programs to improve agricultural productivity in attaining the expected 6% growth by 2015 (CAADP/ECOWAP/PAU target), which is expected to translate into reducing poverty by half and increased food security in West Africa. An alliance bringing stakeholders together, mobilize and pool resources together, and pursue a common vision, in order to contribute to objectives of CAADP, ECOWAP/PAU and FtF. Organizational, technical and agri-business capacities of key actors are being strengthened in variety testing, releases, maintenance breeding, production, processing, storage, quality control and certification, and marketing. The private sector is systematically being transformed and empowered to 2
play a key role in the delivery of certified seeds. It is envisaged that within a time frame of five (5) years (2012 2017), 25% of seed supplied to farmers in the sub-region will come from certified sources 1. The expected impacts will include improvements in rural household incomes, increase in average yields of target crops, and the creation of an enabling environment for well functioning private sector participation in seed business. CORAF/WECARD MONITORING AND EVALUATION APPROACH CORAF/WECARD has taken an institutional engagement for continuous learning of its development programs. The organization has committed itself to integrate rigorous Monitoring and Evaluation system in all its processes of planning and coordination of projects and programs. Within the framework of its interventions in coordination, the organization is engaged in integrating and using sound M&E approaches to manage and render account on the performance of interventions to financial partners and stakeholders. This engagement is translated into strengthened capacity, leadership and function of CORAF/WECARD in the area of evaluation of progress made and project/program results. CORAF/WECARD is responsible for coordinating and monitoring the effectiveness of mechanisms for technology dissemination and the progress of indicators for the productivity and competitiveness of the agricultural sector in the beneficiary countries of WASP. More specifically, it is responsible for: (i) managing the regional program and the national components of the program; (iii) compiling and synthesising information generated by regional and national systems and monitoring and evaluating program activities. QUALIFICATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED The candidate for the position of Monitoring and Evaluation is expected to have the following qualification and experience: Holder of a post-graduate degree in Agricultural Economics, Agronomy, Development Evaluation, Monitoring and Evaluation, International Development, Statistics or related subjects, At least 10 years of experience in the position of Monitoring and Evaluation in a development organisation, an international NGO, donor organization or a reputable organization/institution working in core areas of agricultural technology transfer, food security, agriculture, economics of agricultural value chain Good knowledge in the agricultural research and extension system in the West Africa sub-region particularly in food security and agriculture technology systems Demonstrate sound and excellent knowledge in Monitoring and Evaluation approaches including the development of performance management systems; M&E software; data capturing instruments; management of huge database cutting across a variety of programs and stakeholders Good interpersonal skills with ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team and a multicultural environment, and to travel extensively within the West Africa sub-region, Good oral and communication skills, including writing and editing of scientific and other general literature materials Proactive and well-organised, with good planning and problem-solving abilities Fluency in either French or English with strong working knowledge in the other Facilitate communication and liaison Develop and maintain strong relationships with M&E Specialists at the CORAF/WECARD Secretariat and National Coordinators at the country and/or institutional levels. 1 Request for Application (RFA) Number: USAID/WA-RFA-624-12-00005 entitled 3
Facilitate communication between the National Coordinating Units and Institutional Focal Persons, through meetings, regular contacts and using communication tools. Develop, in collaboration with the CORAF/WECARD and the National Communication Units appropriate communication tools (e.g., Site Web and Media), to facilitate information sharing with stakeholders Oversee planning, structuring, evaluation and reporting of major program meetings. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION Under the authority of the Chief of Party of the program, the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist will assume the following main roles: Develop sound M&E approaches, procedures and tools to track performance and impacts of programs coordinated by CORAF/WECARD across the sub-region and beyond Develop and implement appropriate monitoring and evaluation structures, including Country and Partner level M&E system design and management, preparation of indicator reference sheets, Performance Monitoring Plans (PMP), data collection tools; performance indicator tracking mechanisms; data quality assessments and other key M&E-related tools and instruments Design baseline and reference studies to collect information on performance indicators and outcomes at the start of programs coordinated by the Organization Ensure that project teams are conducting mid-term assessments and final evaluations when appropriate, Develop quarterly, half year and annual reports, and be involved in the development of periodic bulletins, newsletters and success stories on the performance CORAF/WECARD programs, Design and coordinate capacity strengthening programs on M&E for CORAF/WECARD Secretariat and program partners to effectively track and manage performance of programs, Provide technical and analytical expertise on all subjects related to program monitoring and evaluation and organize annual program reviews as may be needed, In conjunction with Program Managers, ensure that all programs have up to date Performance Management Plans (PMPs) and M&E Guidelines in place, Ensure that tracking systems to be developed are functioning and implemented properly and that Project teams and National Partners are accurately reporting on results, Provide quality control support for all aspects of M&E included in CORAF/WECARD s Performance Report (ensuring accuracy in data reported, targets established, indicator description, report editing, etc), Provide technical guidance to project teams in developing terms of reference for evaluations and mid-term assessments, Work in close collaboration with the Financial Units of CORAF/WECARD and the respective WASP/WAAPP National Units to ensure financial monitoring, Support in the management of appropriate database on activities and ensure data is of high and standard quality for reporting with appropriate documentary evidences, Monitor Gender and environmental impact of all actions under the WASP Conduct other M&E and reporting tasks as may be requested by Management of CORAF/WECARD WORKING WITH CORAF/WECARD CORAF/WECARD is not just looking to fill a vacancy. Whenever it recruits, it is looking for individuals, who share its values, are adaptable and resourceful, and who will complement the team and contribute to the development of the Organisation. Salary and remuneration will depend on the skills, experience and track record of the successful applicant, and will be internationally competitive. CORAF/WECARD invests heavily in creating a culture of quality, professionalism, mutual support and team work. The applicant must be a citizen of a country which NARS is member of CORAF/WECARD. 4
The Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist will be based at the CORAF/WECARD Secretariat in Dakar, Senegal. He/she will report directly to the Director of Research and Innovation and comply with the reporting requirements of CORAF/WECARD for its senior management. APPLICATION PROCEDURE Interested Candidates are requested to e-mail a covering letter and their detailed Curriculum Vitae, which must include the names and contact details of three referees. Applications should be addressed to the Executive Director of CORAF/WECARD, Executive Secretariat, 7 Avenue Bourguiba, BP 48 Dakar-RP, Senegal and and sent by mail only to the following e-mail address: rh@coraf.org Applications should be received at the CORAF/WECARD Secretariat no later than 30 th November, 2015 at 17:30. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview. As required by CORAF/WECARD, the selected candidate will undertake and pass a medical clearance prior to acceptance by CORAF/WECARD. Further information on CORAF/WECARD can be obtained on its website at: www.coraf.org Applications from women are strongly encouraged 5