Consultant - Monitoring & Evaluation

I.                 Background

The International Potato Center (CIP) has developed a novel approach that integrates research and development activities aimed at commercializing the Root and Tuber Crops (RTC) subsector (with focus on potato, sweetpotato and cassava). The goal is to increase the subsector’s contribution to food and nutrition security, incomes, job creation and economic growth in Malawi. Funded by the Embassy of Ireland to Malawi, the 4-year project namely ‘Market-led Transformation of the Root and Tuber Crops Subsector (RTC-MARKET)’ started on 1st May 2023 and planned to achieve this through four main objectives: (i) To develop and promote improved RTC varieties, technologies and knowledge to support commercial production, value addition and linkages to domestic and international markets; (ii) To enhance availability and access to quality RTC seed and other inputs; (iii) To increase production of quality RTCs for domestic and export markets and food and nutrition security; and (iv) To increase private sector investment and capacity in commercial processing and marketing of quality RTC value added products for domestic and export markets.

To accomplish its deliverables, CIP seeks to engage the services of an experienced M & E consultant who has an experience in market/business development model to review and fine-tune the model for driving RTC commercialisation as per project focus and, accordingly, develop a comprehensive framework for monitoring and evaluation of transformation and commercialization of the RTC-subsector

II.               Objective

In executing this assignment, the consultant will undertake the following specific tasks:

·        Work closely with project implementing partners on aspects of monitoring and evaluation.

·        Ensure that data collection tools are being used to collect timely data by partners and update in the M&E system.

·        Support M&E systems of partners and monitor correct utilization of the different tools

·        Mentor and train project partners to build capacity on M&E.

·        Document and collect information on lessons learned, including case studies and special research.

·        Analyze project data and compile reports

·        Follow up with partners on beneficiary data collection and tracking progress of implementation status using the indicators and project targets

III.              Deliverables

·        Mentor and train project partners to build capacity on M&E and ensure that data collection tools are being used to collect timely data by all partners and update in the M&E ad system.

·        Document and collect information on lessons learnt and success stories

·        Conduct case studies and special research on RTC commercialization

·        Analyze M&E data and any other project related data and compile reports

·        Follow up with partners on beneficiary data collection and tracking progress of implementation status using the indicators and project targets

Requirements

• MSc. in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness Management, Project Management or similar.
  
• Advanced statistical research analysis.
  
• Experience in Data Analysis.
  
• M & E system set up and operationalization.
  
• Advanced knowledge of database work.
  
• Scientific papers production and publishing.
  
• Minimum of 6 years of experience working in M & E for donor-funded agricultural development projects.
  
• Advanced written and oral communication skills in English