Job Description

About the Project

Animals, plants, and microorganisms harvested and grown in water play a significant role in sustainably feeding and nourishing the world. Globally, 800 million people depend on small-scale fisheries and aquaculture for their livelihoods. But these vital aquatic food systems are hindered by the insecure livelihoods of those in related jobs, their low capacity to adapt to climate change, and the loss of marine nature.

The Asia-Africa BlueTech Superhighway project, supported through the UK\xe2\x80\x99s Climate and Ocean Adaptation and Sustainable Transition (COAST) program under the umbrella of the Blue Planet Fund (BPF), will focus on enabling communities to adapt to and mitigate against climate change as well as responsibly and sustainably manage marine and coastal nature and resources resulting in improved food and nutritional security as well as employment and income opportunities. The project will be implemented in two phases over seven years, starting with Phase 1 in Bangladesh, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Tanzania.

About the Position

WorldFish is looking for a highly motivated Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Specialist to the Asia-Africa BlueTech Superhighway. The MEL specialist will be based in Malaysia to implement and manage the monitoring and evaluation and learning (MEL) system and activities of the project.

S/he will work under the supervision of the MELIA Research Leader at WorldFish to identify and define performance indicators, develop quality assurance strategies, train program staff and ensure all project aspects comply with established Result Based-Management standards and procedures in WorldFish. The MEL Specialist will be supporting the development, the review and the implementation of a robust Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning framework and tools to facilitate measurement of progress of the project and enhance their compliance with donors\xe2\x80\x99 requirements and best practices to achieve efficiency and accountability. S/he will be responsible for the use of digital platform and Management Information Systems to support research, knowledge sharing and data management for a proficient result-based system focus on aquaculture and fisheries.

The successful candidate should have a solid background in the theoretical foundations of R&D monitoring and evaluation, be familiar with qualitative and quantitative tools and techniques for analysis, and comprehensive strategies for effective engagement in support of MEL implementation.

The successful candidate will:

• Design, implement and oversee the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) system for the project and ensure it is aligned with established Result Based-Management (RBM) and Knowledge Sharing (KS) standards and processes.
• Work closely with scientists, partners and project management in developing and reviewing the Theory of Change (ToC) for the project and each work package.
• Align the project monitoring system with existing WorldFish monitoring systems to ensure consistent reporting of deliverables, outputs and outcomes.
• Support annual planning and reporting processes for each work package and the project.
• Monitor performance indicators in a timely manner and provide key recommendations to project leadership to facilitate informed decision making and knowledge sharing.
• Provide guidance and support to project personnel in documenting the project MEL system in accordance with the project, WorldFish and FCDO requirements.
• Ensure adequate research data and knowledge management system with an effective system in place that is in line with WorldFish\'s Open Access and Open Data Policy.
• Prepare and timely submit all required performance reports to the project management, FCDO and other interested parties.
• Check data quality and provide recommendations for its improvement. This includes overseeing data management activities in the implementation of surveys.

Requirements

The successful candidate will have:

• A Master\xe2\x80\x99s Degree in international development or agricultural economics or a relevant social science. A candidate with a Bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s degree and highly relevant experience will be considered for the position where experience is highly relevant to the requirements of this position. Professional training in MEL is a plus.
• At least 5 years working experience in Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) role(s), with a focus on survey design and report preparation
• Minimum 3 years of professional experience in the international development sector - Preference will be given to the candidates with experience in large multi-country projects
• Demonstrated technical knowledge of a broad set of monitoring and evaluation methods suitable for use in complex systems.
• Capable of management activities including project planning, implementation and report writing
• Excellent data analyses skills, producing tables/graphs with interpretation and the ability to make verbal presentations.
• Strong in essential computer software/packages like MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, SPSS or similar software
• Motivated to learn and use new information technologies related to data science
• Logical thinking, strong analytical and mathematical skills, with excellent attention to details
• Excellent proficiency of spoken and written English.
• Proven proficiency in the use of Microsoft excel to extract, combine, analyze and refine large data sets.
• Experience writing research reports.

Desired Skills/Experiences

• Strong teamwork and effective cross-cultural interpersonal skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with people in a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural environment.
• Understanding of qualitative and quantitative research tools, methodologies and analysis.

Benefits

This is an Internationally Recruited Staff (IRS) position annual salary ranging between USD 47,900 \xe2\x80\x93 USD 56,900 per annum. WorldFish\'s IRS shall receive comprehensive health insurance, life insurance, accident, and long-term disability insurance. Internationally recruited staff employed outside of their home base/country of nationality will also be eligible to receive relocation assistance, a housing allowance, home-leave plane tickets for self and eligible dependents and education assistance for school-age dependents between age 4 and high school graduation. The duration of the contract will initially be for a three-year period with possibility for extension, depending on funding and performance. All benefits are subject to terms and conditions.

Your application must include:

• A copy of your curriculum vitae,
• A cover letter which addresses key requirements stated above; and
• Contact information of three professional referees who may be contacted if you are short-listed for the position.

To be considered, applications must be submitted by no later than 24:00 (MYT), 18 August 2023.

Location: The post holder will be based in Penang, Malaysia. This position will involve international travel.

The screening will start immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Due to the high volume of applicants for WorldFish positions, we appreciate all interest, but only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Our Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

WorldFish has seven offices across Asia, Africa and the Pacific, with more than 400 staff and 27 nationalities who contribute to a dynamic multicultural work environment.

WorldFish is committed to promoting a work environment where diversity and inclusion is valued and we seek to have gender balance in the organization. We aim to also seek balance across other diversity dimensions.

People in WorldFish are treated equally irrespective of gender, ethnicity/race, national or social origin, disability, religion, political affiliation, age, family size, marital status or any other form of personal identity.

We are an equal opportunities employer and strongly encourage qualified women and men from developing nations to apply.

WorldFish