Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) Assistant (Temporary)

Information

Common information

The Public Foundation Kyrgyzstan Mountain Societies Development Support Programme (MSDSP KG) is an initiative of the Aga Khan Foundation, established in 2006. MSDSP aspires to improve the quality of life and self-reliance of people in the Kyrgyz Republic through inclusive and innovative community-driven solutions, constant learning, and integrity. It implements a range of integrated interventions in agriculture and food security, climate resilience, work and enterprise, education and early childhood development, health and nutrition, as well as civil society development and promotion of gender equality in collaboration with community-based groups and local government authorities. MSDSP is active in many of the most remote and vulnerable communities in the Kyrgyz Republic, particularly in the rural and peri-urban areas, covering a total population of more than 520,000 people. For more information, please refer to www.akdn.org.

Location: Osh/Bishkek

1.                  Preamble

These Terms of Reference (ToR) describe the tasks of a consultant necessary for the execution of the services. However, this list of tasks and activities can by no means be considered as the complete and comprehensive description of the Consultant’s duties.

Candidates should keep in mind the obligation to follow the most efficient approach, the need to strictly maintain the schedule of the submission of the deliverables, and the scope of the proposed consultancy budget. It is understood that the Consultant should perform all the work necessary to fulfill the objectives of the Local Impact project. Local Impact is an innovative framework for meaningful and sustained impact on the most critical development priorities in the Kyrgyz Republic created with the support of USAID and implemented by the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF).

2.       Scope of services

Providing M&E and research support for the Local Impact project implemented by AKF and its partners.

3.       Objective

All activities will be implemented under the overall supervision of the AKF/MSDSP MERL Manager. The overall objective of the assignment is to provide technical support to the MERL Department in monitoring and reporting on the Local Impact project. The Consultant will be working closely and in coordination with MERL Department staff and the Local Impact implementation team members.

Qualification requirements

Education: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in social science, Mathematics, Statistics, or Economics

Experience:

·       Minimum of one (1) year of professional experience in quantitative and qualitative research.

·       Experience in implementing MERL activities within projects funded by international development agencies (USAID and/or others).

·       Experience in designing and managing field monitoring activities and database systems.

Skills/Competencies:

·                Ability to analyze quantitative and qualitative data, as well as applying statistical methods for quantitative data analysis using statistic software such as SPSS, Stata or other. The ability to work with Power BI is an advantage.

·       Ability to maintain databases, verify data, and conduct regular data quality assessment.

·       Ability to work independently, as well as to coordinate the implementation of the MERL plan and research activities.

·       Demonstrated ability to write concise analytical reports in both English and Russian.

·       Demonstrated capacity to use MERL data to adapt project activities, inform program development.

·       Strong interest in conducting qualitative and quantitative research.

·       Excellent computer literacy.

Languages: Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, Kyrgyz, and Russian

Duties

1.       Main responsibilities

1.1.          In line with M&E plans and systems designed, lead and/or support the implementation of MERL activities, such as assessments, case studies, and regular monitoring visits.

1.2.          Provide regular support in maintaining databases of AKF/MSDSP and the Local Impact project.

1.3.          Ensure efficient communication between the Local Impact project, MERL, AKF, and MSDSP projects/programs, the Communication Department as well as the Partnership Department.

1.4.          Contribute to the overall MERL development and, if necessary, get involved in other projects of the organization.

Responsibilities in the implementation of baseline and end-line studies

1.5.          Develop methodology, sampling, and schedule of assessments using MERL templates.

1.6.          Analyze and present the assessment results using MERL templates.

Responsibilities in project monitoring

1.7.          Develop the main tools (questionnaires, checklist, etc.) using MERL templates.

1.8.          Monthly update MERL plans for the Local Impact project.

1.9.          Conduct the monitoring of relevant implementation activities according to the monitoring plan.

Responsibilities in terms of work planning and reporting

1.10.       Plan quarterly MERL tasks on time using MERL templates.

1.11.       Report to MERL Manager monthly/upon request on the progress made against the planned quarterly activities.

1.12.       Document the M&E results, research & monthly monitoring reports, etc. in a timely and accurate manner.

Conditions

Contract type: Service Contract (based on the certificate of Individual Entrepreneur)

Interested candidates should submit their cover letter, CV, and two reference letters \ with the subject lines “MERL Assistant”  by September 6, 2024 to msdspkg.hr@akdn.org.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited for interviews. 

MSDSP KG is committed to safeguarding, which means it promotes respectful relations with and between all staff, associates, beneficiaries, and wider communities with whom it works, and takes all reasonable measures to prevent harm, including all forms of sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment (PSEAH), bullying, discrimination, harassment, and abuse of power that may arise from contact with its staff, programmes or operations.

MSDSP is in alignment with the Aga Khan Development Network’s (AKDN) Environment and Climate Commitment Statement. This statement underscores the organization's unwavering commitment to the responsible stewardship of the environment. Through this alignment, MSDSP is dedicated to upholding and implementing practices that contribute to environmental sustainability, reflecting the shared values and goals outlined in the AKDN's commitment to environmental responsibility. MSDSP KG also adheres to child safeguarding principles, as set out by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s), employment history and any potential history of misconduct. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a full background check.

All employees of MSDSP KG are required to adhere to the organizational safeguarding standards and principles and at all times to act with dignity, respect and to contribute to a safe environment free from any type of harassment, abuse or discrimination.