MEAL and Capacity Building Expert

Mission description

This recruitment is part of the implementation of the "EU Support to Social Protection in Jordan" programme, funded by the European Union. The management of the component named "Support to CSOs and De-Institutionalisation with CSOs” is entrusted to Expertise France (EF), the French agency for international cooperation.

The overall objective (impact) of the EU Action is to contribute to the support of social sector reforms and the development of an equitable and inclusive society in Jordan through the improvement and modernisation of the quality and performance of the social protection system.

The specific objectives of this component implemented by Expertise France (the EF Project) are to strengthen the links between the Jordan Ministry of Social Development (MoSD) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), enhancing the role of CSOs in the development, service-delivery, monitoring and evaluation of social protection, and to support the participation of CSOs in quality social services for target beneficiaries.

To this end, various activities are implemented to achieve the EF Project's targets, such as a training programme for MoSD staff and public project stakeholders, and a tailor-made capacity building programme for CSOs engaged in social protection, especially for the ones funded by the project. Specific support to foster partnerships between CSOs and MoSD is also implemented, leading for example to the promotion of local and national debates on social protection issues.

In order to support the design of social services and to strengthen the capacities of the CSOs in a sustainable way, CSOs have been invited to submit proposals for projects to be funded by grants provided through Expertise France. Two calls for proposals were launched in 2020 for projects to be implemented in the pilot governorates of Karak, Jerash and 6 administrative districts of Amman. A third call for proposals, nationwide, was launched in August 2021 to fund projects whose main goal is to address the social consequences of the Covid 19 crisis. In total, the three calls for proposals fund 78 projects with an average budget of 40,000 euros each.

In addition to the grant scheme, a call for tenders was launched in 2022 with the aim of identifying CSOs able to deliver social services that meet the objectives of the national De-I Strategy. The Strategy seeks to allow persons with disabilities to have their needs met in a community setting and to be better integrated into their communities. There is substantial potential for MoSD to enhance its capacity to deliver services for De-I by commissioning CSOs that meet the necessary standards. Several training sessions have been delivered to CSOs to this purpose.

Project or context description

In order to improve the accountability of the EF Project, to reinforce the efficiency of the Capacity Building Programme which forms part of the EF Project, and to capitalise on good practice, Expertise France is seeking to recruit an expert as the “MEAL and Capacity Building Officer”. The EF Project is scheduled to finish at the end of March 2023 and we are looking for a senior person who will be able to ensure the continuity of the MEAL strategy and activities as from her/his arrival and can efficiently support the closure of the EF Project and the drafting of the relevant documents that are needed.

The person currently in post is leaving at the end of December and the person recruited will be expected to build on her work over the last 18 months so that the MEAL functions for the remainder of the EF Project and the engagement with CSOs in this connection form a coherent whole.

Under the technical supervision of the Component Leader and in close coordination with the MEAL Manager (at Expertise France HQ), the National Expert for CSOs, the Field Monitors and NAUA (Crown Prince Foundation)[1], the MEAL and Capacity Building Expert will implement a MEAL Strategy and finalise tasks related to the Capacity Building Programme (training sessions are due to end by end of December 2022).

1) MEAL Strategy:

The expert conducts and promotes the use of M&E tools in order to:

Collect, consolidate and analyse data on the EF Project’s activities in a systematic way
Support grant-aided CSOs in their use of M&E and accountability methodology in their projects
Conduct field monitoring visits / events in coordination with the Grant Field Monitors, the rest of the Project Team and NAUA;
Improve the EF Project’s quality and accountability, providing guidance to the Project Team on the effective collection of data
Draft the MEAL analysis to be inserted in the EF Project’s final reports to the EUD
Collect and analyse lessons learned and best practices from other previous and ongoing programmes capturing the impact of activities;
Leverage lessons learned, best practices, programme data, evaluations and other information to generate donor communication pieces, recommendations annexes, success stories, case studies and other high-quality, results-based documentation
Draft the final impact report and any other document regarding MEAL strategy needed for the closure of the EF Project.

2) Coaching and Capacity Building Programme

Support continuing capacity-building / coaching for CSOs and MoSD staff, including reinforcement activities on a personal or group basis (including for the preparation and implementation of 2 EF Project conferences)

The expert will:

Work closely with the previous MEAL expert, service providers INTEGRATED and NAUA and the Component Leader in order to structure capacity building recommendations for MoSD and CSOs staff;
Identify and coordinate with trainers’ final capacity building / coaching activities under the EF Project’s components 1, 3, and 4 .
Organise and conduct if necessary capacity building activities for project stakeholders and Project Team members.

3) Networks

Contribute to the existing EF Project CSO networks

The list of key responsibilities above is not exhaustive and is subject to additions depending on the needs of the EF Project and of the grant-aided projects in the field.

A detailed work plan will be developed jointly by the previous MEAL and Capacity Building Expert and EF Project Team at the beginning and throughout the mission to define a clear timetable for the deliverables and work modalities (remotely and/or in the field).

Required profile

Relevant university degree (eg. political or social science, international development, monitoring and evaluation);
Between 5 to 9 years of work experience in M&E/MEAL design and implementation at the project and grassroots CSOs level;
Excellent command of English (oral and written) and Arabic;
Proven experience of the drafting of long documents for stakeholders or accountability publications
Familiarity with EU policies related to evaluation and performance management;
Excellent training and facilitating skills with ability to adapt to a diverse multicultural environment;
Previous work experience in implementing of MEAL system;
Proficient with the following software: Kobo/ODK, Power-BI. Knowledge of “Wimi” would be an asset;
At least 3 years’ experience with the organisation of capacity building activities (desirable)
Excellent coordination and teamwork skills;
Ability and willingness to travel to Jordan’s governorates;
Driving licence would be an asset.

Additional information

Applications

All applications must include the following:

CV of the proposed Expert, including names of referees willing to be contacted by EF.
A covering letter
Portfolio of at least two similar M&E/ MEAL work projects or activities showing the applicant’s involvement and including written reports

Evaluation Grid

All profiles will be assessed under the same evaluation criteria

Experience in MEAL and Capacity Building

30

Experience in dealing with CSOs

25

Experience in organising dealing with public authorities

15

Familiarity with EU policies related to evaluation and performance management

10

Fluency in English – Drafting ability

20.