Madagascar: International Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Fisheries Specialist

Position overview

Based in the coastal town of Fort Dauphin in the southeast of Madagascar, this post will provide specialist knowledge of monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) to Project Fagnary. The successful candidate will work within a combined Malagasy and international team to drive and implement a robust MEL strategy for the project. Additionally, the Specialist will build capacity of the project team, wider SEED staff and local stakeholders to improve data collection, evaluation and research that aligns with international development indicators. Predominantly office-based in Fort Dauphin, the MEL Specialist will travel regularly to target communities in the southeast of the country. This post would be suitable for an early-career MEL specialist or researcher seeking in-country research and leadership experience.

Title: International MEL Fisheries Specialist
Timeframe: From September 2018 (12 months, extendable)
Probationary period: 3 months
Contract: Full-time
Reporting to: Head of Project Development (Conservation, Environment & Sustainable Livelihoods)

Project background

Project Fagnary is the third phase of SEED’s sustainable fisheries management programme, focussing on smallscale lobster fisheries in southeast Madagascar. The project aims to strengthen local and regional capacity to implement adaptive and sustainable fishery management, economically empowering 850 fishers, contributing to poverty alleviation amongst 4,250 and protecting 480km² of marine biodiversity in southeast Madagascar.

Core responsibilities

• Review and develop the project’s existing MEL framework in collaboration with the project team and relevant project partners
• Coordinate all project MEL activities, including data collection, data analysis, community feedback and reporting
• Identify technical needs and resources required for successful MEL and make appropriate recommendations given contextual limitations
• Monitor quality of data collection and provide technical guidance for the successful implementation of an MEL plan through training staff and providing on-site support
• Work closely with the Project Coordinator and project Data Collectors to ensure effective data collection and facilitate training as and when necessary
• Ensure the MEL strategy enables reporting across indicators for a variety of project stakeholders, including donors, community groups and the Government of Madagascar
• Work closely with the Project Coordinator and project development team ensuring project MEL captures data adhering to project indicators
• Contribute to project dissemination through networks, knowledge hubs and peer-reviewed journals – taking a lead on identifying and establishing routes to international publishing in coordination with the project’s Fisheries Consultant
• Provide support to the project development team in writing and editing progress reports to the project donor
• Build capacity of and write training modules for SEED staff and local partners in MEL strategies, ensuring quality of project data while promoting a sustainable research approach of the broader organisation
• Work closely with the staff in other Sustainable Livelihoods projects to exchange information and provide support for MEL activities
• Read and abide by all SEEDs policies and procedures and undertake training where necessary to ensure a safe environment for all beneficiaries and staff
• Any other tasks that the Head of Environment or Head of Project Development deems appropriate and necessary within the broad outline of the role

Person specification

• Master’s degree in Natural Resource Management, International Development, Research Methods or related field
• Experience of working/volunteering internationally in a research or MEL capacity
• Experience in the design and development of MEL frameworks for international development and/or natural resource management sectors, including for quantitative and qualitative data
• Experience in implementation of MEL systems and strategies
• Experience in research design, and working with qualitative and quantitative data collection tools
• Clear demonstrable understanding of research ethics
• Demonstrable experience of information analysis and report writing, and ability to align these to KPIs
• Ability to work with staff and partners to implement MEL systems, and to build capacity across cultures
• Excellent report writing skills for publication
• Have the ability and desire to work with teams from different economic and cultural backgrounds and across multiple language barriers
• Be able to work to and advocate for all of SEEDs policies and procedures, safeguarding those that SEED works with and reporting any concerns appropriately
• Experience of working with translators
• Have excellent communication skills, including a sound ability to adapt material for different audiences
• Be able to work both independently and as part of a multicultural and multilingual team
• Have passion and motivation for the work and be able to enthuse staff and volunteers
• Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to SEED’s ethos and approach and be a good ambassador for SEED at all times
• Ability to work to and advocate for all of SEED's policies and procedures, safeguarding those that SEED works with and reporting any concerns appropriately
• Demonstrate proven ability to recognise and appropriately deal with challenging situations
• Demonstrate an awareness of and comfort with increased social and professional responsibility, working at all times with cultural sensitivity and respect
• Be punctual and be able to work to tight deadlines in an organised manner and to a high standard
• Have a flexible and patient attitude
• Have excellent problem-solving skills
• French language skills are desirable, but not essential
• Knowledge of/willingness to learn basic Malagasy is essential
• Completion/willingness to complete CBT motorbike training before arrival in Madagascar is desirable

Allowance and practicalities

The post attracts a local stipend, flight allowance and contribution to insurance. Visa costs covered by the project after the initial visa. The successful candidate will need to bring their own laptop computer (non-tablet).

More information on the work of SEED Madagascar can be found at madagascar.co.uk

Interested applicants should send a CV and cover letter outlining how their skills and experience match the requirements in the role description criteria to Lisa Bass by email to lisa@seedmadagascar.org .

Recruitment is on an on-going basis until the right candidate is found. Two satisfactory references will be required.