Adam Smith International is seeking a MRM Adviser to support establishment of a DCED-compliant MRM system on Kuza, a three-year DFID-funded youth employment project in Mombasa, Kenya. This is a full time, fixed term position based in Mombasa, expected to commence in May/June 2015 and run for six months
Background to Adam Smith International
Adam Smith International is a leading professional services business that delivers real impact, value and lasting change through projects supporting economic growth and government reform internationally. Our reputation as a global leader has been built on the positive results our projects have achieved in many of the world’s most challenging environments.
Our wide-ranging experience can be grouped into two main areas that contribute to government reform and economic growth. Government reform includes justice, security and peace building, public sector reform, public financial management, revenue reform and education reform. Economic growth includes services in extractive industries governance, infrastructure, climate change, trade facilitation and private sector development.
We are headquartered in London, with offices in Nairobi, Abuja, New Delhi and Sydney, along with major project offices in many developing countries worldwide. Our projects are funded by a wide range of donor organisations, including the UK Government’s Department for International Development (DFID), the World Bank, the Swedish and Danish Government’s development agencies Sida and Danida, the European Commission and the Asian Development Bank. In addition, we also work directly for host governments.
Over more than 20 years, Adam Smith International has implemented some of the most complex solutions in many of the world’s most challenging environments. We apply professional standards, technical know-how and cultural sensitivity to every context. We’re proven to bring the best minds together and are known for turning policies into action. Our work is award-winning, such as the most recent 2011/12 British Expertise Development Project of the Year, Major Project of the Year, Consultancy Project of the Year and Young Consultant of the Year.
Background to the project
The three year, DFID-funded Kuza project intends to address selected root causes of youth unemployment in Kenya’s second city, and to encourage productive and sustainable job creation for Mombasa’s young men and women. Launched in May 2014, it consists of a combination of skills development, market development, and policy support. The project is market-led, so that jobs and skills are focused on sectors of the economy that have long-term growth potential. The project has made sure to align itself with the objectives and plans of the Mombasa County and the national government.
Responsibilities
The MRM Adviser will support the Kuza’s MRM function to finalise establishment of the MRM system and support its successful implementation. The project intends to undergo a DCED ‘system in use’ audit during the second half of 2015.
Specific activities are likely to include:
• Support the project to prepare for the DCED ‘system in use’ audit up to a ‘strong pass’ standard.
• Review and finalise intervention results guides (e.g. results chains and measurement plans).
• Support identification/preparation of sector specific data collection checklists for the appropriate data collection method (FDG guide, in-depth interviews checklist, observation checklist, rapid survey questionnaire)
• Support finalisation and roll-out of attribution strategies, baselines and survey designs (the data from which will be used for making decisions on closure, parking, continuation and scale up of interventions).
• Support development of a ‘project results’ tracking tool, for use by both project management and DFID.
• Support establishment of a system for carrying out evaluations, impact assessments, and case studies on both successful and unsuccessful interventions.
• Develop capacity among project team colleagues and, where relevant, external stakeholders, to play an effective role in the project’s MRM processes.
• Support follow-up tracking of beneficiaries from the project’s skills development component.
Selection criteria
We are looking for a dynamic and energetic team player with:
• Excellent understanding of, and in-depth experience applying, the DCED Standard for Results Measurement. Experience of the DCED audit process is desirable.
• Experience leading or advising the MRM function on large scale development projects. Experience on projects focusing on private sector development, skills development and policy/advocacy is desirable.
• Strong understanding of market systems development principles.
• Extensive, proven experience designing and leading research and data collection initiatives, including survey design and a mix of qualitative and quantitative techniques.
• Proven ability to work effectively in close-knit teams and to interact effectively with a diverse range of stakeholder groups.
• An adaptable, constructive and positive working style.
• Excellent written, spoken and numerical skills. Fluency in English is essential, knowledge of Kiswahili is desirable.
• Experience in East Africa, particularly Kenya. Experience in Mombasa is desirable.
Duration and timing
This is a full time, fixed term position, based in Mombasa. The assignment is expected to commence in May/June 2015 and conclude in November 2015. Depending on performance and need, there is the possibility that the contract will be extended.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please send your CV and a short cover email to David Owens-Callan (David.Owens-Callan@adamsmithinternational.com). Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.