USAID’s/Agricultural Growth Program-Livestock Market Development Project
Introduction CNFA is an international development firm based in Washington, D.C. dedicated to stimulating sustainable growth in the agricultural sector. CNFA specializes in fostering private sector investment as a means to increase the overall competitiveness of agricultural value chains, expand exports and develop skills in the rural workforce. By generating higher incomes for farmers, processors, entrepreneurs and distributors, CNFA helps improve livelihoods and reduce poverty.
CNFA, with a consortium of international and national partners, is currently implementing a five year United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funded Agricultural Growth Program-Livestock Market Development Project (AGP-LMD). Started on September 17, 2012, the project will run through September 30, 2017. The Project will foster growth and reduce poverty through improving the productivity and competitiveness of selected livestock value chains: meat/live animals, hides/skins/leather, and dairy. The program will operate in AGP targeted Woredas of Oromia, Amhara, Tigray, and SNNPR, to the benefit of thousands of smallholder livestock producers.
AGP-LMD want to strengthen its learning and communication efforts and is therefore recruiting a Director Learning, Communications and M&E. The Director is a member of the project’s senior management team and will oversee a team of six professionals, directly supervising the Monitoring, Evaluation Manager and the Communications and Outreach Officer. The Director reports directly to the project’s Chief of Party.
OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES: The Director of Learning, Communications and M&E is responsible for AGP-LMD’s learning component, communication and outreach and the M&E unit. The Director will:
lead the development and implementation of AGP-LMDs Learning Strategy and Work Plan,
lead the development and implementation of AGP-LMD’s Communication’s and Outreach Strategy and Work Plan and,
Supervises and supports the project’s M&E Unit, lead by the Monitoring and Evaluation Manager.
List of Task
Implement and annually review AGP-LMD’s learning strategy,
Develop based on the strategy AGP-LMD’s learning agenda and plan which is integral part of AGP-LMD’s annual work plan,
Implement the annual Learning plan,
Assure that AGP—LMDs learning targets are achieved and that lessons learned and best practices from the project implementation are documented, reviewed, analyzed and shared,
Organize periodic AGP-LMD learning events,
Facilitate the learning from other countries in the region and globally to livestock sector reform and systems strengthening,
Implement and review annually AGP-LMD’s communications and outreach strategy,
Develop based on the strategy the annual communications and outreach plan which is integral part of AGP-LMDs annual work plan,
Implement the annual communications and outreach plan,
Assure the production and dissemination of success stories,
Produce AGP-LMD’s PR materials, press releases and success stories,
Responsible for the production of monthly, quarterly and annual reports and the quarterly AGP-LMD newsletter,
Assure timely submission of AGP-LMD’s contributions to the AGP Learning Portal,
Analyze and present data for reporting of program progress and impact,
As required, develop the ability of the project technical staff to communicate and manage information effectively and to access data and information system, policies, and products that facilitate well-informed and efficient decision-making.
Serve as technical advisor in strategic communications and advocacy to key stakeholders at the LMD Project,
Provide continuous monitoring of the M&E system and Performance Monitoring Plan for reporting progress, and maintain reporting procedures and guidelines in compliance with USAID requirements,
Plan for and conduct monitoring activities,
Ensure accurate and timely reporting to USAID and AGP coordinators.
Job Requirement
Master’s degree in Development Economics, Communication, Capacity Development or a related field.
Minimum of 10 years of experience in leading and managing learning and communication interventions,
Demonstrated experience in leading and supervising M&E efforts preferably in USAID funded projects,
Demonstrated skills in developing communications and PR materials,
Proven knowledge of USAID’s branding and marking requirements,
Demonstrated analytical skills and experience to identify and evaluate best practices and state-of-the-art approaches to be used by the project.
Proven ability to communicate technical information clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
An understanding of and experience with the livestock sector is considered an advantage.
Experience designing strategic learning and communication plans.
Strong skills in MS Excel, Word, and Power Point required. Experience in Access, and at least one data management software program (SAS, SPSS) is an advantage.
Proven writing and reporting skills,
Track record of strong commitment to sharing knowledge, documenting experiences, supporting creative initiatives, and sharing credit.
Fluent English and Amharic is required, working knowledge of Oromifa and Tigrinya is recommended.