To implement and manage the programme, MOFA intends to recruit qualified persons to fill the following Position:

Position Title: Senior Policy and Monitoring & Evaluation Manager
Line Management: Reports to the National Programme Coordinator
Duration of Assignment: 12months (Renewable Subject to Performance)

To implement tile project, MOFA is recruiting a Senior Policy and Monitoring/Evaluation Manager (SPMEM) for one year to work with the national Programme Coordinator in the implementation of the programme. The position may be extended depending on performance and needs. The SPMEM will be responsible for (a) policy support; (b) monitoring and evaluation; (c) knowledge management. (S)he is responsible for guiding the overall M&E strategy and implementation of related activities within the programme, plus providing timely and relevant information to the NPC, NPCO and programme stakeholders. This requires dose coordination and communication with all programme stakeholder groups, and field staff as well as consultants of external M&E-related missions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Agricultural Policy Development

•   Review the main agricultural and rural development policies and programmes of MoFA and other GoG Ministries and Agencies, specifically identifying complementarities and areas of conflict with GASIP objectives;
•   Similarly, examine recent and on going MoFA and GoG activities in the agricultural and rural development sector, and provide advice and analysis on areas in which there is conflict with announced policy and/or with GASIP objectives;

Specifically examine the following areas policy consistency and possible need for reforms:

•   Agricultural produce marketing, and specifically the role of the Government in this, particularly the role of the National Food Buffer Company (NAFCO)and its effect on operation of liquid markets
•   Contract compliance,especially by farmers and off-takers informal markets
•   Seed and inputs policy, especially with respect to availability of "of the shelf internationally available products
•   Regulation, especially concerned with inputs, exports and produce standards
•   Agricultural subsidy policy
•   Rural finance policy
•   Private sector participation, especially the role of private-public partnerships in provision of infrastructure and agricultural services to rural communities;
•   Cost recovery from farmers, especially in irrigation projects;
•   Import and Export regulations for agricultural produce.
•   Consult widely with stakeholders to prepare ideas and proposals for implementation of policy initiatives with the GASIP;
•   With the NPC, present a workshop to discuss the analysis and ideas for reform and adaptation of policy.
•   Participate in scientific or policy-based networks that can benefit programme implementation and share lessons learned.

M&E System Development

•   Lead M&E system and process development, creating a framework and procedures for the monitoring and evaluation of project activities;
•   Define and implement the key project performance indicators (KPls) as well as monitor them throughout the duration of the project;
•   Propose strategies to increase data use and demand amongst Programme, staff
•   Assist Programme staff in clarifying project information needs;
•   Support programme staff on ways to properly document, organise and capture programme progress
•   Manage and assist Zonal M&E Officers to create and revise tools and data collection procedures (e.g. Logical Framework, project performance tracking, indicators, data flow chart, M&E Manuals)
•   Review the performance of existing management information systems in the root and tuber value chain to help identify potential modifications or resources.
•   Design and implement a system to 'identify, analyze, document and disseminate lessons learned;
•   Prepare detailed M&E budget and calendar of M&E activities
•   Identify M&E technical assistance that the programme needs to contract and guide its recruitment.
•   Identify the core information needs of National Programme Coordinating Office fNPCO), the Programme Steering Committee (PSC), MoFA and IFAD and Develop the overall framework for programme M&E in accordance to the PDR and PIM;
•   Conduct a readiness assessment regarding M&E on what are the incentives at the system level, who are the beneficiaries; identify sources of data, collection methods, who collects data, how often, cost of collection and who analyzes it,
•   Identify the requirements for collecting baseline data, prepare terms-of-reference for and arrange the conduct of a baseline survey
•   Clarify M&E responsibilities of different programme personnel;
•   Contribute to the development of the Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWPB), ensuring alignment with program me strategy, agreement on annual targets and inclusion of M&E activities in the work plan;

M&E System Implementation

•   Oversee and execute M&E activities included m the AWPB, with particular focus on results, impacts and keys lessons;
•   Coordinate the preparation of all programme reports. Guide staff and executing partners in preparing their progress reports in accordance with approved reporting formats and ensure their timely submission. This includes quarterly progress reports, annual programme report, inception report, and ad-hoc technical reports;
•   Prepare consolidated progress reports for programme management including identification of problems, causes of potential bottlenecks in programme implementation, and providing specific recommendations;
•   Check that monitoring data are discussed in the appropriate forum (such as the review meetings of NPCO, the quarterly meeting of the Programme Steering Committee) and in a timely fashion in terms of implications for future action. If necessary, create such discussion forums to fill any gaps;
•   Undertake regular visits to the field to support implementation of M&E at ZPCO level and to identify where consolidations might be needed;
•   Foster participatory planning and monitoring by training and involving primary stakeholder groups in the M&E of activities;
•   Prepare M&E reports for annual supervision missions, mid-term review and final evaluation in accordance to IFAD guidance;
•   Facilitate, acts as resource person, and join if required any external supervision and evaluation missions;
•   Monitor the follow up of supervision andevaluation recommendations;
•   Identify the need and draw up the TORs for specific programme studies. Recruit, guide and supervise consultants or organizations that are contracted to implement special surveys and studies required for evaluating programme outcomes and impacts;
•   Organize (and provide) refresher training in M&E for programme and implementing partner staff, local organizations and primary stakeholders with view of developing local M&E capacity.

Data Management and Analysts

•   Suggest ways to facilitate data collection and flow of data within Programme zonal/field teams;
•   Identify strengths and weaknesses in existing data collection and management systems in the root and tuber value and propose solutions.
•   Analyse changes and patterns in KPI indicator data and performance reports in order to make recommendations,
•   Perform field visits  to ensure the quality of data collected by Programmers and to verify the accuracy of reported data
•   Ensure that MOFA Senior Management and donor partners data queries are addressed in an accurate and timely manner
•   Implement and participate in programme evaluations

Knowledge Management

•   Review and analyse reports from the zonal offices and implementing partners to identify the causes of potential bottlenecks in project implementation and to enhance quality of reporting
•   Assist the NPC in reviewing reports from Facilitating Agents to ensure high quality reports are submitted on time to the lead implementing agency and donor partners
•   Design and implement a system to identify, analyze, document and disseminate lessons teamed;
•   Build a culture of teaming from results involving all programme staff and allocate specific responsibilities;
•   Ensure that TORs for consultants recruited by the programme also incorporate mechanisms to capture and share lessons learned through their inputs to the programme, and to ensure that the results are reflected in the reporting system described above;
•   Document, package and disseminate lessons frequently and not less than once every three months;
•   Facilitate exchange of experiences by supporting and coordinating programme participation in workshops and development of the programme website and any other exsisting network of government and IFAD programmes,
•   Undertake any other responsibility that will ensure smooth and effective implementation of the Programme.

Common Considerations
Remuneration: Competitive salary

Terms of Payment: Payments will be made in equal end-of-month payments of agreed amount subject to completion of core reporting responsibilities as laid out in the Assignment Work plan.

Qualification Required & Experience

•   Advanced degree in Business Administration, Information Management, Project Management, Agricultural Economics or other relevant academic background (essential). Project Management Certification (PMP or Prince 2) (desirable).
•   At least 7 years of relevant work experience in policy design and implementation in the agricultural sector (essential), background in a consulting role {desirable)
•   Possess broad understanding of development, the role and importance of markets and a commitment to private sector development, decentralization and participation of the poor (essential).
•   Ability to use M&E tools, surveys, surveillance systems, and evaluations
•   The logical framework approach and other strategic planning approaches;
•   M&E methods and approaches (including quantitative qualitative and participatory);
•   Planning, design and implementation of M&E systems;
•   Training in M&E development and implementation and/or facilitating learning-oriented analysis sessions of M&E data with multiple stakeholders;
•   Data and information analysis;
•   A solid understanding of public policies, development approaches with a locus on participatory processes, market economy management, and gender issues
•   Capacity to produce high-quality briefs and reports
•   Good level of proficiency in Microsoft Applications including MS Project,
•   Demonstrated ability to train and build capacity of others
•   Experienced in electronic data processing and analysis and data base development;
•   Strong analytical and market oriented skills

Location: Accra

How To Apply For The Job

Qualified and Interested applicants should send application letters with copies of curriculum vitae, certificates and other relevant documentation to:

The Chief Director
Ministry of Food and Agriculture
PO Box M 37, Accra, Ghana

Closing Date: 3.00p.m. on Tuesday 27th January 2015

For further information ptease contact.

THE NATIONAL PROGRAMME COORDINATOR
GHANA AGRICULTURAL SECTOR INVESTMENT PROGRAMME (GASIP)
MINISTRY OF POOD AND AGRICULTURE (MOFA)
P O BOX MB.37,ACCRA

Eimail:

rayariga@yahoo.co.uk

Applicants are to include direct contacts (reliable telephone, fax numbers and email address) in their applications in order to facilitate early and easy contact.

Closing Date: 27 January, 2015

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.