Jobs and Careers

TERM : 

The term for this role is currently limited to 18 months

JOB DESCRIPTION : 

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- The USAID Economic Foundations for a Resilient Armenia Activity (USAID Economic Foundations or Activity) is a five-year activity of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by CNFA. CNFA is an international development organization that specializes in the design and implementation of sustainable, enterprise-based agricultural initiatives. The primary goal of USAID Economic Foundations is to introduce innovative, sustainable, and scalable solutions and build the capacity of government, industry, lenders, and investors to facilitate the growth and competitiveness of tourism, agriculture, and high-tech micro, small and medium-size enterprises (MSMEs), thereby building the resiliency of Armenia’s economy.
- The Activity will administer a grant-making instrument in a competitive and transparent manner to build institutional capacity and expand member services, deliver critical services, unlock productive capital, and stimulate uptake of new technologies. Grants will target service providers, associations, anchor firms, and others where investment will have a broad catalytic effect. All grants will require a leverage contribution to demonstrate a company’s buy-in and commitment, and disbursements will be tied to performance metrics. Grants will incentivize improved market system functions across objectives, with flexibility to allocate resources based on the Activity’s evolving needs.
- The Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Associate, as a member of MEL Team, will play an important role in monitoring grantees’ performance by using a variety of mechanisms, including evaluating end‐of-activity results, conducting site visits while activities are in process, and reviewing periodic reports in accordance with the terms of the grant agreement.
- The MEL Associate, in close coordination with the Grants and Compliance Manager, will use the grants tracking system and monitor the profile of grantees, the progress of implementation of all grants, as well as activity, intervention, and type of each grant agreement.

RESPONSIBILITIES : 

- Use the comprehensive MEL framework with its systems and tools to track the progress, outcomes, and impact of the Activity and its programs in the target sectors of agriculture, tourism, and high-tech;
- Maintain the Activity’s database for data collection, management, and analysis, ensuring data integrity and security;
- Prepare regular MEL reports ensuring accurate and timely reporting on progress and achievements;
- Develop and manage indicators, targets, and data collection methodologies to effectively measure the performance of the Activity’s Grants program, including impact on beneficiaries;
- Support the Grants and Compliance Manager in using applicable evaluation methodologies and designing evaluation schemes for each solicitation under the Activity’s Grants program;
- Participate in the Grants Selection Committee to ensure grant applications under evaluation state measurable objectives and goals which contribute to or align with the Activity’s objectives, outcomes, and KPIs;
- Support grantees to develop M&E plans with clearly outlined milestones and grant implementation schedule, support report development and compliance, where applicable;
- Work with the Activity’s Environmental Specialist to develop and specify monitoring and reporting requirements for environmental compliance depending on the type of interventions by the Activity and its grantees, as well as relevant KPIs in accordance with the Activity’s Workplan;
- Participate in orientation meetings with grantees to ensure their clear understanding of the grant requirements, particularly monitoring and evaluation requirements, reporting requirements, data sets to be collected, etc;
- Oversee monitoring and evaluation component of all grants, including GESI perspective and inclusive enterprise development;
- Continually monitor grants performance, collect data against indicators in the grant agreement, collect feedback on successes and difficulties, with the Activity’s Grants Team participate in monitoring visits to the sites of grant applicants;
- Work with the Activity’s Communications Team to support their efforts by providing MEL-related data, analysis, and help draft success stories on grants implemented by the Activity;
- Maintain effective communication and relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, MSMEs, NGOs, and other implementing partners.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS : 

- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g. statistics, economics, development studies, business administration, or a related field), Master’s degree is an asset;
- Minimum 5 years of monitoring and evaluation, research, or data analysis combined with project management experience, preferably in a USAID-funded activity or other international donors’ development context, with a focus on Armenia’s and/or regional economic development, support to agribusinesses and MSMEs in various sectors;
- Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation methodologies, data analysis techniques, and results-based project management principles is essential, as well as proficiency in relevant software applications, including MS Office Suite, project management systems, statistical analysis tools and data visualization tools;
- Strong qualitative and quantitative data collection and data analysis skills, ability to identify trends, and make evidence-based recommendations;
- Knowledge of USAID regulations, policies, and compliance requirements is an asset;
- Excellent organizational and analytical skills, proven experience in managing multiple and competing tasks while maintaining quality and accuracy of deliverables within deadlines;
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, ability to collaborate and work effectively with diverse stakeholders, high work ethics;
- Proven ability to provide training and guidance to staff, grantees, stakeholders, and partners;
- Understanding of the Activity’s target sectors (agriculture, tourism, and high-tech);
- Fluency in Armenian and English (strong skills in both written and oral communication), knowledge of other languages is an asset. Strong skills in report-writing;
- Ability to travel to the regions of Armenia.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES : 

All interested and qualified candidates should submit an application containing CV, one page write-up on relevant experience, and three references to applications@cnfa-armenia.org no later than 16 July 2024, indicating the position title in the subject line. Only candidates selected for interview will be notified.

Please clearly mention in your application letter that you learned of this job opportunity through Career Center and mention the URL of its website - www.careercenter.am, Thanks.