New Caledonia (France): Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Officer

The Pacific Community (SPC) is the principal scientific and technical organisation in the Pacific region, supporting development since 1947. We are an international development organisation owned and governed by our 26 country and territory members. In pursuit of sustainable development to benefit Pacific people, our organisation works across more than 20 sectors. We are known for our knowledge and innovation in such areas as fisheries science, public health surveillance, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

The Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems (FAME) Division is located at SPC’s head office in Noumea, New Caledonia, and comprises the Oceanic Fisheries Programme (OFP) and Coastal Fisheries Programme (CFP). The Director’s Office comprises multidisciplinary expertise to provide cross-cutting support to two the programme areas: (i) the Oceanic Fisheries Programme , which provides scientific support for the management of fisheries for tuna and associated species, with a strong focus on stock assessment and modeling, fisheries monitoring, data management, and ecosystems management; and (ii) the Coastal Fisheries Programme, which provides scientific support for the management of coastal fisheries resources, with a strong focus on science and management, fisheries development, aquaculture, and fisheries information.

The role–TheMonitoring, Evaluation and Learning Officer will support the design and implementation of planning, monitoring systems, and evaluation of FAME programmes, projects and regional policies to achieve improved development outcomes. The role will work closely with FAME staff under the supervision of the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Adviser (FAME) within the FAME Director’s Office, and engage closely with the network of MEL practitioners across SPC, FAME stakeholders (implementing partners, national fisheries offices, and project beneficiaries) and donors.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

Support the implementation of ongoing results-focused monitoring systems in consultation with FAME management, staff and stakeholders

• Review monitoring requirements across FAME projects and programmes
• Identify information and system needs and gaps for collecting ongoing monitoring information
• Collaborate with FAME staff and stakeholders as appropriate to design and implement practical, robust and sustainable monitoring systems. Along with FAME projects this also includes ongoing monitoring required for the annual Coastal Fishery Report Card (the reporting mechanism for A New Song for Coastal Fisheries Strategy)
• Update and analyse program data and undertake information management utilising internal SPC systems for collecting data on key results and indicators

Manage ongoing monitoring responsibilities for work plans and projects in line with Division-wide MEL systems

• Coordinate input of monitoring data for FAME work plans and projects and ensure these are entered into FAME monitoring systems
• Manage data extractions for reporting on monitoring data for work plan and project inputs and outputs
• Undertake ad hoc monitoring data extractions as needed /requested as a summary report.

Support FAME staff in meeting reporting requirements and communicating results to stakeholders

• Support the FAME Senior Management Team and other staff managing projects to meet SPC, donor and other reporting requirements successfully
• Support annual results reporting on FAME’s progress in implementing its Business Plan
• Assist FAME to utilise information generated through monitoring, evaluation and learning processes to communicate results to stakeholders

Support the integration of monitoring, evaluation and learning within project lifecycles in FAME

• Assist with the design and implementation of learning and evaluation activities / tools within FAME
• Work with FAME management and SPC-wide staff in project design and funding proposal development to support evidence-based planning
• Support / facilitate periodic learning and planning sessions within FAME
• Contribute to capacity development in planning, monitoring, evaluation and learning (PMEL) within FAME.

Adherence to SPC policies and procedures

• Assists the FAME MEL Adviser, to develop and implement the MEL work plan
• Undertakes all activities according to SPC corporate and administrative procedures
• Reports on activities undertaken as required, including trip reports following work travel, and input into funding proposals, donor reports, etc.
• Fills in for the FAME MEL Adviser or other staff when they are on leave or duty travel, when required

For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the job description provided

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in monitoring & evaluation, international development, public policy, fisheries, natural resource management, or a related field.

Technical expertise

• At least 5 years’ experience in monitoring and evaluation of donor/grant funded programs, including the development and implementation of M&E frameworks and utilising a wide range of quantitative and qualitative research methods
• Experience undertaking applied research in an ethical and culturally sensitive manner, and delivering high quality, user-focused reporting

• Experience working in Pacific Islands countries and/or territories, with a good working knowledge of the Pacific region Essential skills

• Ability to train and mentor others in monitoring and evaluation

• Demonstrated understanding and experience in the aid and international development sector in the Pacific

• Excellent engagement, facilitation and communication skills (oral and written) in English.

• Demonstrated ability to produce written reports, and achieve planned objectives within tight deadlines

Language skills

• Proficiency in English is essential, with a working knowledge of French being an advantage

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• A team player with strong interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to work with team members from different cultural backgrounds

Salary, terms and conditions

Required start date– This position is available immediately.

Contract Duration– 2 years

Remuneration– The Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Officer is a Band 9 position in SPC’s 2017 salary scale, with a starting salary range 3,020 – 3,679 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately XPF 452,659 – 551,398 (USD 4,198 – 5,114 ; EUR 3,819 – 4,652). An offer of appointment for an initial contract will be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration being given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale will be based on annual performance reviews. SPC salaries are not presently subject to income tax in New Caledonia.

Benefits for international staff employees based in NEW CALEDONIA– SPC provides subsidised housing in Noumea. Establishment and relocation grant, removal expenses, airfares, home leave, medical and life insurance, and education allowance are available for eligible employees and their recognised dependents. Employees are entitled to 25 days of annual leave and access to SPC’s Provident Fund (contributing 8% of salary, to which SPC adds a matching contribution).

Languages– SPC’s working languages are English and French.

As an equal-opportunity employer, SPC recruits on merit; however if two interviewed candidates are ranked equally by the selection committee, preference will be given to nationals of Pacific Island countries and territories.

Please use SPC’s online recruitment system to lodge your application: http://careers.spc.int/

Hard copies of applications will not be accepted.

For your application to be considered you must provide us with:

· an updated resume, containing the contact details of three professional referees

· a cover letter detailing your skills, experience and interest in this position

· responses to all screening questions

Please ensure your documents are in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.

All international positions at SPC have specific screening questions. Please ensure that you respond to all the screening questions. If you do not respond to the screening questions, your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed at shortlisting stage