INTRAC is seeking up to 6 monitoring, evaluation, research and learning (MERL) expert consultants based in Afghanistan, the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan to form a regional MERL team that will support the Global Learning Partner for The Aga Khan Foundation’s (AKF) Local Impact Leader with Associates Award (Local Impact), supported by the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
Regional and country MERL experts will be involved in the design and implementation of the Collaborative Learning Agenda while also providing feedback throughout. They will support local learning partners (LLPs), the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) agencies and partners and AKF staff in their countries in implementing the Collaborative Learning Agenda. Co-design, collaboration, and local leadership are at the heart of the programme. They will work both remotely and face to face, whenever possible.
We estimate up to 20 consultancy days per consultant initially, during phases 1 and 2 (2020-2021), with further engagement during phase 3 to be determined later on. Delivery will start immediately after contract signing and it will last until the end of 2021 (Phases 1 and 2).
Required experience
Essential experience:
- At least 7 years’ experience in MERL for complex, multi-year development programmes and/or in training and learning activities with CSOs in their country
- At least 2 years’ experience in mentoring support to CSOs
- Use of qualitative and quantitative research methods
- Use of participatory methods in research, evaluation or organisational assessments
- Excellent understanding of in-country political dynamics, esp. between local communities, civil society and government
- For Afghanistan: access to local security networks and up to date security information – in case of a consultancy organisation: robust security protocols.
Essential skills:
- Excellent facilitation skills
- Adaptability and willingness to try new research and learning methods
- Fluency in written and spoken languages of their country (Kyrgyz, Tajik or Dari)
- Good working knowledge of English
- Gender and cultural sensitivity
Organised and able to work to deadlines
Desirable experience:
Virtual methods for capacity development, learning exchanges and consultancy management, and use of virtual platforms such as Moodle, Teams, Google Drive, D-Groups, Zoom, GoToMeeting, Skype, WhatsApp
Use of any of the following methods: stories of change, case studies, Participatory Learning and Action
Use and facilitation of participatory/community-driven development approaches
Understanding of user or human centred design
The ToR for this assignement can be accessed and downloaded here: https://www.intrac.org/wpcms/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/ToR-Central-Asia-Regional-MERL-Consultants.pdf
How to apply:
Prospective consultants should provide a full CV, a one-page cover letter detailing their relevant skills and experience, and the contact details of two referees who must be former clients. In the cover letter, consultants should indicate their daily rate in pounds sterling and their local currency.
Applications should be submitted to KDjamankulova@intrac.org with the subject: Application regional MERL Consultant (name of country) – GLP, as soon as possible and not later than the 10th of November 2020. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Shortlisted consultants will be asked to supply an example of written work (e.g. consultancy report), and undertake a remote interview.