Programme Officer

The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), is a private, non-denominational, international development agency established in 1967. It brings together human, financial and technical resources to some of the poorest and most marginalised communities, with an emphasis on women and girls, investing in human potential, expanding opportunity and improving the quality of life. It seeks sustainable solutions to long-term problems of poverty, hunger, illiteracy and ill-health with special emphasis on the needs of rural communities in mountainous and other resource poor regions, primarily in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Its main areas of focus are education, early childhood development, health and nutrition, agriculture and food security, economic inclusion, habitat, and strengthening civil society.

The Aga Khan Foundation (Pakistan) [AKF(P)] is seeking and enthusiastic high calibre professional for the following position will be based in Islamabad with extensive travel to Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral:

“Programme Officer, Monitoring, Evaluation, Research & Learning”

BACKGROUND AND OVERALL OBJECTIVE

This is an opportunity for a skilled, enthusiastic and energetic monitoring and evaluation professional to join the AKF(P) team.  The Programme Officer, Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (PO, MERL) will report to the Programme Manager MERL and placed as a member of Partnerships team. The incumbent will provide substantial inputs in all projects especially take lead and manage MERL activities of all projects especially related Education and Early Childhood Education themes.

In summary the Programme Officer, MERL will be responsible to:

·         Ensure that education programmes carried out by AKF(P) and its partners in Pakistan are well-designed, effectively and efficiently monitored and evaluated in order to enhance quality, effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability and effective learning.

·         Work collaboratively with the Education & ECD, Partnership and Finance teams in AKF(P), AKDN, NGO and Government implementing agencies as well as AKF Geneva to design and employ effective MERL frameworks and MIS, tools and operational plans from programme conception and throughout the project cycle.

·         Visit the field frequently to monitor programmes and support MERL processes during project implementation to effectively and efficiently measure progress towards work plan targets, outputs, outcomes and impact goals.

·         Liaise with donor agencies to ensure effective reporting as per contractual agreements.

·         Ensure the inclusion of safeguarding and gender equity measures in designing MERL frameworks, tools and processes in the line with AKF Policies.

·         Ensure that research contributes to improving practice and evidence-based policy dialogue with the government and other key players in education in Pakistan.

·         Work collaboratively with the AKF and implementing teams to ensure complementarities and synergies between AKDN agencies and programmes in Pakistan and the implementation of cross-cutting issues such as gender equality, poverty reduction and pluralism.

·         Role model the expected ethical behaviour and values of the preferred AKF(P) organisational culture of open-mindedness, clear communication, integrity and collaboration to achieve the organisational vision.

·         Ensure the highest standards of professionalism and adherence to the AKDN Ethical Framework and Safeguarding Policy.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND PERSON SPECIFICATION

The successful candidate for the PO, MERL is expected to have the following qualifications, experience and qualities:

·         Master’s degree in education, social sciences, or other relevant field, preferably with specialisation in monitoring and evaluation.

·         At least seven (7) years experience in MERL, preferably within the education sector and majority world context, preferably in Pakistan.

·         Abilities in developing effective MERL frameworks and processes within programme development and project cycle management, preferably in bilateral and lateral donor agencies.

·         Experience of using various MERL methodologies including working with results-based frameworks e.g. LFAs, Theory of Change and impact evaluations, preferably in education.

·         Good understanding of EMIS and data management, analysis and the applicability of these for effective programme planning, management, monitoring and evaluation.

·         Good knowledge of research methods; analytical and research skills, and commitment to innovative approaches to improving the quality of education and MERL.

·         Proven record of being a self-starter, demonstrating drive for results, capability, commitment, resilience and creativity and ability to build the capacity of others.

·         Strong interpersonal communication, emotional/social intelligence and problem-solving skills. Ability to work both independently and in a team with good time management. Ability to facilitate teamwork across geographical and institutional boundaries.

·         Ability to relate sensitively to a diverse range of people from different strata, cultures, languages, faiths, genders and abilities. Commitment to gender equality, inclusive approaches and pluralism. Integrity, passion for education and MERL and rigour.

·         Excellent spoken and written fluency in English and Urdu, interpersonal and analytical skills & knowledge of MS Office, flexibility to travel and ability to work in a diversified team. An understanding of regional languages an asset. Ability to write concise reports of a high quality within the timelines given.

·         Commitment to the values of AKDN.

AKF(P) offers a competitive remuneration package and conducive working environment. AKF(P) recruitment and selection policy and procedures reflect our commitment to equal opportunity and the safeguarding of children, beneficiaries, partners, community members and employees in accordance with AKF(P)’s Safeguarding policy.