Consultancy Service: Monitoring and Evaluation Expert

Introduction

The African Union InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) will be leading the implementation of the regional Project “Strengthening Integrated One Health Capacities for Enhanced Pandemic Preparedness and Response in the Lake Chad Basin” funded by the Pandemic fund. The SCOPE project will be implemented across five Lake Chad Basin (LCB) member states namely Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, Central Africa Republic (CAR) and Chad.  The afore-mentioned project overall goal is to strengthen cross-border capacities for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response through an integrated and inclusive One Health approach in the Lake Chad Basin. The SCOPE Project will be implemented through three result areas; Result Area 1: By 2029, Enhance capacity for cross-border One Health prevention, detection, notification and response for pandemics in the Lake Chad Basin; Result Area 2: By 2029, strengthen the cross-border governance and coordination mechanisms for inclusive and equitable One Health Systems; Result Area 3: By 2029, foster sustainable innovative financial flows, strategic partnerships and stewardship for PPR in the Lake Chad Basin. AU-IBAR will be working in close partnership with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC). 
The Lake Chad Basin remains vulnerable to zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), transboundary animal diseases, climate-sensitive health threats, and public health emergencies. Effective prevention, detection, reporting, and response require integrated, interoperable, and sustainable digital systems that support data sharing across sectors and countries. The SCOPE Programme   seeks to strengthen regional and national digital One Health ecosystems through establishment of interoperable surveillance systems, enhancement of cross-border disease reporting, integration of laboratory and surveillance platforms, strengthening of data governance frameworks, and alignment with the African Union Digital One Health Platform (AU-DOHP) at AU-IBAR. 
Effective delivery of the SCOPE Project requires robust monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning systems to track progress against agreed indicators, generate evidence for decision-making, ensure compliance with Pandemic Fund reporting requirements, and capture lessons and best practices for sustainability and scale-up.

Purpose of Job

The Monitoring and Evaluation Expert will coordinate all data collection, analysis, and learning activities to help ensure accountability and efficiency of the SCOPE Project, which will be implemented at regional, cross-border and national levels in the Lake Chad Basin.

Main Functions

1. Design, coordinate and implement the monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning framework of the SCOPE Project, aligned with the Pandemic Fund Results Framework and the project Theory of Change.
2. Develop a systematic monitoring framework to improve the qualitative and quantitative evidence gathered by the Project. S/he will also provide technical assistance to the implementing and delivery partners (FAO, UNICEF,AfDB, Africa CDC, RECs and national One Health platforms), particularly in relation to monitoring, reporting, and rules and regulations.
3. Coordinate the preparation and presentation of M&E findings/reports, including M&E recommendations to support project management.
4. Coordinate the presentation of M&E findings, with recommendations, to the Project Steering Committee and the Pandemic Fund.
5. Ensure that monitoring data are discussed in appropriate forums and in a timely fashion in terms of implications for future action. If necessary, create such discussions to fill any gap.
6. Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the Project Manager for the successful implementation of the project.

Specific Responsibilities

1. Lead the revision and operationalization of the project Theory of Change and Results Framework, particularly in the areas of performance indicators and their measurement, in alignment with the Pandemic Fund Results Framework and progress indicators.
2. Liaise with the project manager and relevant staff in the development and/or finalization of the project Work Plan and Costed M&E Work Plan, and keep them updated in accordance with project activities and timeframes as relevant.
3. Develop the overall framework for the project M&E and Performance Monitoring Plan with relevant data collection systems, and design and operationalize a comprehensive M&E framework including an M&E dashboard.
4. Review the quality of existing data in the project subject areas, the methods of collecting it, and the degree to which it will be useful for impact evaluation.
5. Coordinate baseline data collection to validate indicators across the Lake Chad Basin and develop baseline data for each project component and for all project indicators (using JEE, SPAR, PVS and NAPHS evidence).
6. With collaborating and delivery partners, review their existing approaches and management information systems and agree on any required changes, support and resources.
7. Establish and coordinate a Multi-Stakeholder Monitoring and Evaluation Technical Working Group (TWG), comprising selected experts from implementing partners, regional economic communities and selected Member States, and convene its periodic (including virtual) meetings.
8. Convene workshops for the review and validation of the M&E Framework and tools with stakeholders.
9. Develop a plan for project-related capacity-building on M&E, and build the capacities of M&E focal personnel and project teams to use M&E tools, systems, procedures and reporting requirements.
10. Draft Terms of Reference for the Baseline, Mid-term and End-of-Project evaluations/reviews for the SCOPE Project and other related One Health and pandemic preparedness initiatives.
11. Identify areas where technical support to project partners is required and organize capacity building with collaborating partners on M&E as may be required.
12. Collect data on a regular basis to measure achievements against the performance indicators.
13. Ensure data quality; maintain and administer the M&E database and dashboard; analyse and aggregate findings.
14. Conduct periodic monitoring missions to selected countries to obtain feedback, document lessons and best practices, and verify reported results.
15. Support project progress reporting, including the production of annual narrative reports and the timely update of indicator progress on the Pandemic Fund reporting portal in line with the Pandemic Fund reporting schedule and M&E guidance on progress indicators.
16. Coordinate Intra-Action Reviews and simulation exercises to test the effectiveness of the systems being put in place, and support After-Action Reviews combined with the End-of-Project Evaluation.
17. Support the project mid-term review and final evaluation.
18. Identify and document best practices, lessons learnt and develop case studies to capture qualitative outputs of the project.
19. Coordinate the management of risks to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in project performance.
20. Produce reports on M&E findings and prepare presentations based on M&E data as required.
21. Coordinate the preparation and presentation of M&E findings/reports, including M&E recommendations to support project management.
22. Coordinate the presentation of M&E findings, with recommendations, to the Project Steering Committee.
23. Check that monitoring data are discussed in appropriate forum and in a timely fashion in terms of implications for future action. If necessary, create such discussions to fill any gap.
24. Advise the supervisor on improving project performance using M&E findings.
25. Manage budgets and ensure that they are in line with the project’s objectives.
26. Implement financial and operational policies, rules and regulations of the AU and donors, namely the Pandemic Fund and its Trustee/Implementing Entities.
27. Coordinate and oversee the financial and operational activities of the project, ensuring compliance with African Union and Pandemic Fund rules and regulations.
28. Prepare and monitor the annual budgets and work plans of the project, liaising with RECs, Member States and partners.
29. Provide timely and accurate financial and operational reports to the Project management and donors, highlighting achievements, challenges and recommendations.
30. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the project staff, regional stakeholders, donors and other partners, representing AU-IBAR in relevant meetings and forums.
31. Identify and mitigate financial and operational risks, ensuring adherence to internal controls and audit recommendations.
32. Prepare financial reports and ensure that they are accurate and timely.
33. Participate in procurement of goods and services and ensure that they purchased in a cost-effective manner.
34. Perform any other duties as assigned by the AU-IBAR Director or his/her designate.

Duty Station

AU-IBAR office based in Nairobi, Kenya with regular travel to participating countries within the Lake Chad Basin region.

Selection criteria

Gender Mainstreaming

The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Academic Requirements

Qualifications

1. Bachelor university degree in Monitoring and Evaluation, Agriculture/rural development/Veterinary Medicine, Public Health, Economics, Business Administration, Political or Social sciences, Quantitative analysis or statistics, or any other relevant or equivalent degree.
2. Applicants holding a specific Monitoring and Evaluation training certification in Monitoring and Evaluation in addition to the above general areas of training will be considered favourably.

General Experience

1. Minimum of five (5) years of relevant progressive work experience in areas of monitoring and evaluation, preferably within a regional, continental and/or international organization, of which at least 3 years should be at managerial level.
2. Atleast 3 years’ experience in M&E of One Health, public health, animal health and/or pandemic preparedness and response programmes/projects, including project management.
3. Atleast 3 years proven knowledge and experience in Monitoring and Evaluation methods and Monitoring and Evaluation data and information management .

Specific Experience

1. Familiarity with One Health, health security and animal/public health programme/project development, implementation and evaluation.
2. Experience in developing and delivering communication programmes and packages with and for different stakeholders and partner organisations.
3. Proven experience in M&E of similar assignments working with RECs, continental and international organizations such as WHO, FAO, WOAH and Africa CDC, among others.
4. Proven knowledge in the development of M&E frameworks and plans, theories of change, and results frameworks.
5. Knowledge of human/animal health and/or conducting data collection in the field.
6. Knowledge of data collection tools, frameworks and methods, M&E planning, and use of M&E applications.
7. Familiarity with donor rules and procedures, e.g. the European Commission Pillar Assessment and Pandemic Fund requirements.

Competencies

1. Teamwork and Collaboration.
2. Accountability awareness and Compliance.
3. Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving.
4. Job Knowledge and Information Sharing.
5. Drive for Results.
6. Continuous Improvement Focus.

Required Skills

1. Diplomacy and good interactive skills necessary for dealing with senior officials in Government, Regional Organizations, and donor/development organizations in Africa.
2. Good networking skills and ability to maintain positive and constructive dialogue and relationships with key institutions or stakeholders operating in the regions.
3. Very strong writing, analytical and communication, computer skills are necessary.
4. Proficiency in at least any of AU official languages.

Duration

The project life-span is for three (3) years but the duration of this consultancy is 6 months, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. 
The selected candidate should be available to undertake this assignment as soon as the contract is signed.

Remuneration

The monthly remuneration for this Consultancy is P3 step 5. Expenses for missions will be covered separately in accordance with the applicable African Union Commission rules and regulations.  

Supervision and reporting

The consultant will be under the Direct Supervision of the Project Co-ordinator – SCOPE project with overall supervision of the Director of AU-IBAR.

HOW TO APPLY 

Please submit Applications should include the following:

i.    Detailed curriculum vitae;
ii.    Copies of academic and professional qualifications;
iii.    Completed declaration on exclusion criteria in the format attached; and,
iv.    Copies of identification documents.

Email Address; procurement@au-ibar.org and a copy to albert.obiero@au-ibar.org clearly indicating in the subject line “Monitoring and Evaluation Expert” The deadline for applications will be 06th November 2026 at 23:45 Nairobi Local Time.