The services included in this project are;
- Build a supportive ecosystem for women’s entrepreneurship aimed at improving access to finance,
- Develop an innovative platform that dispenses advisory services addressing capacity constraints, skills enhancement and digital presence for WSMEs,
- Enhance visibility and access to mentorship and role models for WSMEs. The project specifically seeks to unlock the entrepreneurial capacity of 400 WSMEs and improve AECF’s ecosystem for supporting women entrepreneurs in nine countries (Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe).
This project is implemented by AECF between April 2022 and December 2023
AECF is seeking to recruit a vibrant and highly motivated consultant to support the implementation of the Nkwanzi Scaling WSMEs in the nine countries. The Project Consultant will be the lead provider of advisory services to the Women SMEs supported in this project and will also be responsible for overall quality assurance of all the services provided under this project. These will largely comprise of technical assistance, investor readiness services and communication.
The AECF, LLC now invites eligible consultants to indicate their interest in providing these services. Interested consultants must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (brochures, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills among staff, etc.)
Eligibility criteria, the establishment of the short-list and the selection procedure shall be in accordance with the African Development Bank’s “Rules and Procedures for the use of Consultants”, which is available on the Bank’s website at http://www.afdb.org.
An evaluation committee will be formed by the AECF and may include employees of the businesses to be supported. All members will be bound by the same standards of confidentiality. The consultant should ensure that they fully respond to all criteria to be comprehensively evaluated.
The AECF may request and receive clarification from any consultant when evaluating a proposal. The evaluation committee may invite some or all the consultants to appear before the committee to clarify their proposals. In such an event, the evaluation committee may consider such clarifications in evaluating proposals.
In deciding the final selection of a qualified bidder, the technical quality of the proposal will be given a weighting of 80% based on the evaluation criteria.
The mandatory and desirable criteria against which proposals will be evaluated are identified in the table below.
Key Areas for Evaluation/ Assessment Weighted Award
- Expression of Interest 80
- An understanding of the consultancy requirements; 20
- Relevant services are undertaken by the bidder in past engagements with evidence of LPO/LSO, letter of engagement, completion certificate 20
- Detailed reference list indicating the scope and magnitude of similar assignments and at least 3 signed letters of reference from past customers or associates to the consultant 10
- Qualification and experience of the consultant/team and evidence of relevant certification 20
- All the required registration and certification documents 10
Monitoring and Reporting:
• Monitor and facilitate program progress measurement, reporting and tracking compliance with donor requirements and internal program quality systems.
• Conduct complex data analysis processes and reporting for all relevant purposes for the preparation of quarterly reports, annual reports for partners and board reports.
• Take lead in drafting, consolidation, and submission of program reports to program partners, Equity Group Board and the contribute to the preparation of the annual impact report.
• Contribute towards improvement in result-based reporting and quality of reports to donors/partners and internal reporting structures.
• Prepare technical briefs and special papers on key thematic areas of focus and strategic program achievements
• Facilitate the implementation of the MERL plan, regularly revising and updating performance questions, indicators, methods, and formats.
• Coordinate and participate in regular field monitoring visits and submit field visit reports.
• Periodically review and advise on the development of tailor-made MERL tools.
• Take charge of data quality management for the programme and ensure integration of data quality standards in reporting of programme achievements.
• Supervise the management of the EGF Data Management and Information System to facilitate effective access to data/information and efficient managerial decision making.
Design and Planning:
• Develop and facilitate the review of the programme Theory of Change, MERL frameworks and tools including the specific program MERL plans, log frames, performance monitoring plans and indicator reference sheets.
• Provide technical input in the development of compelling grant proposals and concepts with strong and well-articulated MERL sections.
• With support from the Associate Director and other MERL Managers, develop and test systems and processes to respond to the demands of adaptive programming.
• Support the integration of successful approaches in routine MERL practices.
• Organize and facilitate training on the application of result-based monitoring and evaluation in program design, management, and reporting.
• Prepare MERL activity concepts, annual works plans and budgets.
• Develop and implement cost-effective and real time data collection systems and tools including but not limited to the use of mobile devices and digital survey tools.
• Serve as a key liaison person with EGF program team, finance, operations, procurement, and management teams in MERL related matters.
• Developed a close working relationship with external partners including donors, Government, private sector and Non-Governmental organizations in MERL practice and collaborations.
• Proactively work with the MERL team and key stakeholders to resolve and/or disseminate key risks, issues and best practices identified through the programme monitoring work.
Evaluation and Learning:
• Take lead in conducting internal evaluations, assessments, tracer studies and other relevant special studies on periodic basis.
• Facilitate quarterly program reviews against the set KPIs and draft program review reports to EGF management and partners.
• Developing terms of reference(s), scope of works, selection, and supervision of external service providers/consultants.
• Coordinate external program evaluations and assessments and ensure learning is understood and disseminated to all the relevant stakeholders.
• Coordinate the Identification and documentation of result-oriented case studies, success stories and other qualitative progress reporting methods periodically.
• Champion the application of participatory research/ appraisal in conducting social research for monitoring and evaluation purpose for the foundation programs.
• Organize and conduct capacity enhancement forums for the relevant program staff in the performance of monitoring and evaluation activities.
• Represent the MERL department and the foundation whenever called upon in external meeting and forums with stakeholders.
• Regularly review and improve the MERL system by seeking stakeholder inputs and through consultations with MERL practitioners in other organizations.
• Lead the program team in periodic program reviews and facilitating lessons learned workshops.
• Provide technical support and build capacity of staff through organizing and facilitating tailor made training opportunities.
• Mentor and coach junior MERL staff within the department aimed at improved performance and enhanced staff motivation.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• In collaboration with the other MERL staff, plan and conduct internal program quality assessments including periodic data quality assessments.
Qualifications
• A Master’s degree in either monitoring and evaluation, social statistics, project planning and management, development studies or related course.
• Relevant professional certifications and training in monitoring and evaluation and project cycle management.
• Practical knowledge of using data analysis softwares such as; SPSS, Python, STATA and NVivo.
• Possess and demonstrate leadership skills
Competences
• Demonstrates high levels of integrity and ethical standards.
• Proactive and works under minimal supervision.
• Ability to multitask.
• Ability to meet strict deadlines.
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Attentive to details.
Desired skills
• Demonstrate understanding of monitoring and evaluation for donor funded programmes and especially in the education sector.
• Over 5 years progressive experience in the field of monitoring and evaluation.
• Hands on experience in setting MERL systems and frameworks
• Familiarity with new trends in the MERL field preferably in the development sector.
• Experience in conducting program evaluations, including designing data collection tools/instruments, data visualization and presentation and successfully drafting MERL technical reports.