Capacity Building and M&E Officer EU Aid Volunteer

Region: Yangon, Myanmar

Project description:

People in Need, is a Czech non-governmental organization (NGO) that has been providing aid in conflict-affected regions and supporting respect for human rights since 1992. Since then, People in Need has grown into one of the largest NGOs in Central Europe. Today, its work focuses on relief and development aid, advocacy for human rights and democratic freedom, social work, and education, awareness and information. In Myanmar, People in Need started to work in 2002, when it launched the financial assistance to civil society groups and independent media. After 2008, PIN provided humanitarian and relief aid to people affected by typhoon Nargis. Since 2012, PIN has been operating directly from Myanmar, our programs focuses primarily on knowledge transfer, capacity building and support of local initiatives in remote areas, and humanitarian assistance. We are working in areas affected by armed conflicts in Rakhine State and in Kachin State providing humanitarian aid in the sectors of Nutrition, Education in Emergencies, Protection and WASH. In Kachin State, PIN also provides technical support for designing and implementation of the land reform process and works for ensuring the appropriate involvement of civil society organizations. Furthermore, our social cohesion program aims to promote tolerance and acceptance of diversity in different communities in Mon, Kayin and Rakhine States. We are currently expanding our operations into urban programming in Yangon. Apart from Yangon, PIN has currently offices in Rakhine, Kachin and Kayin States.

 

OPERATIONAL AND SECURITY CONTEXT:

Southeast Myanmar (Kayin State and Mon State)

Conflict-affected region with possible eruption of armed clashes and intercommunal
violence. In the coming years, the Southeast will most likely experience a significant wave
of return of refugees from Thailand, and IDPs may reintegrate their community of origin.
Kayin State is still confronted to the issue of dual administration; Shan State is vulnerable
to human trafficking and drug issues; the region as a whole is prone to natural disasters,
land evictions and mass economic migration to Thailand with mixed consequences on
communities

Rakhine State (Central and Northern Rakhine)

Tense environment with internal displacement and inter-community segregation. Rakhine is also one of the most—if not the most—vulnerable regions to natural disasters, and one of the poorest regions of Myanmar, together with Chin State in the north.

Kachin State

Tense environment due to the long civil war between the Myanmar military and the Kachin Independence Army creating major internal displacement. Land mine contamination and on-going skirmishes remains an issue. The capital Myitkyina, where PIN office is located is considered a safe area.

 

TASKS AND COMPETENCES

EUAV responsibilities will mainly consist of monitoring and evaluation, advocacy, capacity building and program support tasks. He/She will be based in Yangon, however assigned to support PIN’s programs in Kachin State and Northern Shan State.

Monitoring and Evaluation Tasks:

• At the project proposal stage, contributes to drafting the M&E section of the proposal narrative, describing specific MEAL actions in relation to each project activity. Reviews the project’s logical framework to ensure that it includes SMART indicators (https://www.indikit.net/) and PIN global sector indicators where relevant.
• After the project has been approved by the donor, prepares the Results Framework matrix and the Indicator Tracking Table and supervises its continuous utilization. Makes sure that progress is checked against the project indicators. Prepares the MEAL Workplan – within the project workplan – to detail when MEAL activities (e.g. baseline/endline studies) will be conducted.
• In collaboration with the project staff, and based on the clarification of the project indicators in the Results Framework, creates a package of data collection tools (attendance sheets, observation checklists, key informant interview and focus group discussion topic guides) for the monitoring of the project.
• Trains the project and partner staff on the data collection tools and methods (e.g. how to conduct a focus group discussion, how to use and fill the prepared forms and tools), so that they can accurately collect the data.
• Responsible for overseeing data collection for different types of monitoring. Informs the project staff about when they need to conduct monitoring activities (e.g. observations, or baseline/endline activities). If external enumerators are used, she/he trains the enumerators to understand the questionnaire clearly, and on how to conduct the interview, by demonstrating and practicing in pairs.
• Once monitoring data have been collected, reviews the data and clarifies any inconsistencies with the staff who collected it.
• Responsible for conducting data analysis (e.g. of baseline or pre-/post-test or workshop observation checklists). Produces short reports, which clearly highlight the most important findings for project improvement.
• Safely stores both the electronic and paper versions of the collected data (e.g. data download from Kobo, pre-/post tests, attendance sheets, etc.), as well as the database of monitoring data. Paper forms are stored in a locked cupboard in the office. Electronic data are saved in a password-protected folder in ELO and on Sharepoint.
• Upon agreement by the management, conduct monitoring site visits for monitoring and data collection purposes.

Complaints & Response Mechanism

• Responsible to supervise the Complaints & Response Mechanism, ensuring that the Telephone Hotline, e-mails and other CRM channels are functional and regularly checked. Responsible for ensuring that all feedback is answered, logged in the CRM log, and callers are referred to the relevant service providers if needed.
• Ensures that not only the issues, but also the responses are documented.
• Trains project teams and implementing partners in how to receive appropriately and report questions and complaints.
• Continuously learn about new technologies and methodologies in M&E and share this knowledge with project teams and implementing partners

Capacity Building Tasks:

• Support PIN’s Kachin Team and partner organizations in Kachin with capacity building. This will include on-the-job training, coaching, mentoring, simulations etc.
• Conduct a desk review to map and collate relevant key existing tools and training materials available for capacity building (program management, strategic planning, M&E, financial management, resource mobilisation, HR, community mobilization, advocacy, including material which specifically target project thematic policy issues).
• Select the most relevant tools and write short descriptions: purpose, how they can be used (or e.g. if there is a requirement for an external trainer/organization who provide capacity building based on this tool etc.) target group, feedback received (if available).
• Talent management, building of the individual’s skills, in particular communication, reporting and process facilitation skills development.
• Manage/coordinate all capacity building related activities included in relevant project proposals.
• Support collecting project related evidence and development of educational and awareness materials such as lessons learnt, case studies, for sharing of experience and information on the project for partners, stakeholders, beneficiaries and policy makers.
• To provide role model for leadership and management in a way that can’t be taught in training (in Myanmar facilitation skills are usually taught in a way that participants learn a few new techniques on how to encourage communication among others, facilitate meetings, but not really focusing on the needs to intervene e.g. in discussions around contested issues (like land issues).
• Provide motivation, encourage changes, cultivate the right attitudes
• Play an advisory role to the project field staff on technical issues of project implementation and institutional strengthening to ensure that best practices to are applied

Programme support

• Support in-country management team with concept note and proposal development, and project reporting processes upon request.
• Lead ad hoc data collection and verification processes.
• Represent PIN in meeting with INGOs, local NGOs, CSOs, UN and donors.

 

REQUIRED COMPETENCES:

Transversal competences

• Organized person
• Responsible, independent, motivated
• Working with others, team player
• Self-awareness and resilience
• Common sense and patience
• Open to new things, willing to learn, develop
• Pro-actively requesting and searching for information necessary for given tasks performance
• Pro-actively identifying and addressing problems needing attention in field s specified above
• Working with others efficiently
• Achieves and communicates the immediate results of the action and the progress made in terms of capacity building
• Willingness to travel outside duty station

Specific competences

• Good communication skills
• Understanding the humanitarian context of the EU Aid Volunteers initiative and applying humanitarian principles

Technical competences

• Excellent communication skills - verbal and written including fluency in written and spoken English.
• Performing all duties appropriately for a multi-cultural environment, treating all persons with dignity and respect
• Strong writing and analysing skills
• Experience in local organizational development/capacity building
• Experience working with CSOs of varying sizes and capacities, preference for experience with CSOs from similar context as Myanmar (transitional countries)
• Experience developing organizational capacity building plans and providing capacity building support to CSO
• Strong communication skills, interpersonal skills to effectively coordinate with a wide range of stakeholders
• Highly organised and able to manage multiple tasks and work on own initiative as needed
• M&E related technical skills and experience would be an advantage

Apprenticeship

Tailor-made apprenticeship will be hold in Prague.

 

ELIGIBILITY AND EXCEPTION CRITERIA:

The candidate for EU Aid Volunteers must be a citizen of the EU or a third country national who is a long-term resident in an EU Member State, and must have a minimum age of 18 years.

Myanmar is a multi-ethnic (more than 135 ethnic groups) and multi-religious (Christians, Muslims, Hindus) country. More than 87 % of the country’s population is practicing Buddhism. Religion is vividly present in daily life, art, architecture and society; this is reflected on the many Buddhist temples and pagodas all over the country.

The official language is Burmese, but each minority in the country has its own language. Many Myanmar people are happy to practice their English speaking skills with foreigners and usually show patience when communication is difficult. Learning basic Burmese will be very helpful for getting around, it is also perceived as a sign of respect and interest towards local culture. Myanmar people certainly appreciates the effort.

Please bear in mind that during the rainy season (usually May to September), there can be cyclones, floods and hail storms. All PIN areas of intervention are vulnerable to natural disasters, but Rakhine or Sagaing are particularly affected. While the rainy season can be a welcome reprieve from the heat, it can also wear on people for a number of reasons. The rain in Myanmar does not come at a specific time and as such cannot be scheduled around. Another issue is that the increase in humidity can cause a growth of white mould on many of your items, including clothing.

 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor/Masters level degree;
• Field experience in development in different countries, preferably with non-governmental organizations;
• Excellent command of Excel and full Microsoft Office package;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
• Excellent spoken and written English,
• Adaptability, self-awareness and inter-personal skills to adapt to different working styles and cultural contexts;
• Ability to work collaboratively and train others;
• Intercultural awareness and respectful attitude towards other customs and traditions;
• Motivation for promoting local and social development.

Deployment dates:

November, 2019 – October, 2020

Learning opportunities:

A structured learning and development plan will be developed for each EU Aid Volunteer. This will include self-assessment, structured learning and development plan reviews, on-line learning, peer-to-peer support, a two-week EC training, followed by PIN induction training. EU Aid Volunteers will also have an assigned Mentor for the entirety of their volunteer placement with PIN.

PIN Country Programme level: S/he will interface with the senior management, other programme management and mission communications team. It is also likely that the individual will take part in any related higher-level meetings liaising with national authorities, UN organizations, iNGOs, coordinating bodies and other members of civil society.

PIN HQ level: S/he could likely interface with the Country Programme’s HQ Desk Officer and Support Desk Officer and HQ Communications Team.

 

WORKING AND LIVING CONDITIONS:

Contract: EU Aid Volunteer Agreement

Volunteer Allowance:

In line with EU Aid Volunteer subsistence allowances:

Whilst in Myanmar €414,50 per month

Whilst in the Czech Republic €401,64 per month

 

ACCOMMODATION:

Accommodation when deployed in Myanmar will be provided by PIN.

At the end of volunteer placement an allowance of €100/per each month deployed will be provided as a resettlement allowance.

Travel

A return flight will be provided to Yangon from the EU Aid Volunteers home country or from the Czech Republic upon apprenticeship completion.

The cost of pre-departure preparations; insurance, medical clearance and vaccinations will be provided.

Line Management and Mentoring

Line Manager whilst deployed – Head of Programmes

Mentor – Mentor based in Prague assigned for the entirety of the volunteer placement with PIN.

 

SELECTION PROCESS:

Closing date: November 4

Shortlisting and interviews:

Shortlisting and interviews will be conducted between November 4-6

Interview process:

Pre-selected candidates will be contacted and requested to record a video-questionnaire. If successful, two rounds of interviews will be carried out (by Sending and Hosting organisations).
Expected date on decision of outcome: November 6
Expected Timetable:
Date of training:
Apprenticeship placement dates (leave blank if not foreseen): November 6 – 15, 2019
Deployment: repeat dates given above: November 2019 – October 2020
Post-deployment activities: November – December 2020
 

HOW TO APPLY:

Please send us your CV in EuroPass format and Self assessment form till November 4th, 2019 by clicking on following link. The EuroPass CV template, as well as the Self-assessment form, can be found here.