USAID/Kenya and East Africa (KEA) invests in democratic governance and conflict prevention programs at national and county levels that aim to improve governance and enhance the resilience of vulnerable populations.  This includes cross-cutting work to strengthen and build capacity of governance systems, and to support national government institutions, county governments, and civil society to inclusively plan, manage and finance services to meet local needs. 

 The office of Democratic Governance, Peace and Security (DGPS) is responsible for the design and achievement of USAID/KEA’s democracy, rights, governance, peacebuilding, and conflict prevention objectives in Kenya and the East Africa region. In Kenya, the DGPS office works collaboratively across the Mission and with national, county and sub-county governments and civil society stakeholders to: reduce fraud, waste and abuse in government operations; strengthen electoral and democratic processes; effectively implement devolved services; protect civic and media space; advance the rights of women and adolescent girls; reduce conflict and promote peacebuilding; and reduce recruitment to and support for violent extremism organizations.

The Project Management Specialist for Monitoring and Evaluation (PMS-M&E) in DGPS serves on the Analytics, Policy, Partnerships and Systems (APPS) team, as a key technical advisor to the DGPS Director and Deputy Office Directors in the monitoring and evaluation of programming under the DGPS portfolio. The Specialist is responsible for leading the development and implementation of the DGPS learning agenda, supporting Assistance/Contracting Officer’s Representatives (A/CORs) in complying with activity monitoring and evaluation requirements, and coordinating with M&E points of contact within the Mission to support Mission-wide collection and reporting of M&E data, and promoting best practices in applying evidence to improve program implementation. The Project Management Specialist (M&E) reports to the Deputy Office Director for APPS.

GENERAL INFORMATION

USAID DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING) AND DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANT’S BANK ACCOUNTS.

1. SOLICITATION : 23-04
2. ISSUANCE DATE: May 5, 2023
3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: May 18, 2023 (4:30 PM East Africa Time).
4. POINT OF CONTACT: USAID Kenya and East Africa Human Resources, e-mail at [email protected].
5. POSITION TITLE: USAID Project Management Specialist (Monitoring & Evaluation)
6. MARKET VALUE: Equivalent to FSN-10 Step 1 (3,341,686 KSH per annum) to Step 13 (5,680,858 KSH per annum). In accordance with AIDAR Appendix J and the Local Compensation Plan of USAID/Kenya and East Africa. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.
7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The services provided under this contract are expected to be of a continuing nature that will be executed by USAID through a series of sequential contracts, subject to the availability of funds, the continued need for services and successful performance. It is anticipated that the selection of the successful candidate will be completed within an estimatedsix-month period from the closing date of this solicitation. The base period will be for one year with the commencement date based upon successful medical clearance and security certification. Contingent on Agency needs, the Contracting Officer may exercise four additional option periods from the contract commencement date.
8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Nairobi, Kenya; with possible travel as stated in the Statement of
9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: Open to qualified Kenyan Citizens, including current locally hired employees of the US Government in Employees presently on probation are ineligible to apply.
10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Security certification issued by the US Embassy RSO.

Statement of Duties to be Performed

1. Technical Assistance in Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning 50%

• Assist in the development, management, and maintenance of the performance monitoring, evaluation and learning activities for the DGPS Office, such as developing, updating and revising the DGPS contribution to the Mission’s Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP), as well as other M&E plans.
• Provides performance management support and assists DGPS A/CORs in carrying out M&E functions such as the review of activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) plans, data quality assessments (DQAs), activity performance evaluations, etc.
• Supports DGPS A/CORs in ensuring that site visit reports are completed according to Mission guidance, tracked and filed appropriately and serves as DGPS Office custodian of M&E-related documents on guidance and compliance.
• Coordinates with A/CORs for the entry and certification of performance data in the Development Information Solution (DIS).
• Analyzes DGPS portfolio-wide program performance data and ensures timely and accurate reporting of results in the annual Performance Plan and Report (PPR) and DGPS Portfolio Reviews.
• Works with the DGPS technical leads on the design of new activities, with a focus on the development of strong results frameworks and logical framework analysis to improve the linkages between the desired outcomes and proposed approaches.
• Supports transmission and integration of M&E data and learning to A/CORs and technical leads to adapt and improve activity design and implementation for enhanced results and impact.
• Works closely with A/CORs to ensure that implementing partners have developed strategic interventions and MEL plans consistent with the needs of the Mission PMP and that include all required indicators.

2. Program Management, Technical Oversight and Representation 50%

• Serves as A/COR and/or Activity Manager for learning, adaptive management, and evaluation activities, as assigned. As C/AOR, s/he is responsible for all technical and administrative aspects of all activities managed, including activity design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and learning. This includes: actively managing activities by monitoring performance through periodic site visits; identifying challenges or enablers to performance; coordinating closely with implementing partners to adapt activities and plans, as necessary, in light of changing circumstances; answering a broad range of implementation questions; and preparing and receiving official communications with assigned partners. Reports to the DGPS Office Director and Deputy Office Directors, advising on progress and challenges. Maintains up-to-date knowledge of USAID policies, procedures, and best practices in activity management.
• Leads development and implementation of DGPS Learning Agenda, ensuring alignment activities with relevant components of the Agency Learning Agenda, and USAID/KEA Learning Agenda. Convenes stakeholders to collaboratively identify learning questions, research and evidence gaps, and opportunities for collecting and learning to bring to bear on DGPS projects and activities. Periodically updates and adapts Learning Agenda through consultative processes.
• Works closely with the members of the APPS team to identify opportunities for further research, data analysis, and learning needs.
• Participates in USAID/KEA or interagency monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) working groups as assigned, representing DGPS contributions to broader Mission and Embassy M&E initiatives.
• Coordinates with the Program Office on Mission-wide M&E-related tasks.
• Participates in site visits to DGPS implementing partners; communicates findings and recommendations for strengthening DGPS’s M&E activities and, as appropriate, those of implementing partners and GOK partners.
• Assists implementing partners to understand compliance with all relevant USAID regulations and procedures. Makes programmatic recommendations to DGPS Team, based on performance data and other available evidence, on how to use data for improved programming.

Supervisory Relationship

The Specialist works under the supervision of the Deputy Office Director for Analytics, Policy, Partnerships and Systems. Assignments are made orally and in writing. Most assignments are self-generated and occur in the normal course of the work. S/he exercises independence in most phases of the assignment but determines those situations that must be coordinated with the supervisor. The supervisor provides the goals and objectives to be achieved, and the results expected. Completed work is accepted as technically correct, and the overall assignment is reviewed in terms of results achieved.

Supervisory Controls

None.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

 

Prior Work Experience

A minimum of three years progressively responsible, job-related professional experience in the monitoring and evaluation or project management is required.

EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1. The CO reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive range of offerors with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant to FAR 15.306(c). In accordance with FAR 52.215-1, if the CO determines that the number of offers that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the CO may limit the number of offerors in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated offers. The FAR provisions referenced above are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

- Job Knowledge (40 points)

A thorough knowledge and understanding of M&E systems in a development context, and knowledge of best practices and methodologies in monitoring, evaluation, and learning. A knowledge of host-country historic, economic, social, cultural, and political characteristics and an understanding of the general level of development in the region is required. A good understanding or the potential to acquire knowledge of USAID and Mission policies and procedures related to M&E, project and activity design and management, and the full Program Cycle. In addition to M&E expertise, the incumbent must possess a familiarity with a wide range of relevant issues, such as program evaluation, democracy and governance, devolution, or other areas of development in Kenya.

- Skills and Abilities (30 points)

Attention to detail, organization, and an ability to work both independently and collaboratively are essential. The incumbent must be proactive, work with minimal supervision, and exercise sound judgment, while also being able to respond quickly and accurately to direction given by the supervisor or Office Director. Must possess critical thinking skills and problem-solving capabilities to apply complex regulations, policies and procedures to M&E and other program priorities. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing is necessary to prepare clear, substantive presentations, reports and briefing papers in English, in a timely manner. The incumbent must also possess strong teamwork and interpersonal skills in order to serve as an effective liaison for M&E-related issues with a wide array of individuals and institutions. The position requires flexibility, and an ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing contexts and priorities.

Work Experience (45 points) 

A minimum of three years progressively responsible, job-related professional experience in the monitoring and evaluation or project management is required.

Total possible points: 100

 

SUBMITTING AN OFFER

Step 1: Register in MyJobsInKenya at www.myjobsinkenya.com

Step 2: Complete the job application at www.myjobsinkenya.com.

Step 3: Internal Offerors/Current USG Employees: Attach an updated curriculum vitae/resume (no more than five pages), a copy of your most recent Performance Evaluation Report, and copies of all relevant certificates. Scan and attach all the documents and upload them to MyJobsInKenya.

OR

External Offerors/Not Current USG Employees: Attach an updated curriculum vitae/resume (no more than five pages) and copies of all relevant certificates. Scan and attach all the documents and upload them to MyJobsInKenya.

Offerors must provide a list of minimum three (3) professional references who are not family members or relatives, with complete name, title, organization where he/she works, description of relationship, with working/accurate telephone numbers and email addresses. The offeror’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities.

Note to Applicants:

1. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted through com.
2. Submissions will only be accepted through myjobsinkenya.com. Late and incomplete applications (those that do not contain the applicant’s most current and up to date detailed CV and relevant education certificates) will not be considered for the position.
3. All Applicants must provide at least three professional references, who are not family members or relatives, with working telephone and e-mail contacts. The references must be able to provide substantive information about your past performance and abilities. USAID reserves the right to contact your previous employers for relevant information concerning your performance and may consider such information in its evaluation of the

LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

The CO will provide instructions about how to complete and submit any required forms after an offeror is selected for the contract award.

BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

Benefits and allowances are offered in accordance with the Local Compensation Plan (LCP).

TAXES

The Contractor must observe Kenyan laws including those concerning income and related tax obligations.

USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs

USAID regulations and policies governing CCN and TCN PSC awards are available at these sources:

1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix J, “Direct USAID Contracts With a Cooperating Country National and with a Third Country National for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf.
2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms. Pricing by line item is to be determined upon contract
3. Acquisition & Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds- cibs.
4. Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the “Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch,” available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635. See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations.
5. PSC Ombudsman

The PSC Ombudsman serves as a resource for any Personal Services Contractor who has entered into a contract with the United States Agency for International Development and is available to provide clarity on their specific contract with the agency. Please visit our page for additional information: https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman.

The PSC Ombudsman may be contacted via: [email protected].