Agency: AKF/MSDSP
Deadline: 11 May 2025 г.
Department: Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning Unit (MERL)
Location: Bishkek
Reports to: AKF/MSDSDP Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning Unit Manager
Common information
The Public Foundation Kyrgyzstan Mountain Societies Development Support Programme (MSDSP KG) is an initiative of the Aga Khan Foundation, established in 2006. MSDSP aspires to improve the quality of life and self-reliance of people in the Kyrgyz Republic through inclusive and innovative community-driven solutions, constant learning, and integrity. It implements a range of integrated interventions in agriculture and food security, climate resilience, work and enterprise, education and early childhood development, health and nutrition, as well as civil society development and promotion of gender equality in collaboration with community-based groups and local government authorities. MSDSP is active in many of the most remote and vulnerable communities in the Kyrgyz Republic, particularly in the rural and peri-urban areas, covering a total population of more than 520,000 people. For more information, please refer to www.akdn.org
Job purpose: Monitor and evaluate the relevant projects implemented by the project departments. Ensure high-quality monitoring, evaluation of the projects.
Qualification requirements
Education
Bachelor's or Master’s Degree in Sociology, Mathematics, Economics, Statistics, Agriculture or International Relations.
Experience
- Minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in quantitative and qualitative research;
- Experience in implementing M&E activities within projects funded by international development agencies such as DFID, the European Commission, the World Bank, among others;
- Experience in designing, implementing, and operating project M&E systems through the project’s implementation cycle;
- Experience in designing and managing field monitoring activities and database systems;
- Experience in performance measurement, including indicator selection, target setting, data analysis, reporting, database management, and developing M&E and performance monitoring plans
Skills/Competencies
- Ability to analyze quantitative and qualitative data, as well as applying statistical methods for quantitative data analysis using statistical software such as SPSS or Stata;
- Ability to maintain databases, verify data, and conduct regular data quality assessments;
- Ability to work independently, as well as to coordinate the implementation of the M&E plan and research activities;
- Demonstrated ability to write concise analytical reports in both English and Russian;
- Demonstrated capacity to use M&E data to adapt project activities, inform program development, as well as to contribute to the development of internal and communication materials;
- Ability to adapt to new situations and challenges, be open to new ideas;
- Entrepreneurial, dynamic, and ability to work with little supervision;
- Strong interest in conducting qualitative and quantitative research;
- Demonstrated interest in contributing to the development of long-term solutions to address socio-economic challenges faced by disadvantaged groups;
- Excellent computer literacy.
Languages: Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, Kyrgyz, and Russian
Duties
- In collaboration with other staff of the MERL, develop M&E plans and systems for the projects implemented by AKF and MSDSP across its core programs: Civil Society, Work & Enterprise, Agriculture and Food Security, Climate Resilience, Education, Early Childhood Development, and Health & Nutrition.
- In line with M&E plans and systems designed, lead on the implementation of M&E activities, such as needs and annual assessments, applied studies, case studies, baseline/midline/endline assessments, and regular monitoring activities;
- Disseminate the findings of M&E activities within AKF and MSDSP;
- Contribute to AKF and MSDSP fundraising efforts by providing inputs for the development of project proposals logframes, indicators, and M&E budget;
- Provide regular support in maintaining AKF/MSDSP databases.
- Ensure efficient communication between the MERL, AKF, and MSDSP projects/programs, the Communication Department, as well as the Partnership Department;
- Contribute to the overall MERL development, if necessary, and get involved in other projects of the organization.
Responsibilities in the implementation of baseline and end-line studies:
- Develop methodology, sampling, and schedule of research activities using MERL templates;
- Analyze and present the research results using MERL templates.
Responsibilities in project monitoring:
- Develop the main tools (questionnaires, checklists, etc.) using MERL templates.
- On a quarterly basis, update M&E plans for assigned projects;
- Conduct the monitoring of relevant projects according to the monitoring plan.
- Using monitoring findings, conduct a debriefing with relevant project and program staff members to facilitate the development of solutions to improve the performance of the project assigned;
- Ensure that the collected data is input into AKF MSDSP OMS and GRS.
Responsibilities in terms of work planning and reporting:
- Plan quarterly M&E tasks on time using MERL templates;
- Report to MERL on a regular basis on the progress made against the planned quarterly activities.
- Document or file the M&E results, research & monthly monitoring reports, etc., in a timely and accurate manner.
Safeguarding:
- Information on safeguarding is integrated into the M&E reports for all projects.
- The M&E processes/outcomes also assess whether projects are safe for the targeted communities.
Gender:
- Ensure that Global Indicators on Gender are reflected in the logframes of any new project proposals submitted.
- Ensure the systematic tracking of gender-related indicators under each project and across AKF-MSDSP programs.
Conditions
Interested and qualified candidates could express their interest in writing by submitting their applications by May 11, 2025, 00:00 (Bishkek time) to the following email address msdspkg.hr@akdn.org, indicating the job title and their name in the subject line.
For example: "MERL Coordinator" and attach the following documents:
- Cover letter, no more than 200 words;
- CV;
- Contact information for four referees.
- Copies of educational documents verifying qualifications.
Applications that do not meet the above requirements will not be considered.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited for interviews.
All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which include criminal record checks. AKF Kyrgyzstan also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. You can find out more about this scheme on this link: https://misconduct-disclosure-scheme.org/
The Public Foundation Kyrgyzstan Mountain Societies Development Support Programme (MSDSP KG) is committed to safeguarding, which means it promotes respectful relations with and between all staff, associates, beneficiaries and wider communities with whom it works, and takes all reasonable measures to prevent harm, including all forms of sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment (PSEAH), bullying, discrimination, harassment and abuse of power that may arise from contact with its staff, programmes or operations.
MSDSP KG also adheres to child safeguarding principles, as set out by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credentials (s), employment history, and any potential history of misconduct. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a full background check.
All employees of MSDSP KG are required to adhere to the organizational safeguarding standards and principles and at all times to act with dignity, respect, and to contribute to a safe environment free from any type of harassment, abuse, or discrimination.”