Monitoring Assistant Position
Locations: Calabar, Cross River State Nigeria
Reports to: MEAL Specialist
Start date: ASAP
Duration: 3 years (renewable)
Position Type: Full-time
Background:
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a US non-profit, tax-exempt, private organization established in 1895 that saves wildlife and wild places by understanding critical issues, crafting science-based solutions, and taking conservation actions that benefit nature and humanity. With more than a century of experience, long-term commitments in dozens of landscapes, presence in more than 60 nations, and experience helping to establish over 150 protected areas across the globe, WCS has amassed the biological knowledge, cultural understanding and partnerships to ensure that vibrant, wild places and wildlife thrive alongside local communities. Working with local communities and organizations, that knowledge is applied to address species, habitat and ecosystem management issues critical to improving the quality of life of poor rural people whose livelihoods depend on directly utilizing natural resources.
Position Overview:
The purpose of this position is to oversee and ensure the collection of quality M&E data. The primary responsibility of this position is to provide programmatic support and technical assistance to the WCS programme in Cross River State through collaboration with stakeholders to ensure program quality. Essential functions of this position will include monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning (MEL), program implementation, and reporting.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Collect required data in the field to inform the WCS Monitoring, Evaluation, Adaptation and Learning (MEAL) programme.
- Support the development and implementation of program MEAL plans to capture project performance and results, including data reporting, assessments, and all monitoring and evaluation activities.
- Support the development of data flow patterns for programs that will ensure timely data collection and reporting.
- Report results of MEAL activities by providing written documentation about progress toward achieving indicators/targets, as appropriate.
- Lead field office-level efforts to monitor project interventions, document results, and provide feedback to stakeholders to guide decision-making.
- Ensure data quality through data verification procedures, including routine data quality audits.
- S/He will lead on documenting case studies and success stories.
Position Requirements:
- A minimum bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, social sciences or a related field is preferable.
- The incumbent candidate must have at least two (2) years of relevant experience in Monitoring and Evaluating project activities.
- Adaptability and flexibility: This position is mainly field-based, and the incumbent must understand that work environments can be unpredictable and dynamic. S/he must adapt to changing circumstances, work under pressure, and handle unexpected situations.
- Communication skills: Effective communication is essential for this role. The incumbent will be required to interact with colleagues and stakeholders in a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural team.
- Organizational skills: This role often requires managing multiple tasks, projects, or assignments simultaneously. Strong organizational skills, including time management and prioritization abilities, are crucial to meet deadlines and stay on top of responsibilities.
- Problem-solving abilities: This role may often involve encountering unexpected challenges or issues. Being able to think critically, analyze problems, and find practical solutions is crucial.
- Physical stamina: This role might occasionally involve physical labour or work in challenging environments. Having the physical stamina and fitness required to carry out tasks safely and efficiently is essential.
- Documentation and reporting skills: Accurate and detailed documentation of activities, observations, and reports is required for this role. Proficiency in preparing concise and comprehensive reports is essential for tracking progress, sharing information, and ensuring compliance.
- Must be a pro-active, stable, robust character and a good team player.
- Must be able to demonstrate experience in data collection and community outreach.
- Full professional proficiency in English is compulsory.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates, who meet the above qualifications, skills, and experience, should apply by emailing a detailed application/cover letter and CV (in PDF) with the names and contact information of three references to: nigeriaapplications@wcs.org. Please include “Monitoring Assistant, Calabar” in the subject line of your email.
Application Deadline: 31 July 2023
WCS is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value.
The Hiring Manager will only contact shortlisted candidates for an interview.