How the Senior Expert fits into the Integrity Team
The Senior Expert (Learning) will be a varied technical role at Integrity, working primarily on the design and delivery of Monitoring Evaluation and Learning projects, specifically the CSSF Global MEL contract.
The Senior Expert will sit within the Services team which leads the design and delivery of our work. For the first two years, the Senior Expert will work primarily on the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF) Global Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (GMEL) Partnership.
CSSF Global MEL Partnership – Project Background
The UK government funds over £1 billion in programming per year through the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF). Operating in over 70 countries, CSSF is central to the UK government’s work overseas. CSSF has contracted Integrity, and our partner LTS-Niras, to form the CSSF Global MEL Partnership (GMEL). GMEL supports the development of a stronger, more agile and more sustainable ‘ecosystem’ for monitoring, evaluation, learning (MEL) and their application in decision-making. To achieve this we shall, among other things:
- Support CSSF in putting in place effective M&E frameworks, processes and tools, including evidence synthesis, at Fund and portfolio levels; and sharing promising practice at programme level.
- Support CSSF in developing and implementing a capability-building strategy for MEL;
- Strengthen CSSF organisational learning processes and incentives and support CSSF systems for the commissioning and use of applied research; and
- Enhance CSSF use of digital tools in MEL knowledge management.
This exciting programme is in a three-month transition phase and implementation plans are being developed, including scaling up the growing project team to meet the anticipated requirements of project implementation.
Our theory of change envisages a stronger MEL ecosystem as one which enables CSSF to more effectively and consistently: demonstrate credible contributions to HMG priorities; use credible evidence for decision making; communicate insights transparently; and learn from its own practice.
GMEL applies an innovative approach whereby we work with the JFU and the network to co-create a responsive and utilisation-focused MEL architecture. We do this by co-designing ideas for implementation using an agile approach through stages of prototyping, testing, learning and adaptation.
The Senior Expert’s Scope of Work
The Senior Expert will join the CSSF GMEL Team as a Learning and Collaboration Adviser.
You will work with a multi-disciplinary team to support and deliver a portfolio of interventions that aim to support CSSF to more effectively:
- Demonstrate credible contributions to HMG priorities;
- Use reliable evidence in decisions for policy strategy, funding allocations and programme planning;
- Communicate and exchange insights transparently across CSSF, with wider HMG and other audience;
- Learn from its own practice.
This unique position will include designing initiatives that bring a change to more explicit and intentional collaboration processes within MEL, in particular convening spaces for informal learning. The position will also provide advice to prototyping, testing, implementing and refining specific GMEL interventions. Advice can take many forms, including process design, facilitation, adaptation of tools, development of guidance. Specific responsibilities include:
- Engagement with CSSF stakeholders to diagnose informal learning needs and preferences.
- Co-developing concept notes and delivery plans.
- Designing processes that convene space for informal learning within the MEL ecosystem.
- Managing and participating in the implementation of specific interventions (e.g. peer exchanges, rapid learning from implementation challenges, sense-making sessions, organisational learning events, strengthening learning outcomes from routine monitoring and review process, etc).
- Technical support to other GMEL Advisers in building collaborating processes into specific interventions (e.g. applied research, MEL training, conflict sensitivity).
- Leading a pool of process delivery short-term technical advisers.
- Analysing evidence to provide findings for internal testing, monitoring and learning systems.
- Contributing to the technical development of the Collaboration practice area.
- Collegiate participation in internal GMEL workshops, meetings and knowledge management systems.
In addition to your role on the CSSF GMEL contract, you will also support the technical design of bids for clients including DFID, the FCO and USAID. This will include developing appropriate and innovative approaches and methodologies to meet the needs of our clients and writing technical proposals. These proposals will relate to our key service offerings, including: Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL); Research, Evidence & Analysis; and Data and Knowledge Management.
In addition, you will also support the consolidation of good practice within the company and take on line management responsibilities for more junior staff members.
Your Experience and Expertise
We are looking for a wide range of experience in supporting collaborative processes that create better spaces for people to reflect on and learn from each other’s experience and know-how in the context of MEL. In particular:
- Relevant experience, preferably at least 8 years (with 2+ years in senior roles)
- Substantial experience of designing and delivering interventions using at least two of the following approaches/methods: organisational learning; human centred design; lean start-up; behavioural insights; adaptive management; problem driven iterative adaptation; user participation.
- Advanced skills in at least two of the following areas: group facilitation (in face to face, online and blended spaces); communities of practice; rapporteuring of technical and creative processes (synthesis and analysis, verbal and written outputs); media (photography, video, audio, graphic communication); online collaboration apps; event logistics.
- Experience of project management.
- Experience of working collaboratively within a team (remotely and in person) and of advising others.
- Experience of working in fast-paced environments with the ability to adapt to new information, strategically prioritise and keep colleagues are up to date with the work you have in hand.
- Experience working with conflict programming, international development, or humanitarian policy / consulting / research organisations is preferable.
- Experience of monitoring and / or evaluation processes is desirable.
- Experience operating in Fragile and Conflict Affected States and familiarity with the CSSF network is desirable.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
How to apply:
If you are interested in applying for this position, please complete the application form at http://www.integrityglobal.com/apply-sm/ and attach a CV and Cover Letter at the bottom of your application.
The closing date for applications is 28 August 2020. However, we will review candidates on a rolling basis and the vacancy may be filled before this deadline. We encourage early applications. Please be advised that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.
This role is advertised as a full-time staff position, although fixed-term contracts may also be considered.
Integrity is an equal opportunities employer. And positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. We will respect your confidentiality and abide by UK data protection laws.