Programme / MEL Officer

Summary

Established in 1997, African Initiatives is an international development charity based in Bristol, UK. Working with local partners in Africa we support marginalised individuals and communities to exercise their rights. Over the last 20 years we have built trusting and equitable relationships with civil society groups in Tanzania and Ghana. Our programmes support girls’ education, women’s rights, sustainable livelihoods andaccess to health. By finding African solutions to African problems, we have changed the lives of thousands of men, women and children for the better.

Location: Bristol with occasional overseas travel

Hours/Term: 22.5 hours (3 days) – 37.5 hours (5 days)- tbc

This job has the potential to grow into a full-time role as additional project funding is secured

Reporting to: Programme Manager

Salary: £22,500 - £25,000 (pro-rata) depending on experience

Job Purpose

As a Programme Officer withAfrican Initiatives, you will be an integral part of a small, dynamic team with a full and varied role. You will be responsible for supporting the delivery of a portfolio of projects - including education, health and sustainable livelihoods projects. This includes securing funding, grant start up, grant management,reporting to donors, supporting organisational development of partner organisations, networking and advocacy support. You will also play a key role in ensuring evidence of our programme impact is based on well-designed monitoring, evaluation and learningframeworks in line with agreed contracts, organisational strategic plans and Theory of Change.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Support the successful delivery of the programme portfolio

  1. Support the Programme Manager in the start-up, planning, implementation and exit of overseas projects and grants (both institutional and trusts & foundations)
  2. Prepare narrative and financial donor reports in collaboration with partners, Programme Manager and Finance Manager
  3. Work in close collaboration with the Finance Managerand Administrator to ensure grant spending is monitored, on track and in line with budget
  4. Support project partners in the implementation of grant management systems with a focus on financial systems, processes, MEL and reporting
  5. Contribute to the support of partners’ organisational development and training needs, monitor and evaluate partnerships, build relationships and maintain regular and effective communication with partner organisations
  6. Contribute to the development and maintenance of project and organisational monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) systems
  7. Contribute to the implementation of the organisational Communications plan including the development of annual ‘Learning Documents’, showcasing learning, applied research, best practice, consultation and cooperation, as well as project updates to feature on our website and other African Initiatives publications
  8. Produce internal and external project summaries, reports and learning papers to communicate project findings and learning
  9. Commission external reviews, evaluations, surveys and training sessions as needed
  10. Represent African Initiatives at key events, meetings and conferences and contribute to key partnerships, networks and consortia

Other tasks

Support the Development and growth of UK and Tanzania operations

  1. Assist the Chief Executive and Programme Manager as needed with organisational development of key strategic areas
  2. Secure funding by identifying, researching and monitoring (institutional) funding opportunities, drafting proposals/appeals and cultivating relationships with donors in line with donor requirements, organisational strategy and agreed targets
  3. Contribute to the development and maintenance of project and organisational monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) systems
  4. Work in collaboration with the Fundraising Team to support the development of MEL frameworks for Trust & Foundation applications

External representation

  1. Monitor current debates in the UK, UN & internationally; identify opportunities to shape relevant policies/activities; cultivate relationships with key stakeholders
  2. Assist African Initiatives’ public communications and profile raising- write blog and news pieces, update social media platforms, assist in the production of other publications and participate in media or high profile events/activities

Person Specification

Professional Skills
Essential / Desirable
  1. Educated to Degree level in a related field.
  2. 2 – 5 years Programme, Project and/or Grant Management experience in a related field.
  3. Experience of writing fundraising proposals.
  4. Strong experience of development and/or implementation of MEL frameworks in international development, including ability to develop a log frame.
  5. Experience of cultivating and maintaining professional relationships, i.e. with partners, donors, etc.
  6. Understanding of a rights based framework for international development and knowledge and understanding of the issues affecting women, children and young people in Africa
  7. Excellent English communication skills, both verbal and written, with an ability to adapt communication as appropriate to different audiences.
  8. Strong financial planning and reporting skills.
  9. Excellent interpersonal skills, including listening skills.
  10. Proficiency with Windows and Office Suite (Word, Excel etc.) computer packages.
/
  1. Knowledge or experience of obtaining funds from grant making bodies in particular DFID, Big Lottery and Comic Relief.Also, experience of the IATI system.
  2. Experience of having worked in Africa.
  3. Experience / commitment to the Disability / Inclusions agenda.
  4. Experience of working and communicating at a distance, preferably across cultures.
  5. Fluency in Swahili.
  6. Advanced IT skills in databases i.e. SPSS, and advanced Excel skills including for the analysis of data e.g. pivot-tables.

Personal Qualities
Essential / Desirable
  1. Commitment to African Initiatives mission and values.
  2. Ability to work to a high standard independently and to prioritise and manage a varied workload and competing deadlines.
  3. Willingness to work outside the core hours, infrequently but as needed, to meet the requirements of the role.
  4. Ability to travel for work purposes for up to four weeks per annum.
  5. Strong team player.
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  1. Experience of having lived in Africa.

How to Apply

Please send your CV, a completed application form and two references to byWednesday 31stMay 2017. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Interviews will be held the week of Monday 12th June.Unfortunately, given the size of our team, we will only be able to contact shortlisted candidates.

Please indicate your availability, including any notice period and your preferred start date if appointed. We would like this post to start as soon as possible. Please note candidates must independently have the right to live and work in the UK.

African Initiatives is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and positively welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Additional information is available at

African Initiatives Ltd. Registered Charity No. 1064413

Brunswick Court, Brunswick Square, Bristol, BS2 8PE