Project Analyst – MERL, Community Engagement, and GESI | RAAGSAN

Project Analyst – MERL, Community Engagement, and GESI

Location: Nairobi, Kenya (Remote support to field programs)
Travel: Required travel to Mogadishu and project field areas
Estimated Duration: 1 year, with the possibility of extension based on funding availability (3-month probation period)

Company Overview

RAAGSAN is a female-led, local social enterprise delivering strategic and analytical consulting services across the Horn of Africa. With a mission to bridge the gap between communities and policymakers, we leverage a network of young and middle-aged professionals supported by experienced senior consultants, all of whom possess extensive expertise in post-conflict environments. Our core strengths lie in understanding the Somali community and providing tailored solutions across various sectors, including livelihood, economic assessments, social protection, cash transfers, disaster management, gender, water sector development, transitional justice, supply chain, and humanitarian responses.

RAAGSAN is committed to strengthening policies and systems that enhance public service delivery in fragile and conflict-affected states. Our diverse operations have served a wide range of international and national clients, including the Government, GEEL Program, SSF through GIST, UNDP, IGAD, IOM, SOS, WFP, GIZ, NRC, RVI, GTS, UNICEF, Save the Children, local NGOs, and other international organizations. Our primary offices are located in Nairobi, Mogadishu, and Hargeisa, with a project office in Kismayo. We maintain a robust network of local field researchers and analysts across Eastern and Horn of Africa.

Position Objective

RAAGSAN Consulting seeks an experienced and dynamic Project Analyst – MERL, Community Engagement, and GESI to join our team in Nairobi. This pivotal role requires a proactive individual who will spearhead research initiatives, manage learning activities, and provide essential support for business development. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in maintaining and expanding our project impacts through meticulous research, monitoring, and evaluation.

Key Responsibilities

Project Implementation and Oversight

• Develop Clear Project Plans: Define the scope, goals, deliverables, resources, budget, and timelines. Ensure alignment with organizational goals and client expectations through collaborative stakeholder engagement.
• Lead Project Lifecycle: Oversee projects from initiation to completion, adhering to planned specifications across all phases.
• Stakeholder Feedback Systems: Establish systems to gather continuous feedback from stakeholders to inform ongoing project adjustments.
• Quality Control: Enforce strict quality controls to maintain high standards in project outputs. Ensure all deliverables meet quality benchmarks and stakeholder expectations.
• Financial Monitoring: Monitor spending and adjust plans to maximize financial efficiency.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL)

• MERL Frameworks and Tools: Develop and implement effective MERL frameworks tailored to project specifics. Track project performance, assess client activities against established benchmarks, and evaluate outcomes to understand efficacy and areas for improvement.
• Field Data Collection: Support the training of field data collection teams and collaborate with the Field Coordinator to oversee and implement field data collection plans. Ensure rigorous quality monitoring of ongoing field research activities and generate regular, comprehensive updates on project progress.
• Research Administration: Assist in field administration, ensuring compliance with research protocols and relevant policies.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Lead desk reviews, data analysis, and reporting, ensuring data integrity and relevance. Guide the synthesis of information and the creation of actionable insights.

Production and Dissemination of Information Products

• Information Product Creation: Lead the development of high-impact information products, including policy briefs, detailed reports, impact reports, and blog posts.
• Research Dissemination: Present research findings through presentations, workshops, conferences, and scientific papers. Collaborate with the communications team to ensure effective dissemination strategies.
• Learning Products: Support the development of learning materials and organize regular learning events to garner insights from stakeholders, including social influencers, policymakers, and international stakeholders.

Community Engagement, Communication, and Outreach

• Communication Strategy: Support the development and maintenance of a comprehensive communication, outreach, and community engagement strategy. Ensure participatory methods are used to include the community in planning and design.
• Audience Identification: Identify potential audiences, generate profiles, and circulate information through various platforms.
• Stakeholder Awareness: Maintain awareness among communities and stakeholders about RAAGSAN’s work through liaison with the MERL Manager and other stakeholders.
• Content Gathering: Collaborate with the RAAGSAN research team to plan learning and communication activities and gather content for dissemination.
• Work Plan Implementation: Develop and oversee the implementation of RAAGSAN’s learning dissemination work plan, generate progress reports, and flag challenges, delays, and potential risks.

Strategic Business Development, Representation, and Advocacy

• Proposal Development: Collaborate with the business development team to draft and finalize compelling proposals and expressions of interest that align with the strategic goals of potential clients and funders.
• External Representation: Represent RAAGSAN at key external events, coordination meetings, and forums.
• Advocacy Support: Support the Management team on advocacy and policy issues related to RAAGSAN’s work as requested.
• Professional Relationships: Liaison with relevant actors and serve as RAAGSAN’s focal point for developing professional working relationships with partners and clients as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Educational Background: Associate or bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience or an advanced degree with at least 2 years of relevant experience in Monitoring and Evaluation, Project Management, Social Sciences, Community Development, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of three years of experience in research management, project implementation, community development, or M&E. Experience with project monitoring, data analysis, and project evaluation is essential.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. Ability to communicate diplomatically and clearly with clients and local stakeholders.
• Technical Skills: Familiarity with mobile data collection technologies and experience using data analysis software such as Excel, SPSS, R, NVIVO, or MaxQDA. Proficiency in data visualization tools like Tableau, Power BI, or similar platforms.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to communicate complex information effectively through clear writing and presentations for diverse audiences.
• Collaboration: Skilled in collaborating with diverse groups, partners, and colleagues. Demonstrates a strong team spirit.
• Independence: Self-driven and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Regional Experience: Proven track record of working in Somalia or similar contexts is an added advantage.
• Remote Teamwork: Demonstrated ability to work with remote teams and thrive in a diverse environment.
• Organizational Skills: Exceptional organizational and coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Flexibility: Willingness to work extended hours as needed to meet project deadlines.
• Location: Based in Nairobi, Kenya, with daily reporting to the Nairobi office.

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Application Instructions

Interested candidates should send their application to admin@raagsan.com by 10th September 2024.