Faculty

Employment Opportunity

OVERALL JOB PURPOSE

FSD Africa seeking climate finance principal. This Principal, Innovative Climate Finance role will lead the innovative green and climate finance interventions, with focus on catalysing, supporting innovation and scale up of green and climate finance transactions across Africa.

The Principal, Innovative Climate Finance will have an opportunity to influence strategy and develop a portfolio of innovative transactions. The role will support transactions in the collaborative initiatives around natural capital and carbon markets with transactions being developed to the point developed at which they are funded by the market (with or without the involvement of FSDAi). 

The role will lead in the identification of Africa market priorities, appreciate market needs and requirements, and determine opportunities for capital markets pillar to contribute to transformational change and improvement. The job holder will be accountable for the development and implementation of projects working directly with implementing partners and consultants in the delivery of the projects and ensuring the successful management of FSD Africa Capital Markets strategic and operational interventions.

In addition, the role will provide thought leadership in the green/climate finance, providing strategic and tactical advice to partners and external stakeholders and driving the transformation of capital markets through effective influencing, advocacy, and communication. He/she will be responsible for managing complex projects with a team of Senior Specialists and consultants and will be a credible coach for the external stakeholders.

To apply for the role, your resume and cover letter, must be received by 5.00pm on Thursday, 31 August 2023

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ROLE REQUIREMENTS

1. Thought Leadership & Strategy Development

To participate in the development of strategy and programmes for the Capital Markets pillar and support the Risk & Resilience, Digital Innovations and FSDA Investments pillar strategies on innovative climate finance:

• Act as a thought leader in the creation of financing structures or vehicles that are able to channel finance to underserved parts of the green economy; translate strategy into impactful operational plans and tactics.
• Ensure regular engagement with other experts & decision makers in Africa countries to understand the strategic priorities for the development of capital markets.
• Lead FSD Africa’s research into innovative climate finance; developing a deep and comprehensive understanding of the financial systems in Africa and how to leverage beneficial change.
• Pay attention to personal professional development and learning in order to remain an expert in the fields of Capital Markets Development
• Contribute to the development of strategy for the Capital Markets pillar; ensuring that insights in innovative climate finance are incorporated into the design and development of relevant theories of change.
• Lead the development of tools, methodologies, and approaches (IP) which will guide the team and stakeholders in implementing best practice in innovative climate finance market development.

   2. Pipeline & Portfolio Development

• Provide strategic direction and oversight to the transacting process; ensuring that the pipeline evolves and results in a regular flow of transactions that get to market.
• Conceptualise, design and write investment proposals including results measurement and risk management frameworks.
• Following approval, develop detailed implementation plans; including budgets and procurement of consultants / implementing partners as required.
• Ensure the effective implementation of projects so that milestones of the project plan are achieved on time and to standard.
• Lead monitoring, risk mitigation, results management, and learning for all projects being implemented; ensuring objective analysis of results and appropriate corrective actions as required to optimise FSD Africa’s beneficial impact.
• Provide high quality technical advice and support to Implementing Partners, Consultants, and other project stakeholders in Innovative Climate Finance
• Ensure comprehensive and timely communication with all project stakeholders.

3. Financial management & fundraising

Ensure sound financial management of Innovative Climate Finance by securing, managing, and safeguarding programme finances; ensuring that the practice achieves optimal financial efficiency, value for money and impact, all the while ensuring compliance with FSD Africa and donor policies.

• Identify opportunities for fundraising and co-funding for the work of FSD Africa & support with proposal development as requested.
• Conceptualise how funds and other limited resources may be best allocated to achieve optimum impact; including supervising the work of consultants to optimise value for money.
• Track and monitor budget spend and associated activities ensuring cost effective utilisation of resources and timely achievement of financial targets.
• Ensure that the accountability requirements of donors are met and that good relationships with funders are maintained at all times.

4.Influencing & Communicating for Impact

Drive the transformation of capital markets through effective influencing, advocacy, and communication strategies:

• Clarify the ways in which achievement of FSD Africa’s objectives depends upon influencing the mindset or behaviour of others (e.g., Investors, investees, policymakers, end-users & other stakeholders); lead the development, implementation, and results-measurement of an innovative Communications & Influencing plan.
• Take the lead in stakeholder mapping for the Innovative Climate Finance, identifying key decision makers / power brokers and develop innovative ideas for influencing them and/or transforming their mindsets.

• Design and publish industry thought-leadership materials, particularly in Innovative Climate Finance
• Contribute to the development and implementation of FSD Africa’s Communications Plan, building FSD Africa’s web presence, supporting thought leadership activities (publications, briefing notes, case studies, conference presentations), co-ordinating events, seminars etc.; establish us as a leading voice in Government Debt Markets thinking and knowledge.
• Participate in networking events and/or convene stakeholders in order build awareness and influence the thinking around how Government Debt Markets contributes to capital markets development.

5.Implementing partner engagement & capacity building

Support the Director of Capital Markets in identifying, engaging, and empowering key implementing partners; so that they are equipped to operate effectively and contribute to the development of their respective Capital Markets:

• Ensure appropriate selection of partners; ensuring optimal combinations of partners to bring out their synergies for the programmes e.g., political economics, due diligence, influence, etc.
• Build and maintain relationships with senior leaders in chosen implementing partners, leveraging new opportunities that may arise and dealing promptly with relationship difficulties.
• Engage partners in joint strategizing and the development of projects that will leverage change and have a positive impact on capital markets development.
• Work with implementing partners to assist them in implementing their projects according to agree upon project plans, maintaining a strategic clarity, focus on impact, and collaborative approach at all times.
• Review the Monthly/Quarterly Development Impact (DI) reports for any allocated projects and take appropriate action on the basis of results and analysis:
  1. If desired results have been achieved, initiate strategies for widespread awareness-raising and ‘crowding in’, focusing on applying leverage, replication of the project, and scaling; 
  2. If desired results have not been achieved, either manage performance of the implementation team or adjust the strategy/approach.  
• Identify, report on, and mitigate project risks in a timely manner (project delivery and partnership management).

 6. Team Leadership and Unit Management

Lead the practice area in effective and efficient planning and management of programs and resources to deliver excellent standards of service delivery.

• Build and lead the innovative climate finance team of staff and consultants in a manner that empowers them to add value to FSD Africa and deliver high standards of performance.
• Direct and oversee all aspects of the practice area work plans, budget, and program implementation.
• Plan and organise the work of the department.

• Manage the team and consultants, towards high standards of performance through clear roles and responsibilities, on-going feedback, and appraisals. Pro-actively address performance issues through timely constructive feedback and coaching.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships across the areas of practice of the Capital Markets pillar and others to identify needs, opportunities for collaboration, communication, and reporting.
• Ensure the delivery of an engaging leadership style that motivates team members and results in high performance.

Carry out any other duties or special assignments as assigned by the Management.

Qualifications and Education

• Master’s degree and 12 years of experience or Bachelor’s Degree and 14 years of experience in the areas of technical specialism, including at a senior level, in a financial markets’ environment.
• Excellent skills in written and spoken English

Essential Experience, Knowledge, and Skills

• A deal originator by temperament and experience – 7-10 years of transacting/raising capital/deal origination.
• Having good networks across financial intermediaries and other stakeholders in Africa; well connected to the global DFI community and to mainstream investors.
• Track record of managing relationships and influencing key stakeholders at leadership or specialist level
• A good understanding of how the full spectrum of finance providers relate to, and complement, each other (private sector asset managers at one end through DFIs to donors at the other) – and able to facilitate their involvement.
• Highly collaborative by nature – hungry for success but a committed team player working for the success of his/her colleagues.
• Significant experience in establishing and maintaining collaborative and trusted relationships with investors, investees, implementing partners, private sector players and government counterparts.
• Demonstrated track record of rigorous project management skills and achievement of results – a finisher of tasks, not a process manager.
• Ability to manage project portfolio of significant budget.
• Ability to manage project diversity and complexity
• Ability to manage significant complexity and conceptual sophistication
• Successful track record of delivery of results in the area of technical specialism and the provision of technical assistance
• Understanding of the development world and strategic MRM (preferred)

Desirable

• Experience of working in a multi-cultural environment
• Knowledge of donor policies and procedures
• Previous experience of working in FCDO-funded projects
• Languages: French, local African languages

To apply for the role, your resume and cover letter, must be received by 5.00pm on Thursday, 31 August 2023

Position Overview

Employment Opportunity: We are seeking a highly qualified and experienced Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Data and Information Management Specialist to support our data, information, reporting, and system management functions. The specialist will work within the Strategic Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (SPMEL) Unit and be responsible for ensuring effective data collation, synthesis, analysis, visualization, and reporting to enhance the organization’s MEL processes.

The primary objective of the specialist is to manage the data quality assurance process, provide technical expertise, and support data management, data analysis, and information systems to facilitate evidence-based decision-making and enhance the organization’s MEL.

Apply by August 25th, 2023

TERMS OF REFERENCE (ToR)

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Data and Information Management Specialist

Unit: Strategic Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning

Position Responsibilities

The MEL Data and Information Management Specialist will be responsible for delivering results in line with the commitments we have made in our Strategy 2030: Moving Mountains and our Medium-Term Action Plan V (2023–2026): Embracing Change and Accelerating Impact.

The specialist shall fulfill the following duties and responsibilities:

• Support designing, operationalization, and management of the institution-wide integrated results data management and reporting system.
• Regularly update data into searchable public results dashboard showing progress: for example, stages to outcomes, impacts, and annual milestones; information on our publications, bibliometrics, and Altmetric scores; and information on our partnerships and capacity-building data
• Ensure that all reported results are substantiated by evidence and subjected to quality checks through the management of the quality assurance system, and (as needed) develop marks of data quality.
• Integrate findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR) data principles and work towards alignment with the International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI) standard.
• Develop and implement data standards as per the MEL Framework in line with global standards like FAIR.
• Design and maintain the ICIMOD results dashboard, databases, data entry systems, and data quality assurance procedures.
• Analyse collected data, identify trends, patterns, and key findings, and prepare summary information and graphical inputs into reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure that key cross-cutting issues, in particular gender and social inclusion (GESI), are adequately represented in ICIMOD data, including quality assurance of reporting, but also paying attention to cross-cutting issues such as climate and biodiversity.
• Develop data visualisation products, including charts and graphs, to present MEL findings in a user-friendly and accessible manner.
• Provide guidance and training to staff on data collection protocols, data management procedures, and information system utilisation.
• Ensure compliance with data protection and privacy regulations while handling sensitive data.
• Collaborate with SPMEL team members to integrate data management and analysis processes into overall monitoring and evaluation activities.
• Design and manage external consultancies as required to support the work.
• Stay updated on the latest developments and software for data management and analysis techniques and technologies, including big data, and recommend improvements to enhance the organisation’s MEL practices.

Minimum qualifications and experience

ESSENTIAL

• A master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g. statistics, information management, data science) with five years of relevant experience
• Proven work experience (minimum three years) in MEL, specifically in MEL frameworks, indicators, and data collection methodologies
• Proven experience (minimum five years) in data management, analysis, and reporting within the context of monitoring and evaluation
• Proficiency in data management software and tools (e.g. Excel, SPSS, R, SQL) and experience with database management systems
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret complex data sets and communicate findings effectively

PREFERRED

• Experience in developing and implementing data visualisation techniques and tools (e.g. Tableau, Power BI)
• A strong team player, with excellent coordination and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of data protection and privacy regulations and experience in handling sensitive data
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated ability to train and mentor staff on data management and analysis processes

Location

You will be working in a cross-cultural, impact-oriented environment at ICIMOD’s head office in Kathmandu, Nepal. Occasional travel in the HKH region will be required. Kathmandu is a lively and exciting place to live. People are friendly, living costs are comparatively inexpensive, food is delicious (with a range of local and international cuisines), and there are good local and international schools and a low crime rate. Nepal offers amazing trekking trails, white water rafting, and safaris, combined with a rich culture and charming yet lively nightlife.

Duration

Three years, with a probation period of six months. There is a possibility of extension subject to performance and ICIMOD’s future funding levels.

Method of application

Applicants are requested to apply online before August 25, 2023 (11:59 PM Nepal Standard Time) through ICIMOD Vacancy Application Portal.          

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified. 

Overview

Are you passionate about improving quality of life through accessible public health services? Then consider ICF, we work at the forefront of today’s global health issues, helping clients understand the specific needs of diverse populations and address complex health challenges with behavior and disease surveillance and monitoring, research and surveys, technical assistance, and organizational capacity building support. 

ICF is currently hiring a Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Director for the anticipated five-year, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded Health Systems Strengthening and Building Resilience to Future Pandemics and Climate Change Activity in India. The purpose of this five-year project is to ensure India’s health system is prepared to prevent and respond to future challenges it faces such as climate change, emerging infectious disease outbreaks, and epidemiologic transition through comprehensive integrated primary healthcare, strengthening the continuum of care offered from the primary to secondary and tertiary facilities, expanded disease surveillance, maximizing the efficiency of public health financing, and increasing private sector engagement to improve health outcomes. The position is likely to be based in New Delhi, India.  

The MEL Director manages all aspects of the activity monitoring, research, evaluation, learning, and reporting. The Director manages and analyzes information and reports to the Chief of Party (COP) and provides the activity team with feedback on progress toward the achievement of key results as stated in the project annual workplans and project Performance Management Plan (PMP). The MEL Director ensures that the team collects, analyzes, and disseminates accurate data consistently and timely, aggregates project-generated knowledge and lessons learned through routine monitoring and evaluation of the activities. 

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and refine the overall project PMP and key performance indicators (KPIs) ensuring that all project components have end-of-the-project and annual indicators (inputs, output, outcomes, and impact), established baselines and measurable and achievable targets. 
• Provide timely qualitative and quantitative information to the project team on the project quarterly and annual progress reports, programmatic updates, success stories, briefs, newsletters, as required. 
• Provide technical oversight to systematic collection, analysis, synthesis, use, translation, and dissemination of data and learning to inform both internal programmatic decision-making. 
• Work with the project team and collaborate with Indian counterparts on developing project indicators, including their definitions, measurement, process of data collection, analysis, interpretation, presentation, and reporting. 
• Keep abreast of India’s health and socio-economic statistical indicators and provide timely updates to the project team to ensure effective planning and adapting the project activities. This includes keeping up with current policies and operational plans to align project metrics.  
• Collaborate with the project team, USAID, and Indian stakeholders on the identification of key performance indicators, including their definitions, measurement, process of data collection, analysis, interpretation, presentation, and reporting. 
• Lead the development of tools and resources that support local implementing partners’ efforts to improve the monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) capacities of their programs and local partners. 
• Provide timely qualitative and quantitative information to the project team on the quarterly and annual progress reports, programmatic updates, success stories, briefs, and newsletters, as required. 
• Ensure documentation and dissemination of findings, impact, innovations, and lessons learned. 
• Establish and oversee the project database, including data verification, entry, and cleaning. 
• Identify and advise the project team on the implementation of innovative solutions to data collection and monitoring. 
• Ensure compliance with the project’s MEL requirements and reporting. 
• Liaise with project’s technical team and country programs to establish appropriate targets for annual work plans. 
• Lead a team of MEL experts in the ongoing development of the project’s overall monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system, including indicator selection and adaptation, data collection, data analysis, and reporting. 
• Lead the development of the project’s learning agenda and related implementation activities. 

Required Experience/Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent in international development, monitoring and evaluation, public health, or a related field. 
• At least 10 years of experience with USAID or other global health projects leading performance monitoring, evaluation, learning and/or data use for decision-making. 
• 10 + years of experience implementing all technical, fiscal, and administrative components of complex MEL programs, preferably HSS or infectious disease programs, of similar scope and scale to this project. 
• 10 + years of experience with qualitative and quantitative MEL data collection and analysis methods. Work closely with government counterparts and other local stakeholders to strengthen capacity in data collection, reporting, and use of data for decision making. 

 Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent in international development, monitoring and evaluation, public health, or a related field. 
• Demonstrated experience focusing on results and impact in health system strengthening with strong strategic vision and an understanding of systems approaches to programming and monitoring, evaluation, and learning. 
• Demonstrated experience in fostering a culture of continuous improvement and adaptive management. 
• Demonstrated experience designing and implementing monitoring and evaluation frameworks as well as measuring program results, including those related to the concepts of health coverage, quality, social and behavior change, self-reliance, gender, and youth. 
• Demonstrated experience building monitoring, evaluation and learning capacities of country-level staff, including government, civil society, and private sector. 
• Experience using one or more statistical software packages, including at least one of the following: SPSS, Epi-Info, Stata, MS Excel 
• Fluency in English is required.  
• Experience with either Global Health Security Agenda programs or infectious disease programs.