MONITORING, EVALUATION, AND REPORTING (MER) EXPERT TO LEAD THE DEVELOPMENT OF A STRUCTURED AND ONLINE-BASED MER FRAMEWORK FOR THE JUDICIARY

BACKGROUND 

International Development Law Organization (IDLO) is the only intergovernmental organisation exclusively devoted to promoting the rule of law. IDLO works to enable governments and empower people to reform laws and strengthen institutions to promote peace, justice, sustainable development, and economic opportunity. IDLO provides institutional strengthening support towards the implementation of the Constitution of Kenya by way of strategic policy development, critical legislative review, expert technical advice, and capacity building to the Judiciary, National Council on Administration of Justice (NCAJ), Office of the Attorney General and Department of Justice, the Kenya Law Reform Commission, the Council of Governors, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC), the State Department of Gender among others.

The Judiciary's Directorate of Planning and Organizational Performance (DPOP) is responsible for steering judicial operations into the new culture of transformation and doing business by developing, implementing, and operationalising performance measurement systems. In the performance of its functions, DPOP has been tracking the implementation of the Judiciary's strategic plans, work plans, various national and institutional blueprints, and annual performance contracts; and preparing periodic status reports to management. However, the Judiciary DPOP lacks a structured Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting (MER) framework to guide activities in the Judiciary, leading to duplications of intentions and overlap of duties and responsibilities. To address this gap, the Judiciary Strategic Plan (2019-2023) proposes the development of an MER Framework to institutionalise and standardise MER in the Judiciary. This is expected to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability. 

THE ASSIGNMENT 

In order to mainstream results-based management, comprehensive monitoring and evaluation and reporting (MER) system are necessary. The Judiciary, in partnership with IDLO, therefore seeks to engage a Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting  (MER) Expert to spearhead the development of a structured and relevant Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting (MER) Framework for the Judiciary.

The MER Expert will be expected to: 

a) Carry out an inception meeting with the DPOP and IDLO to discuss the TORs and the scope of the assignment, methodology, expectations, and outcomes.

b) Conduct a robust situational analysis of MER in the Judiciary and prepare an action plan for the development of the MER Framework. 

c) Carry out desk research on the ideal model of the Judiciary's MER Framework, taking into account the needs as identified in the situation analysis, scope, structure, access, utility, and sustainability of the framework. Identify and construct indicators for the M ER Framework. 

d) Working directly with DPOP staff, develop a robust, structured, and online-based MER Framework for the Judiciary and the relevant tools to operationalise the framework.

e) Develop MER guidelines, procedures, and tools; 

f) Detail the operational implications of key components of the MER framework 

g) Make presentations of the MER Framework and relevant tools developed to Judiciary for discussion, document the reactions, and incorporate the feedback to improve the MER Framework.

h) Pilot the use of the MER Framework in the Judiciary over three months to allow sufficient time for the Judiciary Implementing Units to familiarise themselves with the Framework and its use. 

i) Prepare a plan for the phased introduction MER framework and design a communication plan accordingly; Facilitate regular training of DPOP staff and other relevant Judiciary judicial officers and staff on access and use of the MER Framework during the three-month pilot period.

j) Facilitate knowledge management, and skills transfer to DPOP and other relevant Judiciary judicial officers and staff through mentorship and understudy 

k) After the successful pilot, present the final Judiciary MER Framework and tools to the Judiciary and its stakeholders during an official launch to be organised by DPOP and IDLO. 

l) After the launch, develop a brief final report for IDLO documenting all the support provided within the contracted period (including key results realised, perceived impact of the project, challenges faced, and recommendations to IDLO and the Judiciary)

DELIVERABLES

The MER Expert will deliver the following:

1. An Inception report detailing the understanding of the assignment, approach/methodology, clear milestones and timelines, detailed work plan, potential risks, and mitigation measures.

2. Monthly progress reports to DPOP and IDLO, detailing the status of the deliverables and milestones towards the delivery of the assignment at every stage. 

3. Deliver the following pending documents:

• A fully developed, validated and adopted MER Framework for the Judiciary
• Access and user rights for the MER Framework
• MER guidelines, procedures, and tools
• Training manual for the MER Framework
• Training content is used to train DPOP and Judicial officers and staff on access and use of the framework. 
• Presentations were made to the Judiciary during validation meetings and the framework's launch.
• All other materials were utilised and generated during the development of the framework. 

4. A final, comprehensive report documenting all support provided to the Judiciary within the contracted period to furtherance these TORs, capturing key results realised, challenges faced, and recommendations to Judiciary and IDLO.

DURATION OF THE ASSIGNMENT 

The consultancy contract will run for six months, from 15th May  2022 to 15th  November 2022. 

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE 

Education 

• A Master's Degree in Business Administration, Economics, Development Studies, Strategic management, or related field from a university recognised in Kenya. 
• A Master's Degree in Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting from a university recognised in Kenya. 
• Professional Certification  in Project Management

Work experience 

1. A minimum of 10 to 15 years of substantial professional experience in: 

• Design and implementation of MER Frameworks
• Aggregation of institutional results and corporate reporting 
• M&E approaches, methodologies, and tools 
• Results-based management
• Formative and summative results-oriented evaluation of systems and processes
• Quantitative and qualitative data collection methods 
• Designing qualitative and quantitative indicators at appropriate levels

2. Familiarity with major M&E methodologies based on OECD DAC standards and evaluation criteria

3. Familiarity with basic evaluation standards and principles; 

4. Familiarity with results-based management concepts and the logical framework approach; 

5. Experience in developing and managing online content; 

6. Knowledge of communication strategies and techniques; 

7. Excellent drafting skills in the English Language

8. Demonstrated experience leading assignments of similar nature for high-level government agencies, with a focus on access to justice/administration of justice/the rule of law, etc. 

Technical competencies 

• Excellent analytical, writing, and editing skills.
• Professional fluency in written and spoken English.
• Excellent work ethic founded on the principles of integrity, impartiality, and confidentiality. 
• Excellent interpersonal and diplomatic skills and ability to work in a politically sensitive environment.
• Experience managing complex and/ or multi-agency MER initiatives is an asset.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Applications will be screened on a regular basis; a qualified applicant might be recruited before the deadline. In the interest of making the most effective use of resources, only short-listed candidates will be contacted during the selection process.

IDLO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in all areas of its operations. We welcome applications of qualified and diverse candidates.

IDLO is committed to achieving a 50/50 gender balance at all levels within its workforce. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for IDLO vacancies.

IDLO does not tolerate sexual exploitation or abuse, any kind of harassment, including harassment of a sexual nature, or discrimination. As such, IDLO will conduct careful reference and background checks of all selected candidates as part of its selection process.

DISCLAIMER AND CLOSING DATE 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the Contractor assigned to this work. This may not be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. 

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality and compliance with IDLO's policy on personal data protection.

The Director-General of IDLO reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities or even to cancel the recruitment to meet business and organisational needs as necessary.

The Application deadline: is 25th June 2022 (23:59hrs Rome Time).