Evaluation Advisor PSCBS Kigali, Rwanda

Terms of Reference – Evaluation Advisor

1. Objective of the Assignment

The two core objectives of the assignment include:

(i) Institutionalizing ‘world class’ evaluation processes within the OPM
Specifically:

a) Upgrading of the existing evaluation processes in the OPM, in line with international best practice;
b) Contribute to the development and review of policies, guidance, systems, procedures and tools related to evaluation;
c) Supporting the design, production and institutionalization of evaluation processes of priority sector programs;
d) Supporting OPM’s substantive engagement and intellectual leadership in the area of evaluation with other national and district level bodies engaged in evaluation.

(ii) Developing mechanisms to ensure that program and project level-evaluations are effectively utilized and that evaluation findings and recommendations are followed up:
Specifically:

a) Development of mechanisms to distil and channel key strategic level recommendations from evaluations, to the senior leadership of the OPM.
b) Development of mechanisms to track the implementation of evaluation results in the design and appraisal of strategies, policies and new projects/programs.
c) Deepening the capacity of Prime Minister’s Office staff working on evaluation-related activities.
d) Organize and conduct training on evaluation to the Government Action Coordination Unit and other key staff in the Office of the Prime Minister.

The Evaluation Adviser will perform other related duties and assignments as and when required.

2. Key Expected Outcomes

- OPMs mechanisms for designing and managing program level evaluation, and follow-up processes are developed/ strengthened;
- Capacity within OPM and selected key government institutions, to conduct independent quality program level evaluations strengthened

3. Duration of the Assignment

The post is project funded and will be hired on a full time basis for an initial period of nine months with a possibility of renewal, subject to performance and availability of funds.

4. Qualifications and Experience

- PhD or Master’s Degree or equivalent in Evaluation, Economics, Public Administration, Political Science, or any other related social sciences.
- At least 10 years of progressively responsible professional work experience in program and project level evaluation gained working for national, regional or international organizations;
- Knowledge of and extensive experience in program evaluation in a public sector context, in developing countries is required;
- Solid grasp and demonstrable track record in the implementation of the principles of Results Based Management in public sector organizations is required;
- Knowledge of specialized software applied to evaluation, including IT knowledge to establish and maintain databases and tracking systems, is desired;
- Demonstrable track record in designing and conducting training in the area of evaluation planning, design and methodologies.

5. Language Requirements:

Excellent written and oral proficiency in English is required. Working knowledge of French would be an asset.

6. Deliverables:

- Work plan to be submitted 2 weeks after the contract signature detailing the approach, methodology and activities to be undertaken;
- Periodic progress reports on measures underway to strengthen OPMs capacity to conduct quality independent evaluation of key government programs;
- Action orientated proposals on how to strengthen existing OPM and government wide evaluation frameworks;
- Final report detailing out achievements and lessons learned.

Reference: PSCBS494

Application deadline: 6 days 8 hours 2 minutes

I. Background to the Assignments

Ensuring policy coherence through the effective coordination of government policies and programs lies at the core of the mandate of the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM). Given the significant and growing number of Government policies, programs and public bodies working on their implementation, there are legitimate concerns that a lack of policy coherence may result in high transaction costs, potentially impeding the achievement of key government objectives. There is a need to have a clear approach and institutional framework through which to both systematically monitor policy coherence and oversee the identification and implementation of corrective measures.

As a means of contributing to a ‘step-change’ in the quality of the upstream policy advisory services, currently at the disposal of the OPM, a Prime Minister’s Office Support Team (PST) is being established within the Office of the Prime Minister. The objective of the PST will be to support the production of world class, integrated and strategic advice on sector level policy coordination and coherence issues and their implications on government programs. Reinforcing the OPM in this way, is ultimately intended to ensure that the senior OPM leadership is provided with independent, quality, timely and evidence- based advice, supporting its strategic-level oversight and management of government ministries.
The PST will comprise of five staff including: an institutional development adviser who will also serve as PST team leader, three advisers who will be tasked with providing substantive advisory support on policy coherence issues, in a variety of thematic areas. The team will also have an evaluation adviser who will work on upgrading this function within the OPM.

Key OPM staff engaged in sector level policy coordination will work hand in hand with the experts to support the development and strengthening of sector-level policy and institutional coordination arrangements.
It is against this background that the OPM with the support from the UNDP is sourcing the services of a number of international experts listed below:

A. INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT ADVISER & TEAM LEADER, PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE SUPPORT TEAM (PST)
B. COORDINATION ADVISER: AGRO-INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
C. COORDINATION ADVISER: SOCIAL PROTECTION
D. COORDINATION ADVISER: INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
E. EVALUATION ADVISER

Method of Application:

Electronic applications must be sent to pst-recruitment@pscbs.gov.rw. Applications must include: a cover letter, a detailed Curriculum Vitae (C.V.) and scanned copies of relevant educational and professional certificates. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Adverts shall also be posted on OPM website www.primature.gov.rw on PSCBS website www.pscbs.gov.rw and DG market www.market.gov.rw. The deadline for submission is fixed on 19th October 2012.

Please note that short listed candidates will be contacted.

Stella Ford MUGABO
Executive Secretary- PSCBS

For More Informations:
http://main.pscbs.gov.rw/node/494