Background:

To support the POiB with the implementation of findings and recommendations of the 2023 M&E consultancy and adjustment of the current M&E practices, the POiB will need the expertise of a local consultant. Previous consultancy work has provided valuable findings and recommendations, but implementing these and enhancing existing M&E practices requires further specialized and sustained efforts. The local expert will focus on implementing the recommendations from previous consultancy work, ensuring that these insights are translated into practical, actionable steps. The expert could also serve as a mentor to local staff, ensuring that the knowledge and skills are embedded within the organization, promoting the long-term sustainability of improved M&E practices. As a result, the improved M&E system and practices will hopefully enable more accurate measurement of programmatic performance, facilitating better decision-making and resource allocation, ultimately contributing to more effective and impactful interventions in Kyrgyzstan.

Objective of Assignment:

Under Activity 4.1, “Improving co-ordination of M&E system within the POiB,” the Consultant will work on further improving the POiB’s M&E system and practices for increased accountability and effectiveness and better planning of its interventions in Kyrgyzstan.

Duration of Assignment:

Roster call.

Tasks and Responsibilities:
Under the overall supervision of the National Programme Officer, the successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties:

1. Desk review of the relevant documentation, functions, tools and processes, as well as findings and recommendations of the previous consultancy work;
2. Interview with the senior management, PCU, and M&E Assistants; meetings with programmatic staff from each Department and other relevant stakeholders in person in Kyrgyzstan;
3. Observing programmatic meetings, as appropriate;
4. Review, revise and develop, as appropriate, examples of methodologies, data collection instruments, templates and analytical procedures for monitoring and evaluation of project activities;
5. Draft M&E guidelines and action plan of the POiB covering respective division of roles and responsibilities, analysis and practical use of collected qualitative and quantitative M&E data in programmatic work, as well as propose ways to digitalize M&E processes in the POiB, etc.;
6. Present the main findings of the consultancy and recommendations for improving the M&E system and practices to the POiB senior management and other interested parties;
7. Conduct training for the PCU, M&E assistants and relevant staff in the Departments on the implementation of the proposed solutions;
8. Provide feedback to relevant POiB staff on the practical use of the proposed M&E system and practices for further potential improvements and adjustments as necessary;
9. Develop and provide a final consultancy deliverables report discussing different tasks of the assignment, related materials and recommendations for further improvement.

Deliverables:

1. An inception report based on the conducted desk research;
2. A report with reviewed examples of M&E methodologies, data collection instruments, templates and analytical procedures, developed recommendations on the analysis and practical use of collected quantitative and qualitative M&E data, including a proposal of ways to digitalize M&E processes of the POiB, as well as drafted M&E guidelines and action plan of the POiB;
3. Presentation of the main findings of the consultancy and recommendations to the POiB senior management and other interested parties;
4. Training and coaching for the PCU, M&E assistants and relevant staff in the Departments on the practical implementation of the proposed M&E solutions;
5. Final report with all deliverables (including recommendations, M&E guidelines, action plan, revised templates, proposed digital solutions, etc) upon completion of the assignment in English language setting forth final findings, conclusions, recommendations and follow-up actions, if required (not later than 10 working days after the completion of the assignment). The consultant shall provide the report along with related annexes as results of his/her consultancy performance and an invoice.

In addition to the above, the consultant shall closely cooperate, throughout the entire assignment, with the working group consisting of the Deputy Head of the Mission, Senior Planning and Co-ordination Officer, National Programme Officers and other relevant staff members of the POiB. At least three co-ordination meetings should be organized, in online or offline format, to discuss, among other things, the progress of work, key findings and recommendations, and the overall shape of the required deliverables.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, please see: https://www.osce.org/ru/programm-office-in-bishkek.

Necessary Qualifications:

• Advanced academic degree in social sciences or relevant field;
• Minimum 6 years of experience as an expert or equivalent, working on issues related to monitoring and evaluation, designing learning systems, tools and processes in an international development environment;
• Excellent knowledge of monitoring and evaluation tools;
• Excellent analytical, writing and presentation skills;
• Experience in conducting project evaluations and developing strategic programmes;
• Experience of providing mentoring and guidance on M&E across development projects;
• Professional knowledge of the OSCE structure and operations;
• Professional fluency in English with excellent communication (both oral and written) skills; professional fluency in Russian and Kyrgyz would be an asset;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Ability and willingness to work as a member of team, with people of different cultural, and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity;
• Computer literate with practical experience using Microsoft applications.

Remuneration Package:

Remuneration will be based on the selected consultant’s/expert’s qualifications, experience, the tasks and deliverables for this position and in accordance with the OSCE established rates.

If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE’s online application link found under https://vacancies.osce.org/.

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.

Only those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization.

Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity, independence and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model, please see https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.