GIZ- Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Consultant
The Avo Vision Foundation NPC is implementing the Agri-Regen programme in the Blouberg Municipality, Limpopo. The project aims to address environmental and socio-economic challenges through regenerative agricultural practices, ecological restoration and empowerment of local communities.
The programme is the second phase of restoration activities already in place and presents the practical unlocking of value chains offered by available land in the area.
Our mission is to utilise the skills and capabilities of the local ecosystem to mobile the community broadly towards environmental awareness and stewardship, strengthen restoration strategies, crop planting and animal husbandry on communal land. By leveraging the knowledge and skills of the community and MSMEs, the Agri-Regen project seeks to maximize sustainable benefits for all stakeholders.
Our approach prioritizes inclusivity and empowerment, with a specific focus on promoting opportunities for women and people with disabilities, wherever possible.
Methodology
1. Follow land currently being thinned by charcoal producer for restoration and improvement.
2. Develop and implement restoration strategies, crop planting, and animal husbandry programmes
4. Provide training and capacity-building programs for community members and MSMEs for restoration, regenerative agriculture – crop planting and animal husbandry.
5. Establish monitoring and evaluation systems to track project progress and impact.
Expected Outcomes
1. Creation of sustainable livelihoods and employment opportunities
2. Ecological recovery and environmental conservation
3. Empowerment of women and inclusion of people with disabilities
4. Development of agricultural value chains and MSMEs
5. Expansion of the offering of charcoal producers to include land restoration (to private farmers, lodges, game farms, etc.)
Performance Monitoring
1. Business Performance Monitoring - Regularly tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure MSMEs and farmersare meeting their goals.
2. Monthly Production Targets - Setting and working towards specific production goals each month to maintain momentum and growth.
3. Revenue and Profit Targets - Establishing and striving to achieve revenue and profit objectives to ensure financial sustainability.
Support for Viability and Profitability
To ensure MSMEs remain viable and profitable, we offer:
1. Technical Training and Mentorship - Providing expertise and guidance to enhance skills and knowledge in specific areas.
2. Business Advisory Services - Offering expert advice on business operations, strategy, and management to inform decision-making.
3. Access to Markets and Offtake Agreements - Facilitating connections to markets, customers, and partners, and negotiating offtake agreements to secure sales.
4. Ongoing Business Coaching - Providing continuous guidance and support to help MSMEs overcome challenges, adapt to changes, and achieve long-term success.
Objective
The objective of this MEAL assignment is to design and implement a monitoring and evaluation system to track project progress, outcomes, and impact.
Scope of Work
The MEAL consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:
1. Developing a MEAL Framework
1. Review project documents, including the project proposal, log frame, and work plan.
2. Conduct stakeholder interviews with project staff, beneficiaries, and partners.
3. Develop a comprehensive MEAL framework, including:
- Logical framework (log frame) with clear objectives, outcomes, outputs, and indicators.
- MEAL matrix outlining data sources, collection methods, and analysis plans.
- Data management plan, including data storage, security, and sharing protocols.
2. Monitoring Project Progress
1. Develop and implement a data collection plan, including:
- Quarterly data collection from project staff and beneficiaries.
- Site visits to monitor project activities and progress.
2. Analyse and interpret data, identifying trends, patterns and areas for improvement.
3. Prepare and submit quarterly monitoring reports to project stakeholders.
3. Evaluating Project Impact
1. Conduct baseline, mid-term and end-term evaluations to assess project impact on:
- MSME and farmer development
- Sustainable livelihoods and employment opportunities.
- Ecological recovery and environmental conservation.
- Empowerment of women and inclusion of people with disabilities.
2. Develop and implement evaluation methodologies, including:
- Survey design and implementation.
- Focus group discussions and interviews.
- Data analysis and interpretation.
- Prepare and submit evaluation reports to project stakeholders.
4. Providing Feedback and Recommendations
1. Provide feedback and recommendations to project stakeholders on:
- Project progress and performance.
- Areas for improvement and corrective actions.
- Emerging issues and risks.
2. Facilitate reflection and learning sessions with project staff and stakeholders to:
- Discuss findings and recommendations.
- Identify lessons learned and best practices.
- Inform project decision-making and improvement.
Expected Deliverables
The MEAL consultant will deliver:
1. A MEAL framework document- including a Theory of Change
2. Quarterly monitoring reports- to accompany our quarterly report to the client
3. Baseline, mid-term, and end-term evaluation reports.
4. Regular feedback and recommendations to project stakeholders.
5. Set up Data collection and data tracking tools
Requirements
The Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) consultant should have:
1. A minimum of 5 years of experience in MEAL, preferably in natural resource management, agriculture, rural development, enterprise support, or related fields.
2. A strong understanding of MEAL principles, methods and tools.
3. Experience in designing and implementing MEAL frameworks, including data collection, analysis, and reporting.
4. Excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Timeline
The MEAL assignment is expected to commence ASAP and will run for 12 months. The contract can be extended based on performance.
Contact Information
Please submit your proposal, including your CV, a brief description of your experience and approach, and a detailed budget, to engage@avovision.co.za
