Research, Monitoring & Evaluation (Rme) Analyst

Aktis is recruiting an RME Analyst to play a key role in the expansion of our capability in research, monitoring and evaluation (RME).  This person will be based in Beirut and be part of Aktis’ MENA regional team. We are looking for somebody either with an understanding of research, monitoring and evaluation, or an interest, the capacity and skills to develop quickly in this environment, to work directly with our Senior Manager for RME to support the expansion of our RME practice. The aim of our RME practice is to ensure world-class RME delivery across the Aktis network.
The successful applicant will take up a trusted position in the company with the opportunity to help shape the future direction of Aktis RME, as well as Aktis Lebanon and Aktis MENA. Should this person be hired as permanent Aktis staff they will be supported to focus on their personal development, with direct on-going coaching and management from the Senior Manager, RME. The role will have three main areas of focus, split in terms of time allocated as indicated below.
Specific duties:
1. Management of research, monitoring and evaluation projects (60%)

Technical delivery of monitoring and evaluation aspects of Aktis projects to standard, in a timely manner;
Either leading RME aspects of smaller projects independently, or contributing to key aspects of medium-sized or larger projects;
Incisive and precise analysis of qualitative and quantitative data;
Reporting in English; delivering precise, articulate writing ready to be read by high-level internal and external stakeholders;
Development of well designed and creative reports and presentations;
Liaison with clients (donors, NGOs, civil society bodies, partners and other implementers);
Responsibility for planning allocation of resources;
Tool / questionnaire development for both qualitative and quantitative projects;
Working directly with research agency partners to ensure all logistics are in place to deliver the required data;
Conducting of training and supervision of fieldwork quality with field monitors;
Oversight of data quality assurance and data processing and tabulation;
Updating and managing programme risk matrices;
Ensuring compliance with Aktis processes and procedures (code of conduct, HSS, templates, information systems).

2. Support the development of Aktis’ Research, Monitoring & Evaluation practice (30%)

Contributing to the the assessment and documentation of best-practice in the RME community, through reading academic and donor publications, working with the Senior Manager to shape Aktis policy and practice around RME;
Supporting the Senior Manager in delivering and reporting progress against RME strategy;
Contributing to the development of proprietary Atkis RME methodologies;
Providing advice and support for colleagues across the Aktis network in relation to research, monitoring and evaluation, including developing theories of change and logical frameworks to underpin projects;
Engaging with and nurturing the skills of RME ‘champions’ in other Aktis markets;
Managing a database of project associates;
Liaising with the Aktis’ other areas of expertise (Organisational Change and Governance, Conflict Mitigation and Peacebuilding; Countering Violent Extremism) as well as the central Client Engagement Team (CET);
Representing the RME practice in the absence of the Senior Manager.

3. Supporting proposal writing for new projects (10%)

Supporting specific pursuits and bids through:
Coordinating technical inputs and pursuit/bid plans;
Writing/reviewing technical sections of bids;
Identifying and managing associates;
Quality assurance of proposal submissions;
Budget preparation.

The successful candidate would ideally have experience of one or more of the points below.

Undertaking M&E and/or research either for a donor or an NGO;
Successfully managing projects for international donors;
Contributing to the design of technical sections of proposals/bids;
Working in the Middle East and North Africa region;
Experience in multinational project teams;
Knowledge of statistics and/or statistical / analytical packages;
Masters qualification in a relevant sector (eg international development, conflict studies).

We are looking for someone to join the team who:

Strives for excellence, takes the initiative, and can point out opportunities for change and improvement;
Is able to demonstrate an analysis approach based on critical thinking;
Is highly organised, possesses strong time management skills and has the ability to multitask;
Has effective communication and inter-personal skills;
Is enthusiastic about taking on a challenging, fast-paced role in an expanding company;
Is a person who gains the trust and respect of his/her colleagues, has the highest level of integrity, is a team player and provides leadership to his/her reports;
Has a professional and proactive attitude;
Is comfortable working in Middle Eastern, North Africa, and European environments.