POSITION: Research Fellow, Economic Infrastructure & Competitiveness
MINISTRY/ DEPT: Office of the Prime Minister,
Directorate of Coordination, Monitoring and Evaluation
REPORTS TO: Senior Economist, Economic Infrastructure & Competitiveness
2. DUTIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
2.1 The Research Fellow, Economic Infrastructure & Competitiveness Cluster, will report to Lead Officer ((LO) who is a Government Official) of the same cluster, and will be part of a team responsible for the implementation of the National Policy for Monitoring and Evaluation as it pertains to economic infrastructure & competitiveness issues.
2.2 The National Policy on Monitoring and Evaluation provides the framework for the organization, implementation and oversight of Government-wide monitoring, review and evaluation.
2.3 The Economic Infrastructure & Competitiveness Cluster focuses on the Government sectors of Energy and Mineral Development, Works & Transport, Tourism, Trade & Industry and Accountability. Each sector incorporates the relevant Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, and non-state actors who implement Government policies and programmes. The position includes the following areas of responsibility.
2.4 Sector Performance Monitoring. The Research Fellow (RF) will work in a small Economic Infrastructure & Competitiveness team responsible for monitoring the performance of the Economic Infrastructure & Competitiveness cluster of sectors.
The RF will specifically:
a. Work in the team in producing semi-annual and annual Government Performance Reports covering the performance of the Economic Infrastructure & Competitiveness sectors against their own targets, including analysis of causes of strong and weak performance.
b. Work with the Economic Infrastructure & Competitiveness sector line MDAs to collate, validate and analyse semi-annual performance data.
c. Support the LO in reviewing the quality of performance indicators, and the annual performance targets set by sector line MDAs to ensure that they are realistic (cost and capacity-based)
2.5 Sub-County Barazas. The Research Fellow (RF) will work in a small team responsible for coordinating sub-county level fora at which the local community discuss the performance of public investment in their locale. Specifically, the RF will:
a. Assist the LO in leading the team in coordinating barazas in one region of Uganda. The coordination involves several phases of activity, from preparation and training of community monitoring, data collection and validation, preparation and holding of barazas periodically (at least once per annum in a sample of sub-counties per district), report writing, dissemination and follow-up.
b. Support the implementation of training to the team and community facilitators to ensure that barazas are planned and held simultaneously across the targeted sub-counties, that they are timely and of a high quality.
2.6 Evaluation.Cabinet instructs Office of the Prime Minister to lead a number of strategic public policy or major programme evaluations each year based on a rolling agenda of issues to be reviewed. The Research Fellow (RF) will work with the LO and the Evaluation Cluster on specific evaluations that pertain to Economic Infrastructure & Competitiveness sectors or issues.
2.7 Management and Coordination. The Economic Infrastructure & Competitiveness cluster will be overseen by the Senior Economist for Monitoring and Evaluation (SE/M&E). Under the responsibility of the RF will be four Assistant Research Fellows (ARFs). The RF will be expected to deputize for the LO in liaison within Government and with the Development Partners on the Economic Infrastructure & Competitiveness sectors around data and performance issues.
2.8 Other responsibilities. From time-to-time other tasks relating to the follow-up of policy implementation issues amongst the Economic Infrastructure & Competitiveness sectors, to support colleagues in the Policy Implementation Coordination (PIC) Department under the Directorate.
Job requirement
3. SELECTION CRITERIA
• 3.1 Advanced university degree in economics, statistics, engineering, sociology or related discipline. Background in policy issues/sector reform related to economics or infrastructure is desirable.
• 3.2 Some experience in design and implementation of M&E systems. Familiarity with state-of-the-art qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, and demonstrated experience with rigorous impact evaluation studies.
• 3.3 A minimum of three years of relevant operational experience, including monitoring and evaluation, and first-hand experience in a variety of types of operations, is essential.
• 3.4 Knowledge of Government of Uganda policies and procedures.
• 3.5 Some proven skill in the design and implementation of innovative and practical approaches to complex operational and policy issues; strong conceptual/analytical skills, and the ability to look ahead and think through alternative scenarios.
• 3.6 Ability to work well in a small multi-tasking team under tight deadlines.
• 3.7 Effective communication skills, including ability to speak articulately and to write succinctly.
• 3.8 Tact, discretion and diplomatic skills to deal with sensitive and challenging issues, and resolve them in a constructive manner, including with development partners.
How to apply
If you believe you have the relevant qualifications and experience, please send your application to the address below not later than 4.00 p.m, Monday 9th May 2011. Provide a detailed CV demonstrating possession of the job requirements, current position, names and addresses of three referees, copies of professional/Academic documents, email address, and day time telephone contact.
NB: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
THE DIRECTOR,
PILA Consultants,
P.O. Box 9092, Kampala
Plot 649 Nanfumbambi Road, Kikoni Makerere West
Tel: +256-312 275 892, Mob: +256-779-291617
E-mail: pila2consultants@gmail.com
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