Aquaculture Advisor (Monitoring and Evaluation)

A. SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Coordinate implementation of project technical training, approaches and dissemination of innovations
2. Oversee the implementation and management of Local Subsidy Agreements (LSA) contracts
3. Develop, adapt and implement the project monitoring system

B. TASKS

Coordinate implementation of project technical training, approaches and dissemination of innovations

• Guide four National NGOs in developing and implementing technical aquaculture training curricula and scripts for fish farmers and Trainers of Trainers (ToTs), with emphasis on climate-smart aquaculture, resilience, and adaptation.
• Facilitate the development and implementation of dissemination strategies for innovative technologies and approaches, including Chitofu 3-in-1 technology, intermittent harvesting, Aquaculture Business School (ABS), and other emerging innovations.
• Coordinate capacity-building initiatives for NGO staff, District Fisheries Officers (DFOs), farmer organizations, and strategic partners.
• Provide technical guidance and quality assurance for project implementation activities conducted by local partners.
• Review and provide feedback on field intervention reports, quarterly reports, annual reports, and technical documentation.
• Support the identification, documentation, and dissemination of best practices, success stories, and lessons learned.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement and knowledge-sharing platforms among implementing partners.
• Proactively contribute ideas and technical recommendations during internal meetings and external stakeholder engagements.
• Develop and operationalize criteria for the establishment and management of demonstration farms that promote climate-smart aquaculture practices and technologies.

Oversee the implementation and management of Local Subsidy Agreements (LSA) contracts

• Develop, review, and track Terms of Reference (ToRs), work plans, deliverables, and performance indicators for contracted NGOs.
• Monitor implementation progress against contractual obligations and agreed deliverables.
• Serve as the liaison between GIZ-SAF, NGOs, District Fisheries Offices, and other stakeholders throughout implementation.
• Facilitate capacity-building measures on local subsidy contract management, procurement compliance, financial accountability, and reporting requirements.
• Develop and maintain contract tracking systems to ensure timely implementation, reporting, and disbursement of funds.
• Monitor partner compliance with contractual provisions and donor requirements.
• Support contract amendment processes where required.
• Identify implementation bottlenecks and recommend corrective actions.
• Review and assess technical and financial proposals submitted by NGOs and implementing partners.
• Review budgets for accuracy, eligibility, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with project objectives and donor requirements.
• Prepare and compile contract documentation for processing by the Country Office and relevant approval authorities.
• Support due diligence assessments and partner capacity assessments prior to contract award.
• Coordinate the preparation, review, and amendment of Local Subsidy Agreements and associated documentation.
• Monitor implementation progress against approved work plans, budgets, and contractual obligations.
• Review partner financial and technical reports to ensure compliance with GIZ regulations and contractual requirements.
• Verify supporting documentation and expenditure reports before recommending disbursements.
• Track contract milestones, deliverables, reporting deadlines, and payment schedules.
• Support liquidation reviews and verification of expenditures submitted by implementing partners.
• Identify compliance risks, implementation challenges, and financial irregularities, and recommend corrective measures.
• Facilitate regular contract performance review meetings with implementing partners.
• Ensure that audit recommendations and compliance findings are adequately addressed and followed up.
• Maintain complete and organized contract files in accordance with GIZ documentation standards.
• Support procurement, financial management, and safeguarding compliance among implementing partners.
• Provide technical backstopping to partners to improve contract implementation performance.
• Prepare management updates and contract performance summaries for project management and donors.
• Contribute to strengthening accountability, transparency, and value-for-money principles in all Local Subsidy Agreements.

Develop, adapt and implement the project monitoring system

• Establish, adapt, and implement project monitoring and evaluation tools and systems.
• Guide implementing partners in data collection, data quality assurance, data analysis, documentation, and report writing.
• Align project monitoring systems with global programme monitoring frameworks and donor reporting requirements.
• Maintain and regularly update project results frameworks, indicator tracking tables, and results matrices.
• Upload and maintain project data in the GIZ Data Management System (DMS) and other approved databases.
• Coordinate and support short-term experts, evaluations, assessments, and missions from Germany and other steering structures.
• Conduct training and coaching on M&E systems for project staff and partners.
• Develop the project results model and facilitate orientation sessions for implementing NGOs to ensure a common understanding of the results framework, indicators, and reporting processes.
• Aggregate, clean, analyze, and interpret project data from multiple sources.
• Conduct regular field monitoring visits to verify implementation progress and data quality.
• Coordinate project documentation and evidence collection for reporting and learning purposes.
• Support preparation and implementation of baseline studies, surveys, assessments, evaluations, and impact studies.
• Guide external consultants undertaking studies and surveys on behalf of the project.
• Prepare periodic reports for management, donors, and steering units.
• Support the Team Leader in preparing annual reports and BMZ reporting requirements.
• Contribute to knowledge management and learning activities within the project.

3. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCES

I. Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Aquaculture, Fisheries, Agriculture, Agribusiness, Rural Development, Monitoring & Evaluation, Development Studies, or a related field.
• A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field combined with substantial relevant professional experience may be considered.
• Sound knowledge of climate-smart aquaculture, Hatchery operations, capacity development, project management, and results-based monitoring.
• Experience with data collection, analysis, and reporting tools such as KoboToolbox, ODK, SPSS, STATA, Power BI, or similar platforms is an advantage.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
• Excellent command of written and spoken English and Chichewa.

II. Professional Experience

• At least five 5 years of relevant experience in aquaculture, agriculture, rural development, or related sectors.
• Proven experience in coordinating technical training, capacity-building initiatives, and extension approaches.
• Experience managing partnerships, grants, Local Subsidy Agreements (LSAs), or similar contractual mechanisms.
• Demonstrated experience in project monitoring and evaluation, data management, reporting, and results tracking.
• Experience working with NGOs, government institutions, donor-funded programe, and multi-stakeholder partnerships.

III. Personal and Interpersonal Competencies (Soft Skills)

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and report-writing skills.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, partnership management, and teamwork abilities.
• High level of integrity, accountability, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and deliver results under pressure.
• Results-oriented, proactive, and adaptable, with the ability to work in dynamic and multicultural environments.

GIZ is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from individuals regardless of gender, disability, race, ethnicity, religion, age, or any other protected characteristic. We embrace diversity and believe that inclusivity in the workplace is essential to our success, and we are committed to creating a work environment where all employees are valued and respected.