MELSA Knowledge Products Coordinator (INT7699)

Philippine Nationals Only

 

Oxfam is a global movement of people working together to end the injustice of poverty.

Background

Since Fiscal Year 2019-2020, Oxfam Philippines’ Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Social Accountability (MELSA) team has supported the conduct of several evaluation and research processes, and the generation of corresponding reports with concerned project teams.  Such knowledge products (KPs) constitute a key aspect of the MELSA unit’s and Oxfam Philippines’ efforts to codify emerging evidences of programmatic outcomes and lessons, in line with the latter’s strategic vision of positioning the organization as a knowledge and thought leader on focus thematic development and humanitarian issues.  Based on the MELSA unit’s stock take last April 2021, seventeen (17) KPs – twelve (12) evaluation reports and five (5) learning briefs, research reports, MELSA practice notes – are in various stages of finalization towards online posting and eventual dissemination, as provided for in the Common Approaches to MEL and Social Accountability (CAMSA).

Completion of said knowledge products would mark the transition to a knowledge generation process that would be more integral to the operations of the project teams and the emerging portfolio[1] structures.  This new arrangement in terms of knowledge management would involve more lead role for project and portfolio teams in planning learning and knowledge generation processes, designing and implementing formative and evaluative researches, and following through the finalization and dissemination of resulting knowledge products, with the MELSA team providing technical support at strategic points to ensure compliance with common Oxfam standards, integrity of the whole research process, and overall quality of the final outputs.

Objectives of Consultancy

This consultancy aims to facilitate the finalization, online publication, and initial promotion of the aforementioned MELSA knowledge products by contracting an external service provider, with appropriate competencies, to work on achievement of the following specific objectives: 

1. Finalize available drafts of identified knowledge products in the shortest time possible, considering available research information (i.e. without going through any additional data-gathering), and in close coordination with concerned project/MELSA teams;

2. Facilitate preparation of management responses for identified project evaluations in coordination with concerned project managers, and eventual approval of final drafts of accomplished management response forms by Oxfam Philippines’ country director;

3. Facilitate copy-editing of drafts finalized with the project teams and/or editorial boards, to improve the products’ readability and overall fitness prior to sign off by the country director, and application of layout in accordance with Oxfam branding policies; and,

4. Process immediate approval of the final drafts of identified knowledge products by the relevant project teams or identified editorial boards, and final sign off of content by the Oxfam Philippines’ country director preparatory to online posting or publication. 

Parameters for the Consultancy

The contracted consultant shall be reporting directly to Oxfam Philippines’ MELSA Manager, but shall work closely with the relevant project teams, identified editorial boards (in the case of non-evaluation-related knowledge products), and Policy Advocacy and Communications (PAC) team in accomplishing the key objectives outlined above.  In addition, the consultancy shall also consider the following parameters in carrying out the proposed engagement:

• Need to optimize available research data in finalizing current drafts, as data-gathering for most or all of the identified knowledge products have already been completed. In line with this, the hired consultant will have to make some key decisions as to possible exclusion of sections in available reports that are lacking in supporting information.

• Amounts for copy-editing and layout are not included in the proposed budget for this engagement. The contracted consultant will have to coordinate with relevant project and portfolio teams for appropriate budget allocations to cover the said costs, and for working out most cost-effective arrangements with copy-editors and layout artists.

• Oxfam Philippines’ PAC unit will provide oversight to the consultant in terms of the latter’s compliance with Oxfam’s global branding policies and publications standards, and will be requested to support the online posting of all identified knowledge products in appropriate online platforms of Oxfam Philippines (i.e. website, Workplace, etc.).

• The contracted consultant will finalize a work plan with detailed timelines for completion of each identified knowledge product during inception processes with MELSA and the relevant project teams/editorial boards, and will be asked to strictly observe the said timelines until delivery of the final outputs (i.e. online posting of the final documents).

 

Key Deliverables

The consultant shall produce the following major outputs based on the specific objectives and parameters that were outlined above, working closely with Oxfam Philippines’ MELSA team, concerned project/portfolio teams, editorial boards/committees, and the PAC unit:

1. An inception report, outlining agreements and results of discussions with the MELSA team, project and portfolio teams, editorial bodies, and PAC unit on the recommended approaches and directions in finalizing each of the identified knowledge products.

2. Finalized content of knowledge products (i.e. evaluation reports, research report, learning briefs, and MELSA practice notes) based on the status summary presented in above, with the relevant project teams and editorial committees, and copy-edited for final sign-off by Oxfam Philippines’ country director (if applicable)[1] prior to layout.

3. Accomplished management response forms with the concerned project teams and based on finalized evaluation reports, with sign off by Oxfam’s country director.

4. All of the identified MELSA knowledge products with proper layout in accordance with Oxfam’s global branding policies and publication standards and guidelines.

5. All of the identified knowledge products and components above posted or published in Oxfam Philippines’ online platforms: a) Midterm and end-of-project evaluation reports (specifically their executive summaries, full reports, management responses); b) Other products (e.g. MELSA practice notes, learning briefs, research report).

Qualifications:

Applicants for the consultancy should meet the following minimum criteria:

1. Graduate of any social sciences or development communications courses.

2. Past experiences in the conduct of mixed methods researches, project evaluations, and/or publication of related knowledge materials like reports, briefers, practice notes, etc.

3. Previous work on or involvement with development concerns such as women’s rights and issues (e.g. gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health rights, unpaid care work, etc.), disaster risk reduction, financial inclusion, COVID 19 response, etc.

4. Able to work with diverse teams and individuals towards meeting tight deadlines.

5. Can deliver high quality outputs based on the agreed work plans and targets, while being adaptive and innovative, and with minimal supervision from their direct line manager.

Period of Engagement:   August 09,  2021 until October 22, 2021

How to apply:

Application must submit a curriculum vitae, letter of intent and concept and cost proposal to undertake the task. Requirements should be submitted to HR  no later than 23 July 2021.

Other Responsibilities

• Adhere to Oxfam’s principles and values as well as the promotion of gender justice and women’s rights.
• Perform priority organizational tasks related to his/her competencies as may be assigned from time to time.

Organizational Values:

• Accountability – Our purpose-driven, results-focused approach means we take responsibility for our actions and hold ourselves accountable. We believe that others should also be held accountable for their actions
• Empowerment – Our approach means that everyone involved with Oxfam, from our staff and supporters to people living in poverty, should feel they can make change happen
• Inclusiveness – We are open to everyone and embrace diversity. We believe everyone has a contribution to make, regardless of visible and invisible differences.

Our values and commitment to safeguarding

Oxfam is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. Oxfam expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.

Note: All offers of consultancy will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks.

In response to Covid-19 if you are offered a role where you are required to travel between countries please ensure you have been briefed by the Hiring Manager about any changes to working or precautions you should take as part of your role.