Program Assistant
MEDA Pakistan

Industry:N.G.O./Social Services
Functional Area:Project Management
Total Position:1
Job Type:Contract ( 3 Months )
Job Location:Islamabad, Pakistan
Gender: Female
Minimum Education:Master’s Degree
Degree Title:Masters Degree in any of the Social Sciences Disciplines;
Career Level:Experienced (Non-Manager)
Minimum Experience:2 Years (4. Should have 1-2 years’ experience in livelihoods and enterprise development as well as basic field data collection, recording, collation, data entry and drafting of reports.)

INTRODUCTION:
Since its inception in 1953, Mennonite Economic Development Associated (MEDA) has been committed to local ownership and sustainable outcomes. MEDA is currently working in many countries all around the world MEDA uses business-oriented approaches to international economic development that results in sustainable enterprises to benefit the poor and to help them improve their livelihoods. Our development values are wealth creation by adding value in managing human, financial and environmental resources; participation of those with whom we work at all stages and levels of a project – regardless of gender, race, class, ethnicity, nationality or religion; collaboration with others engaged in development to avoid duplication and competition; sustainability, both programmatically and environmentally; and direct investment in businesses that serve the poor.
MEDA has been working in Pakistan since 2004 in the field of women’s economic development. USAID Pakistan Entrepreneurs, a USAID funded project will, over the next 5 years benefit thousands of homebound and isolated women in all four provinces of Pakistan. Women’s economic empowerment in Pakistan requires a concerted effort that goes beyond establishing micro-enterprises or providing employment opportunities, it should also include: access to business and skills training, market exposure, technology transfer, availability of credit, awareness of rights, knowledge of pricing, negotiation skills, to name a few. Through these efforts women will not only earn increased incomes but they will also be able to assume a more active role in decision-making for their families and communities.
USAID Entrepreneurs Project:
The USAID Entrepreneurs Project has so far trained approximately 51,000 micro entrepreneurs (beneficiaries) in basic technical trainings on best production practices relevant to each of the four Value Chains of which 85% are women. The remaining 24,000 beneficiaries are being assisted from now through Mar 2014 (except in the case of HEF in Baluchistan as we had WESS on board in Mar 2013 and their sub-grant will be until May 2014). A substantial segment of those beneficiaries that have been trained have also been linked to vertical and horizontal value chain linkages such as input suppliers and markets/buyers.
To carry out an Assessment Study on the “Rate of Adoption of Best Production Practices” by the micro-entrepreneurs, a Program Assistant is needed to assist MEDA Strategic Planning Advisor for note taking during field visits, focus group discussion, drafting minutes and compiling the study findings.
Job Functions and Responsibilities:
The person will report to the Strategic Planning Advisor with specific reference to the Assessment Study. Detailed responsibilities are as under:
1. Assist in developing the methodology and tools (data collection and data analysis) for the assessment study;
2. Assist in coordination with KFPs on the details of support and facilitation required after the detailed assessment study plan has been shared and okayed by the Directors of Value Chain;
3. Ensure that all materials are ready as per check list before undertaking travel to field locations;
4. During “observation” of activities/work of micro-entrepreneurs, take notes against appropriate columns of check list developed;
5. Assist and/or conduct Focus Group Discussions with Cluster/Groups of Micro-Entrepreneurs;
6. At the end of each field day, compile draft of Focus Group Discussion Findings and Observation Visits;
7. At the end of each field visit, assist in preparation of the visit and assessment reports and after the end of all field visits, assist in the preparation and presentation of the final Assessment Study Report;
Qualifications and Experience
1. Masters Degree in any of the Social Sciences Disciplines;
2. Should be a “Female” as most of the beneficiaries are females with whom focus group discussions and “observations visits” will take place;
3. Must have exceptional skills and competencies with regard to analytical and communication skills, planning and organizing events and activities and working under tight deadlines.
4. Should have 1-2 years’ experience in livelihoods and enterprise development as well as basic field data collection, recording, collation, data entry and drafting of reports.
5. Should be available for a period of 3 months (1st Jun 2013 to 30 Sep 2013);