About Me

SUITABILITY STATEMENT

1.       Academic Qualifications: Ogwezzy Melody holds Bachelor degree in Management, Masters in Business Administration (MBA) and M.Sc in Development Studies.

2.       Technical Management and Project M&E in Diversified Projects:

·         EU-Niger Delta Support Programme (NDSP): In the NDSP, based on my experience and institutional background among the team members, I was saddled with the responsibility of supporting the National Authorizing Office (NAO) with day-to-day technical and financial monitoring of CSOs activities partnering with the programme. I developed sets of the monitoring and evaluation indicators based on the Logical Framework of the project. These indicators are monitored, reviewed and evaluated quarterly focusing on the measurement of activities against project results, purposes and overall objective, as set out in the log-frame of the project. Similarly, I supported the NAO in the call for CSO proposals, contracting processes (contract initiation to closure) and field visits to civil society organizations (CSOs) implementation sites for monitoring and evaluation of indicators.

·         UNICEF: I supported the collaboration of CSOs and State’s line Ministries in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programme. Our key responsibilities as Technical Assistance (TA) was internal mentoring, monitoring and evaluating of Ministries/CSOs data, study design, technical writing/reporting and ethical review processes. I ensured that the project adhere to Terms of Reference (ToR) of various assignments, project log frame, the steering committee meetings and its recommendations. I ensure that the various meetings held in the project with its minutes, contacts details with the action’s team, beneficiaries, authorities and other stakeholders are clearly documented for reference purposes and in most cases on the spot checks are done on the works of collaborating CSOs and State’s ministries. These efforts are to enable the State replicate the projects in other areas of interventions. With these levels of Technical Assistance (TA), The Civil Societies and the Government was able to agree on common project outcome measurement, set targets, data quality and validation techniques. Based on these understanding of the basic M&E techniques, I was able to provide strategic leadership in evidence-based WASH service delivery and also support the development of best data management practices including the development of Water Sanitation and Hygiene Information Management System (WASHIMS).

·         World Bank – National Fadama III: My experiences in external monitoring and evaluation are on my independent view and focus on problematic actions using systematic and objective assessment of on-going or completed interventions (actions/policies), their design, implementation and results according to the following criteria: relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, impact, coherence and added-value. For instance, I was engaged as an individual consultant on two different missions: (i) Assessing the Contribution of the Small-Scale Community-Owned Infrastructure (SCI) and Asset Acquisition to the Attainment of the Fadama III Project Development Objective. (ii) Small – Scale Community Owned Rural Infrastructure and Assets Acquisition to the Attainment of the Fadama III Project Development Objective. In these assignments, social science research and Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) methods was adopted and results communicated through the use of descriptive statistics – (graphical and table) presentations to stakeholders.

·         European Union – Final Evaluation of Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Reform: This mission was to analyse the programme relevance and its coherence with the 9th EDF CSP/NID with Nigeria’s development strategy (NEED and SEED) and other key indicators. In this mission, the main approaches adopted were literature review, social science research method, observations and field visits to projects sites and relevant stakeholders.

·         European Union – Niger Delta Support Programme: As the Institutional, Policy and Governance Expert in the Project, I encouraged the CSOs through small grant awards to embark on continuous advocacy to the States Government to ensure the payment of the State’s counterpart fund of five hundred million naira (N500,000,000.00) and the benefiting small towns’ 5% for operation and maintenance. The CSOs tracked the payments to the dedicated accounts and also built a firewall of enquiry around these dedicated funds to ensure transparency and accountability. Under the EU-NDSP, there is an annual release of a minimum of sixty million naira (N60, 000,000.00) operation programme estimate (OPE) to the State Working Group for incidentals. The CSOs were also used to track and monitor the funds to ensure eligible spending and also report ineligible usages.

3.       Project Planning, Report Writing and Work Organization Skills: For effective coordination of the project and project team, I ensure regular meeting are organized to agree and draw up activities from the logical framework for implementation within a given reporting period.  I encouraged a concerted workplan preparation using rational plan software and the Project Life Cycle Management techniques to ensure that the team and the project remain on track. Written reports are submitted at the set times laid down in the programme agreement. Both paper and electronic copies are submitted in English and contain information on the management of the project, the original work plan and what the future work plan is. As a State Team Leader in the EU-NDSP, I coordinate the preparation of three main reports viz: Inception report, Interim reports and Final report. We prepare the inception report within the first month of project start-up, the report comprises of analysis of existing situation and work plan for the project. The interim reports (6-month Progress Report) is a short description of progress (technical and financial) including achievements and problems encountered during the six months period while the final report is done at the end of the period of implementation of the tasks/project with full description of achievements including problems encountered and recommendations. The project reports are submitted to the Project Manager responsible for approving the reports. As a leader, I have encouraged team participation to balance a host of different duties by setting out specific tasks for accomplishment. For instance, during the writing of progress reports, experts are requested to take lead in the areas of expertise.

4.       Communication Skills in English: My organizational time management and communication skills are keen allowing me to stay on top of multiple projects and keep detailed written records in English while ensuring that other key players are provided with necessary information. I am a compassionate individual with top-notch counselling skills. I have been lauded by supervisors, colleagues and donors alike on my ability to diffuse a tense situation. For instance, The EU-NDSP requires beneficiary communities and State to pay 5% counterpart contribution of the cost works component (infrastructure). I developed sensitization and advocacy strategy for making the Executive Governor and the Senior State Officials feel at ease and payment was made by State and all the benefiting communities. One of these strategies was to identify key high profile / influential personalities in the State and confer on him/her an honour of Reform Champion. One of the main duties of the Reform Champions was to influence and support the programme team in high level advocacy and to open difficult doors. My experiences in these roles shaped me to be a very useful and resourceful member of any team. I demonstrated a strong ability to facilitate teamwork through understanding different perspectives, ideas, opinions and form them into effective outcomes and support the programme in disseminating key findings, lessons learned and best practices locally via conferences, presentations, technical reports, and peer reviewed publications.

5.       Microsoft Office Software: Excellent general computer skills and dexterity in MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, internet/web based email, E-Cash book, statistical tool (EPI Info, Raosoft & Surveymonkey) and Rational Plan for project planning / management.

6.       Management of Civil Society Projects/Programmes: As Chief Executive of an NGO, I oversee the applications for calls for proposals, grants awarded and its implementation. One of such grants was forty thousand euros (40,000.00€) by Transparency International, Germany to carry out Socio Movement for Advocacy in the Water Sector in Nigeria, where I managed staff strength of 7 and allocating budgets accordingly to activities as stated in the proposal / logical framework. This grant was used to oversee the implementation of the following activities:

·         To identify and organize national workshops with high profile policy makers, donors and civil society organizations to introduce the issue of curbing corruption to improve transparency and accountability in the water sector service delivery. This advocacy strategy is still yielding fruits till date.

·         Conduct organizational capacity assessments of other local CSOs in Nigeria and organizational development activities of applicants that will receive small grants from WIN Secretariat in Germany, continuing support in financial management, reporting (financial and narrative), monitoring and evaluation of activities of these local CSOs during the course of implementing the grant.

·         Part of this grant was also used to organize regional hubs consultation with CSOs, information and training workshops and to ensure proper day-to-day administration of other CSOs awarded with small grants in line with the Financing Agreement and WIN procedures.

In a related development in UNICEF,  Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) was facilitated by Community Integrity Initiative through a grant support, as the Chief Executive of the NGO, I built the capacity of all relevant team members to develop and maintain an excellent M&E system in line with the UNICEF requirements, including the periodic reflection and analysis of program monitoring data; developed work plans, implemented and trained staff on program monitoring tools; trained technical focal persons on the use and interpretation of data; coordinated and led  the survey team to pre-test and implement flexible reporting structures and data collection mechanisms, established and maintained feedback mechanisms of program results for decision making etc.

7.       Technical Management of Civil Society Programs in Sub-Saharan Africa: At Water Integrity Network (INGO), where I was elected International Steering Committee Member representing Africa as a constituency for 6 years, I carried out strategic evaluations on various Water Integrity Network (WIN) platforms, regional and countries hubs. I assess WIN support, over a significant time period, looking at specific thematic areas, small grants programmes accessed by the CSOs in the various countries supported by WIN’s Small Grant Programme, modalities/applications/implementations in line with the proposal, financial instruments. These were issues I tried to understand and looked at the “why”, in a specific context, the small grant programme for civil society development, advocacy and governance have been successful or not, and provide recommendations to WIN Secretariat in Germany for the future programming. I provided policy advice to the WIN Secretariat as regards the civil society sector in my constituency and how best they can contribute to good governance in the water sector to improve transparency in Africa.

8.       Designing, Mentoring and Capacity Building Programs in Sub-Saharan Africa: During my two terms tenure of 6 years as a member of Water Integrity Network – International Steering Committee (WIN-ISC), I acted as helpdesk for civil society organizations in my constituency (Africa) on matters such as WIN small grants, membership, WIN relationship with other donors, membership registration, etc. We developed Water integrity toolbox, the Integrity Toolbox is series of training modules developed by WIN-ISC and its secretariat to supports civil society organizations in making integrity a part of their strategic plans, business models, and—most importantly—their daily practices to reduce risks and improve performance. As part of my key responsibilities, I trained and mentored the various CSOs in my constituency (Africa).  Some of these tools could be adapted to make valuable contributions to the work of Civil Society in countiries.

9.       Experience with Civil Society Campaigns in Sub-Saharan Africa: My greatest strengths equal those most essential for consistent growth and success of my organization. I have proficiency in developing lucrative partnerships, forming local and global strategic alliances with civil society organizations to support and strengthen CSOs works as it relates to Civil Society in Countries. For instance, I am a member of the following networks:

·         Water Integrity Network (WIN), Berlin, Germany

·         Gender and Water Alliance (GWA), The Hague, The Netherlands

·         Water Supply Sanitation & Collaborative Council (WSSCC), Geneva, Switzerland

·         Global Water Partnership (GWP), Stockholm, Sweden.

As a member of the above networks, I have actively participated in various thematic issues for over ten years in the area of civil society development/advocacy for water sector governance with regional and countries hubs in the Africa.  For instance, The Water Integrity Network (WIN) supports and connects an open network of partner individuals, organizations, and governments promoting water integrity to reduce corruption and improve water sector performance worldwide. GWA is to promote women’s and men’s equitable access to and management of safe and adequate water, for domestic supply, sanitation, food security and environmental sustainability. The WSSCC is a global, multi-stakeholder membership and partnership organization that works with poor people, organizations, governments and local entrepreneurs to improve sanitation and hygiene at scale. The GWP is an international network created to foster an integrated approach to water resources management. These networks shares its aims and values in thematic democratic governance, sustainable development, management and use of resources. Partners share information and experiences and draw on each other for advice and assistance.

10.   M&E on Projects Funded by International Organizations: As the Chief Executive of Community Integrity Initiative (CII), CII in collaboration with EU-Micro Project Programme carried out intensive community sensitization and mobilization for counterpart fund, I encouraged CII through small grant awards received form EU-MPP3 to embark on continuous advocacy to the Delta State Government to ensure the payment of the State’s counterpart fund of two hundred million naira  (200,000,000.00) and the benefiting small towns’ 5% operation and maintenance counterpart fund. CII tracked the payments to the dedicated accounts and also built monitoring and evaluation firewall of enquiry around these dedicated funds to ensure transparency and accountability.

11.   Managerial Position/Technical Assistance: I have over 15 years leadership experience in managerial position/technical assistance in EU and UNICEF Programmes viz:

·         State Project Coordinator for 4 years (2005 – 2008) in EU-Supported Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Programme, Nigeria.

·         Economist/Social Sector Expert (2011) in EU-Final Evaluation Mission for the 9th EDF Water and Sanitation Project in Nigeria in Adamawa, Anambra, Cross Rivers, Jigawa, Kano, Osun and Yobe States. Nigeria.

·         Development/Institutional Specialist (2010) in EU-Formulation Mission for the 10th EDF Water and Sanitation Project in Nigeria in Adamawa, Anambra, Cross Rivers, Jigawa, Kano, Osun and Yobe States. Nigeria.

·         Osun State Level  Water and  Environment, Sanitation Consultant-Team Leader (2010 -2012) in UNICEF, Nigeria

·         Delta State Level  Water and  Environment, Sanitation Consultant-Team Leader (2012 -2013) in UNICEF, Nigeria

·         State Team Leader/Institutional and Policy Expert (2013 – 2017) for 5 years in EU-Niger Delta Support Programme (NDSP), Nigeria.

12.   Design and  Management of Calls For Proposals and Grants: During my work with the EU-Niger Delta Support Programme (NDSP), I was saddled with the responsibilities of supporting the NAO in preparing requests for grants based on knowledge of the EC (PRAG) procedures: preparation of work programme for Civil Society, concept notes and full proposal templates, tender documents (ToR and Guidelines for applicants), launching and evaluation of call/tenders, technical assessment of project proposals and tenders, served as member of the Evaluation Committees and Assessor.

13.   Data collection, analysis, quantitative and qualitative research, and dissemination of results: Instances on my experience in the above are drawn from my work in EU-WASH baseline survey and UNICEF – Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) survey. WASH baseline and KAP are quantitative method (predefined questions formatted in standardized questionnaires) that provides access to quantitative and qualitative information. These surveys reveal misconceptions or misunderstandings that may represent obstacles to the activities that we would like to cause potential barriers to behavior change. I was Team Leader of these surveys in different States while my success was achieved from effective planning, implementation and reporting on the activities below: clear determination of number of staff required for the survey, time for survey, cost of assessment, training surveyors / survey assistants (Enumerators), geographic targeting, type of data collection (household and individual surveys), the degree of technical difficulty and complements with other resources such as open-ended interviews and Key Informant interview (KI) and focus groups discussion (FGD) can complement a survey, allowing further exploration of a situation or problem, and potentially highlighting aspects that are not yet known. These methods combine observations and open interviews; helps deepen topics addressed in the surveys.

14.   Knowledge of EDF Procedures: I hold over 15 years knowledge of EDF programmes viz:

·         7th EDF: I was a CSO for 4 years (2002-2005), collaborating with the EU-Micro Project n Programme (MPP3), Nigeria.

·         7th EDF: I was State Project Coordinator for 4 years (2005-2008) of EU-Supported Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Programme, Nigeria.

·         9th EDF: I was Economist/Social Sector Expert in EU-Final Evaluation Mission for the 9th EDF Water and Sanitation Project in Nigeria in Adamawa, Anambra, Cross Rivers, Jigawa, Kano, Osun and Yobe States. Nigeria.

·         10th EDF: I was Development/Institutional Specialist in EU-Formulation Mission for the 10th EDF Water and Sanitation Project in Nigeria in Adamawa, Anambra, Cross Rivers, Jigawa, Kano, Osun and Yobe States. Nigeria.

·         10th EDF: I was State Team Leader/Institutional and Policy Expert for 5 (2013-2017) years in EU-Niger Delta Support Programme (NDSP), Nigeria.

15.   Project Steering Committee (PSC): I have good working knowledge of the duties and responsibilities of Project Steering Committee (PSC) having been a member of the International Steering Committee of Water Integrity Network, Germany (see attached). I also have formed / set-up PSC in the various EU programmes which I headed. For instance, the PSC members in NDSP under my supervision were nominated on personal basis by their respective line ministries/organizations and their nomination was sent to the Head of Delegation in agreement with the NAO for approval.