Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Systems ( MELs ) Manager

Description

Heifer International is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability.

FUNCTION

This position will manage the development and implementation of Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Systems (MELs) for the country program and projects within the country program. A strong emphasis is on good quality proposals, data collection, integrity, data analysis, reporting, and dissemination to key stakeholders. S/he will provide technical input to proposal design and development and will provide leadership and support in the implementation of Heifer’s global monitoring and evaluation systems at the country level, ensuring standards in baseline surveys, impact monitoring and evaluation processes that contribute to the Country, Regional and Global strategies.

The MELs Manager represents Heifer’s country-level management, project/program knowledge, and perspective in the development of strategies within Heifer and the private sector at large.

ESSENTIAL CHARACTER TRAITS: 

The ideal candidate is detailed oriented, self-driven and has strong leadership skills.

 RESPONSIBILITIES & DELIVERABLES

A. Strengthen and implement monitoring, evaluation, learning and systems for country specific projects. (30%)

• Design project/program results frameworks with KPIs
• Design and or re-enforce the use of available tools, processes, and practices that improves the MEL system.
• Re-enforce the use of project specific, donor specific and Global indicators in project/program design and development.
• Data collected and managed to support needs assessment, project/program design, results framework design, target setting, and progress management.
• project baseline conducted and managed to help monitor project/program progress, and evaluations as per M&E plan.
• Effective implementation of MELs policies, procedures, and guidelines for country specific projects re-enforced.
• Proper use of available digital tools and technology for effective management of MELs activities ensured.
• Support provided to implementing partners in preparing their MELs plans, and in using digital tools for data collection and management.
• Heifer wide research for Learning when needed supported.
• MELs related challenges elevated to Country Director for coordination with HQ based staff (Program Desk Officer and Regional MELs Staff) to find timely solutions.

B. Contribute to project/program efficiency and effectiveness: design monitoring, evaluation, learning and systems for country specific projects (20%).

• Design monitoring and evaluation plan incorporating core standard indicators defined by HQ and set targets for indicators.
• Create an indicator reference sheet for all indicators.
• Results Framework or logical framework developed for all the projects/programs.
• Data collection tools, plans, and processes designed for all required information, ensuring high quality and integrity of data.
• Periodically reviewed and adjusted M&E plans and targets, tools, and processes.
• Country’s projects/program M&E plans and procedures aligned with the organization’s standards and requirements.
• MELs budget and staffing plan developed per funded project/program.
• Networking with other development organizations, governments, and other line agencies in promoting Heifer’s development model/initiatives, and potential collaborations re-enforced.

C. Data management, analysis, and utilization for learning (20%)

• Summarize/ aggregate data at a country level and contribute to organization-wide aggregation.
• Manage all data properly in clean form, and analyze to use for project/program management, learning, and meet all the reporting needs.
• Timely availability of credible, reliable data and high-quality reporting to stakeholders ensured.
• Periodic donor, country-specific, Regional and Global requests for additional information on project/program performances provided.
• CP level Collaborative Learning and Adaptation (CLA) to action agenda developed, monitored, refined, and acted upon.
• Lessons learned, successes, failures and best practices via case studies documented and shared.
• Documented project/program information shared with the Communication Officer for production of visibility and fundraising materials.

D. Capacity Development (15%)

• Equip MELs staff and implementing partner staffs with skills to deliver MELs activities efficiently.
• Orient and build the M&E capacity of implementing partners, Self Help Groups, Associations, Cooperatives, Project Management Committee (PMC) in MELs activities including proper record keeping, data management, process monitoring, and reporting. Effective, efficient support and supervision for project staff and partners on compliance on MELs activities ensured.
• Provide coaching and training to equip MELs staff to deliver the assigned responsibilities efficiently.
• Contribute to the recruitment, training, and supervision of external parties that are contracted to implement special surveys and studies required for evaluating project effects and impacts.

E. Fundraising (10%)

• Support the development of concept notes, project/program proposals for submission to potential donors. Coordinated efforts with CP Programs, Regional MELs, and Programs, Global MELs team to keep them updated on MELs activities, and to understand stakeholders needs.
• Research and evaluation initiatives in country coordinated.
• Assist in networking with other development organizations, governments, and other line agencies in promoting Heifer’s development model/initiatives, and potential collaborations.

F. Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the supervisor ( 5%).

• Assigned duties performed in the best interest of Heifer Project International.

Minimum Requirements:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture (Agricultural Economics preferred), International Development, Project/Program Management including Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning, Economics and/or Statistics, or an equivalent with an academic focus on monitoring and evaluation or another related field.
2. Minimum of five (5) years of directly relevant experience in MELs.

Preferred Requirements:

1. Master’s degree in degree in Agriculture (Agricultural Economics preferred), International Development, project/program Management, Economics and/or Statistics, or an equivalent with an academic focus on monitoring and evaluation or another related field with at least 3 years working experience.

Most Critical Proficiencies:

1. Demonstrated experience in coordinating and working with international donors and grantees on MELs systems.
2. Experience in supporting and monitoring field-based programs.
3. Experience in managing databases and coordinating evaluations, surveys, and impact monitoring.
4. Strong knowledge and skills in data management and analysis using statistical software such as SPSS preferred, STATA, SAS
5. Strong experience and skills in data collection software such as SurveyCTO preferred; Kobo, Survey Solutions, etc.
6. Innovative, analytical, and solutions oriented.
7. A good understanding of and sensitivity to issues associated with poverty, hunger, agriculture and the environment, and knowledge of the context in which non-profit organizations operate
8. Knowledge of market systems interventions and linkages to poverty alleviation.
9. Excellent organizational skills, including strong attention to details.
10. Proven experience in building the capacity of partner institutions to document and disseminate industry information, manage knowledge, measure progress and plan and advocate within the industry.
11. Proficient knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, presentation tools, electronic mail (Microsoft Office preferred) and Internet.
12. Strong knowledge and skills in data management and analysis using statistical software’s (e.g., STATA, SPSS, SAS, etc.)
13. Demonstrated proficiency in English, both oral and written.
14. Experience with ICT.
15. Ability to work in a team and multi-task.

Essential Job Functions and Physical Demands:

1. Ability to understand, appreciate and implement social capital and market systems interventions.
2. Demonstrated creativity, ability to think systematically, willingness and ability to incorporate innovative solutions.
3. Quantitative and qualitative approaches to evaluation and ability to communicate MELs concepts clearly with leadership, partners, and staff at all levels.
4. Willingness and ability to work with colleagues across other departments and use participatory management skills to get work accomplished on time with good quality.
5. Proven team leadership and supervisory skills with the ability to train and work cooperatively with a diverse staff, including field staff in various locations.
6. Constant face-to-face, telephone and electronic communication with colleagues and the public.
7. Working with sensitive information and maintaining confidentiality.
8. Ability to manage and execute multiple tasks with little supervision while meeting sometimes inflexible deadlines.
9. Willingness and ability to travel extensively.
10. Holder of a clean driver’s license