Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Officer 118 views1 applications

Reports to:             Project Coordinator

Supervises:             None

JOB SUMMARY  

The Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Officer will provide technical input and guidance on monitoring, evaluation, reporting and sharing learnings on conflict management and peace-building components of the proposed European Union-funded three-year collaboration in Cross-Border Areas of the Horn of Africa Region:  South and West Omo Zone, Ethiopia –Northwest Kenya border. S/He will be responsible for bringing out best available practices and innovative approaches and ensures the strategic and functional integration of all MERL activities as well as active collaboration with key stakeholders in accordance with the EUTF agreement. The individual oversees all MERL activities, provides technical direction and support, ensures the accurate reporting of results for project activities, and ensures the project aligns with Pact’s quality standards for MERL in close coordination with country office’s MERL team under the direction of the EUTF SEEK II Project Coordinator. This position is based in Turmi.

Roles and responsibilities:

The specific duties to be carried out by the successful candidate are listed below:

• Contribute to the design and implementation of the project’s MERL system in coordination with the MERL unit to develop key performance indicators, targets, tools, and appropriate MERL responsibilities across the project.
• Coordinate any external evaluation processes, including drafting evaluation ToR and selection of firm, in alignment with award.
• Develop and disseminate relevant M&E tools, formats and lead the provision of M&E specific technical training
• Oversee data collection, collation, storage, analysis, and reporting, ensuring that data is of high quality and data quality audit worthy
• Ensure appropriate training and supportive supervision of all partners in monitoring and evaluation procedures, data collection tools, and data management practices in alignment with the MEL Plan
• Work closely with partners to establish their internal MERL systems, M&E plans, and data quality management
• Conduct Routine Data Quality Assessments (RDQA) and implement corrective actions to improve data quality and accountability of staff and partners
• Develop and maintain accurate information in a project database, as well as accurate and timely electronic files.
• Calculation and reporting of Pact’s Global Indicators through imPact, Pact’s instance of DHIS2, and calculation and reporting of project data into imPact
• Responsible for the data analysis, writing, and review of the results and learning sections of program reports in collaboration with program staff, before submission to donor and ensure consortium partners’ compliance with internal data quality requirements and timely submissions for reporting.
• Commitment to applied learning and adaptation based on data: Lead the program team on routine reviews and interpretation of data for learning and adaptation; package and disseminate timely findings in a meaningful way, and make suggestions for
• Other tasks as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in any of the following or related fields: social science, international development, public health, evaluation, statistics, or economics
• At least three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in designing, managing, and implementing results based MERL activities
• Demonstrated relevant technical skills in analyzing quantitative and qualitative data, with excellent organizational as well as English oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated commitment to data use and learning to improve program performance
• Progressively responsible experience in monitoring and evaluation of SEEK II project, program beneficiaries, and program staff.
• Prior knowledge of EU programs
• Extensive knowledge and experience in reporting procedures, best practices, guidelines, and tools for monitoring, evaluation, and learning, including impact evaluation.
• Demonstrated supervisory skills, and ability to work well on a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, i.e., Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc., and the ability to use various commercially available statistical software programs.

Preferred qualifications, not required:

• Working knowledge of DHIS2
• Master’s degree in any of the following or related fields: social science, international development, public health, evaluation, statistics, or economics
• Experience in utilizing gender and social inclusion sensitive indicators and analysis