Creative Associates Overview: 

Creative Associates International Inc.  is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions and stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.

Program Overview:

The five-year READ II project, funded by USAID, will boost the quality of literacy instruction and student support, reaching out to children at risk of failure and dropout caused by cognitive, emotional and physical effects of hunger, violence, and displacement. READ II seeks to better equip teachers with effective early grade reading instruction techniques and materials in seven mother-tongue languages and English, while simultaneously building a culture of reading in the school, home and community.

Position Summary:

The M&E Specialist is responsible for implementing conflict sensitive M&E system for tracking key performance indicators and building an evidence base regarding the implementation of READ II emergency response in Tigray region. S/he works closely with the Tigray Response Lead (TRL), the rest of the regional team and the central MEL unit to ensure that the MEL system is functioning well to timely and adequately meet the MEL requirements of READ II activity in implementing Education in Emergencies. The key duties and responsibilities include customizing MEL data collection and reporting templates, implementation of standard data management procedures to ensure timely collection, entry, analysis and interpretation of performance data; leading/ coordinating routine monitoring visits, studies and assessments; organize periodic program review meetings; M&E capacity building of staff and implementing partners, building an evidence base and facilitate learning.

Reporting & Supervision:

The M&E Specialist will report to the Regional Director and works closely with the MEL Director based at the project main office in Addis Ababa.

Primary Responsibilities:

Implementation of M&E system, Data management and Reporting:

• In collaboration with the Tigray Response Lead (TRL) and the central MEL unit, develop/ update M&E data collection tools and reporting formats
• Ensure the timely collection of context and performance data from all implementation sites using standard templates
• Conducting detailed data analysis for quantitative and qualitative data received through the different channels and present analytical summaries informing programming and serving as input for internal review meetings and reports.
• Working closely with the TRL and relevant Managers in preparing weekly, monthly and quarterly performance updates and reports
• Support staff in the field in data collection, using timely Survey CTO and other data collection apps applicable for the project.
• Support timely regional level data collection, coalition, analysis and reporting, and conduct data audits and analysis to ensure high-quality data, and compile report with relevant indicator.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Lead/ coordinate routine monitoring of the implementation of crisis response activities
• Undertake conflict-sensitive rolling diagnostic assessments to understand changing contexts and their implications on the programming.
• In consultation with other the regional staff and with central MEL develop evaluation design, including specification of the necessary staff and resources to conduct the evaluation.
• Support to the field office on periodic assessments, studies and evaluations, i.e., support in developing the survey tools, data analysis, and report writing.

Collaborating, Learning and Adapting (CLA):

• Lead/ coordinate the documentation of the implementation of the READ II response process, success stories and promising practices
• Lead/ coordinate the documentation and dissemination of key findings and lessons stemming from monitoring, assessment
• Assist the field office with the organization regular regional pause and reflect sessions and periodic program review meetings and with the presentation of key lessons
• When appropriate/applicable, facilitate, and participate in information sharing opportunities among READ II, government offices and stakeholders.

Capacity Building

• Facilitate/ support M&E capacity building for regional READ II staff and Education offices at different levels
• Conduct supportive visits to implementation sites to provide orientations, training/ mentoring, technical assistance, to ensure that M&E and data management tools and procedures are understood and being implemented effectively.
• Other tasks as assigned.

• Master’s Degree in Statistics, Social Science, or related fields.
• At least 8+ years of general experience and 5+ years of experience in monitoring evaluation and learning.
• Proven technical skills in monitoring and evaluation and in supporting Education in Emergencies projects
• Practical experience in undertaking rolling diagnostic assessments in emergencies and Internal Displaced People (IDP) settings
• Experience using software applications such as Excel, Access, or statistics software such as SPSS, STATA.
• Knowledge of data collection and analysis software, scripting skills (Survey CTO is a plus)
• Excellent analytical, presentation, and report writing skills.
• Previous experience with remote/ electronic or mobile data collection
• Knowledge/ understanding of conflict sensitivity/do no harm practice.