Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning Manager at Heshima Kenya

Reports to : Director of Program

Position Overview:

The Manager will be a technical specialist to provide overall leadership for MERL approach, policies and strategy for RefuSHE. The position will be responsible for defining RefuSHE Monitoring and Evaluation Frame Work and development of MERL plan and associated tools. S/he will lead in identifying MERL needs of RefuSHE making appropriate recommendations and leading in implementation of the same. S/he will also develop protocols and procedures to monitor and evaluate various projects and help provide accountability and ensure efficiency in success from projects baselines to end lines. The position will build capacities of program staff and ensure that data quality and standards are monitored, met and reported timely. S/he works hand in hand with the Director of Programs and Program Managers to asses and refine existing M&E tools in line with the existing program needs. S/he will be responsible for development of research tools for all research projects by taking lead in development of study design methodology, sampling protocols, survey development, data collection & data management/analysis, storage and retrieval. .The Manager will be responsible for dissemination of findings and learning’s from all research projects. Monitoring and evaluation initiatives. S/he works with the DoP and Program Managers in setting realizable project targets and clear outputs as well as associated indicators that clearly define what to be achieved and demonstrate RefuSHE results and impact of her programs to the beneficiaries. This position will have responsibility for monitoring and evaluating established and new projects providing accountability with a focus on efficiency and sustainability from the outset. A priority of continued improvement of RefuSHE systems and processes to support and drive learning, standards, quality, audit, analysis, data storage and retrieval will be crucial in this position.

This is a senior position in RefuSHE Management structure but has no supervisory role and reports directly to the Country Director

SPECIFIC ROLES

• Monitoring and Evaluation
  • Supports program managers in strengthening their program monitoring systems, and effectively communicating and utilizing data for program improvement.
  • Trains and mentors RefuSHE program team to develop the necessary knowledge and skillset to run practically strong monitoring, evaluations and research studies
  • Works with Program/Project Managers to develop tracking mechanisms for monitoring program/project outcomes; helps analyze data to serve as part of the internal quality assurance mechanism for project delivery
  • Leads all M&E initiatives for assigned grants/projects including monitoring data quality, tracking the progress of activities, and informing staff capacity building initiatives
  • Leads M&E system and process development, creating a framework and procedures for the monitoring and evaluation of project activities
  • Lead in the finalization of monitoring and evaluation framework and Plan
  • Provide technical guidance for the implementation of the M&E plan, through training and other on-site support
  • Participate and contribute in rollout of sales force platform for M&E and data management in the organization
  • Lead in development of monitoring and evaluation tools and processes for existing and future projects
  • Facilitates review of programs/projects progress on a quarterly basis and ensures problem solving through remedial actions
  • Ensures any disparities between planned and actual outputs are addressed
  • Oversees in-building of strong M&E systems during the planning cycles within all the programs/projects and in the annual operational plans
  • Works with DoP to prepare Terms of Reference (TOR) for baselines, mid-term, and summative surveys including methodology preparation, sample selection and staff /enumerators training on need basis, and provide overall technical direction for the conducting of the surveys/studies
  • Keeps the Country Director and Senior Managers of RefuSHE well appraised of all developments on the projects within portfolio and serve as a link between program staff in regard to MERL and senior management
  • Contributes in overseeing project financial management including creation and monitoring of project budgets, and ensures smooth integration of projects in RefuSHE financial systems
• Research and Learning Roles
  • Contributes to the development of annual research and learning objectives that can be translated into action plans
  • Works with DoP and PMs to identify research needs and develop research designs and proposals
  • Undertakes literature reviews and synthesizes (oral & verbal) research results to provide context for research studies
  • Work with DoP and PMs to develop protocols, tools and systems to collect, collate and analyze research, monitoring, evaluation and learning data in a coherent and participatory manner
  • Responsible for analyzing quantitative and qualitative data, synthesizing findings, and writing summary reports.
  • Implementation of RefuSHE research, monitoring and evaluation polices and strategies
  • Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing on research, monitoring and evaluation.
  • Promotes a learning culture within RefuSHE that is inclusive, creative and forward thinking
  • Supports in dissemination of results via presentations and reports to various audiences
  • Undertakes other responsibilities/duties not outlined above which are commensurate with a role of this nature in the humanitarian sector and which have been discussed and agreed between the line manager/superiors and the post holder.

ACADEMIC AND PROFESIONAL QUALIFICATIONS,

• Master’s degree in a related field (e.g. education, social sciences, economics) and a minimum of a degree-level qualification or equivalent in a relevant discipline, i.e. research; project management; development studies etc
• A minimum of 6 years of professional experience, with at least 3 years of experience monitoring, evaluation and research activities in NGO sector, including designing and managing data collection efforts
• Well-developed skills in planning, prioritizing and project management
• Experience in the development and implementation of research, monitoring and evaluation policies, systems, and tools
• Experience of working on development projects structured according to outcomes and results frameworks
• Technical expertise and practical experience in research, monitoring and evaluation
• Strong analytical and writing skills, as demonstrated by the ability to produce high quality reports
• Experience in data collection, collation, analysis and management
• Participatory research experience that utilizes both qualitative and quantitative methodologies
• Strong quantitative and qualitative analysis skills, with proven ability to work with data software packages such as Stata /SPSS and various qualitative data analysis software
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and establish productive working relationships both internally and externally
• Experience of working with staff and partners to implement MERL frameworks and systems
• A high degree of self-sufficiency and initiative
• The ability to work well in a tea
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent Computer skills.