Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Specialist Officer at Rural Agency for Community Development and Assistance (RACIDA)

Job summary

• Rural Agency for Community Development and Assistance (RACIDA) is a regional non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance self-reliance and prosperity amongst vulnerable communities living in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands through the promotion of better livelihood systems, sustainable use of natural resources and community empowerment. Since inception in 2005 RACIDA works with vulnerable communities in the arid lands and semi-arid land of Northern Kenya and Ethiopia (Somali and Oromia regions) and Somalia (Gedo region). We seek to consistently implement highly integrated, contextually appropriate, community-based programming. Our programs are part of a comprehensive strategy that sets local communities across the Mandera Triangle at the center of their own development trajectory.
• In order to successfully implement the MEAL component in all RACIDA Projects in the Mandera Triangle, RACIDA is looking for a Monitoring Evaluation Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Specialist to join our team and lead the continuous assessment of the performance and quality of our program in the Mandera triangle. As a MEAL Specialist, you will be responsible for providing technical guidance and oversight in the areas of monitoring, reporting, evaluation, accountability and learning, with the goal of improving outputs, outcomes and impact of our program. The MEAL officer will be based in Nairobi , with frequent field travels to project areas of Mandera, Wajir, Gedo and Somalia Region Of Ethiopia .

MEAL Officer Position:

Duties and Responsibilities

The MEAL Officer will have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Support the development of a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation plan across the organization and ensure delivery against the plan in RACIDA’s programmatic areas.
• Develop a comprehensive reporting framework targeted at different internal and external audiences and develop regular reports to guide management decisions-making.
• Develop and implement Monitoring Evaluation and Leader plans for RACIDA’s projects.
• Conduct data collection activities, including coordination of enumerator training, as well as the design and implementation of quantitative and qualitative surveys, impact assessments and longevity studies.
• Spearhead the development of the capacity of staff to understand and reflect on data and the use of MEAL tools to support learning and adaptive management.
• Build evidence of impact of RACIDA’s integrated approach for humanitarian assistance in the Mandera Triangle.
• Provide support in reporting on periodic evaluations both internally and with external consultants of RACIDA’s interventions and their contribution to increasing impact per dollar and achieving Kenya government’s strategies and plans.
• Writing of MEAL reports.
• Promote a culture of data demand and sue with RACIDA.
• Support documentation and dissemination of generated research, analysis and learning internally and externally.
• Support implementation of quality management systems and track quality metrics.
• Generate data reports and recommend ways to improve data quality to ensure accuracy and quality of service delivery. Support the review and development of strategies, tools, and processes for ongoing data quality assurance processes.
• Continual assessment of quality of program delivery and data by managing ongoing field surveys, and analysis of collected data.
• Organize and support quarterly reflection and training meetings to ensure continuous learning and improvement of RACIDA’s data collection tools and methodologies.
• Lead and strengthen quality control of our data to assure the integrity of data for analysis, tracking and validation.
• Key Performance Metrics Include:
  • M&E plans are developed and implemented for RACIDA’s programming.
  • Monthly monitoring and survey data generate through performance insights are accurate, reliable, complete, timely and valid.
  • Periodic and ad hoc surveys and studies are high quality and delivered on time.
  • Any other duties as assigned by the Program Coordinator.

Key Requirements for the Position

• A minimum bachelor’s Degrees (plus 5years of experience) in Monitoring and Evaluation, Statistics, Economics, Econometrics, or another relevant field.
• Master’s degree or equivalent qualifications (plus 3 years of experience).
• At least 3-4 years of progressively responsible programming experience in Monitoring and Evaluation, of which at least two years should involve direct implementation of Nutrition and Health programming.
• Demonstrated experience taking critical inputs, feedback, and assessments from within the project and external partners to inform changes in project approaches.
• Demonstrated skills in project coordination and report writing.
• Experience designing, adapting & applying M&E systems for USAID projects preferred.
• Experience in governance/nutrition/health sectors is advantageous.
• Ability to multitask in multiple projects.
• Must have expertise in Kobo/ODK and Data analysis using advanced Excel, SPSS or STATA.