Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (MEL)Officer at Kakenya’s Dream

• The Monitoring Evaluation and Learning Officer will lead the monitoring, evaluation, and learning dimension of all Kakenya’s Dream (KD’s) projects/programs. The individual is responsible for providing support to program/project implementation in monitoring and measuring the impact of programs and its activities; development and implementation of MEL systems and tools focused on data collection, storage, analysis and reporting; providing technical assistance in gathering and management of data; ensure the use of technically appropriate monitoring and evaluation models and information systems; and dissemination of results to stakeholders (including documentation and sharing of experiences and lessons).
• The position reports to the Director of Programs and is based in Kakenya’s Dream field office located at Isampin, Transmara West, Narok County. In addition, the position supervises our Data Entry Clerk.

Duties and Responsibilities

Program MEL Management

• Provide MEL input to strategies, programme design and implementation, programmes plans and management plans.
• Partner with the program team to ensure MEL plans and activities are incorporated and adopted in all project/program designs, implementation, management, reviews and closure.
• Lead the development and implementation and support periodic review of effective MEL framework (capturing relevant metrics and data, and accurate results), protocols, policies and standard operating procedures (SoPs).
• Facilitate development of MEL tools and coordinate MEL processes and activities.
• Partner and work closely with the Clinical Officer and team to develop and adopt a MEL framework that captures relevant data and information for the Health Clinic ensuring the Ministry of Health, County Government, and other government agencies requirements and also internal needs are met.
• Support fundraising, resource mobilization initiatives and sustainability initiatives by providing appropriate data and information needed to respond to calls and development of concept papers and proposals.
• Offer capacity building and training of staff on MEL and data management; collection, input, processing, analysis, use and storage.
• Ensure information regarding program activities and beneficiaries is regularly captured, updated, analyzed, and communicated to program and management teams.
• In coordination with the program team adjust and improve programs and long-term planning based on data and analysis.
• Contribute to the design of evaluation protocols and advise on appropriate uses of program monitoring data

Database Management

• Oversee development and use of the organization's program and beneficiaries database.
• Ensure the integrity of all data entered into the database.
• Supervise and develop the skill of Database Clerk.
• Serve as the primary trainer and point of contact for staff entering data into the database to guarantee integrity, consistency, and accuracy.
• Build out new fields, apps, and reports as the organization’s programming changes.
• Develop and maintain database backups and filing systems for program data.

Reporting and Documentation

• Support program team in data capture and reporting using monitoring tools to track program indicators as per performance framework
• Provide technical input in the review of program reports and participate in field assessments including data verification
• Participate in preparing monthly, quarterly, and annual programmatic performance reports.

Program Quality

• Ensure each project/program has clear measurable outcomes and a plan to collect and analyze that data.
• Maintain high quality standards in the performance of the MERL department in the organization.
• Ensure compliance with protocols and standards, internal policies and donor agreements in program implementation and reporting.
• Carry out data assessments/audits regularly for those submitted by staff and partners to ensure accuracy, credibility and quality.
• Schedule and oversee regular monitoring activities of programs and ensure that the MEL database is regularly updated and accurate.
• Promote initiatives that promote and enhance service delivery.
• Coordinate reporting for the result based management, half year and end year meetings.
• Participate in regular planning and reflection sessions with the program team to ensure best practices are being followed and that adjustments are being made based on monitoring and evaluating outcomes and results.

Sharing and Learning

• Organize and coordinate dissemination of MEL findings and recommendations.
• Synthesize lessons and experiences for continuous improvement of program approaches and methodologies internally and with relevant stakeholders.
• Disseminate outcome of case studies, experiences, lessons learnt, and best practices both internally and among relevant stakeholders.
• Encourage sharing of learning and experience with the team, across the organization and with like-minded/peer organizations.

Networking and Relationship Management

• Maintain and nurture productive relationships with stakeholders and professionals relevant to KD programs and activities.
• Serve as the focal point person for external audits, assessment and evaluation activities.
• Represent and participate in relevant forums where nominated.

Minimum Skills and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Monitoring and Evaluation, Development studies, Social Sciences, Economics, or Statistics or any related fields.
• Post-graduate or professional qualification in Monitoring and Evaluation, Project planning and management, Statistics, MIS, IT, or Development related subjects.
• Experience in community participatory methodologies.
• Statistical software and data analysis skills such as SPSS, Epi Info, STATA, Sequel or NVIVO among others.
• High level of proficiency in Windows Excel and analytical programmes
• At least 3 years relevant work experience in a similar position in the development sector/NGO.
• Experience with project and programme management.
• Work experience in the rural environment in Kenya in programs/projects supporting education, health, socio-economics/livelihoods, gender (women/girls) among others.
• Experience in designing and facilitating linking and learning activities including capturing and sharing case studies, experiences and lessons.
• Knowledge of and affinity with social inclusion, marginalization, influencing, and capacity development
• Strong research and analytical skills

Additional Qualification

• Good understanding of the project management cycle
• Good training/facilitation skills
• Experience in building M&E frameworks and databases