Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Officer at Zana Africa

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• MEL systems and SOPS: Design, develop and implement robust MEL systems that align with the organization's goals and objectives for effectiveness and impact.
• Ensure the quality and integrity of MEL data and processes by establishing and enforcing quality assurance mechanisms and standards that adhere tethical and rigorous conduct and tindustry standards, protocols and best practices
• Ensure MEL activities adhere trelevant regulations, standards, and ethical guidelines. This includes promoting transparency and accountability in program implementation and reporting Lead the co-creation of SOPs for MEL across ZanaAfrica
• Enhance capacity by providing training and support tstaff members and partners on M&E concepts, tools, and techniques tenhance their understanding and capacity tmonitor and evaluate programs.
• Identify opportunities for improving MEL systems and processes and contribute torganizational learning and improvement efforts.
• Facilitate learning and knowledge management processes within the organization by documenting and sharing lessons learned, best practices, and success stories tcreate opportunities for adaptive program and project management. This may involve organizing workshops, seminars, or learning events
• Research, data and performance
• Create logic models, theories of change and research / MEL frameworks for each program and for the organization as a whole, including key performance indicators and metrics for performance measurement and formative and summative impact assessment.
• Design and implement evaluation studies tassess program and project effectiveness, efficiency, impact and value for money. This includes selecting appropriate evaluation methodologies, designing data collection tools, and analyzing data.
• Lead the development and engagement of research advisory groups for relevant programs and projects
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders tgather feedback, share findings, and foster collaboration around MEL activities
• Monitor the progress of projects and programs against set indicators and targets tkeep programs on track tmeet desired outcomes; oversee data collection, management, and analysis related tprogram performance and impact.
• Establish bespoke frameworks involving quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods data collection methods
• Develop sampling criteria and data collection tools
• Train and oversee enumerators including members of the Programs team Collecting data
• Liaise with project staff
• Conducting field visits
• Reporting and sharing
• Prepare regular reports on program performance for internal and external use including communications tthe Board, funders, stakeholders and publications. These reports should
• include key achievements/findings, lessons learned, and recommendations for various stakeholders.
• Write reports and articles that can be peer reviewed and published.
• Prepare policy briefs and other communications outputs tshare findings throughout the project and program life cycle
• Support adaptive management approaches using MEL findings tinform decision-making and real-time programmatic adjustments.
• Ensure lessons learned are incorporated intfuture program design and implementation.
• Develop targeted and innovative MEL communications tools in collaboration with other team members; these could include videos, plays, podcasts, comics, social and behaviour change communications materials, or other media
• Organize workshops, webinars, play-based sessions and other suitable approaches for validation and uptake of findings
• Participate in TWGs and other networks tshare findings and ensure alignment with national and county policies and priorities
• Present at conferences and lead stakeholder engagement on topical issues affecting our work including participating in and/or moderating panels and workshops testablish and reinforce ZanaAfrica's thought leadership across wide networks
• Remain current with the knowledge base, including participating in MEL communities of practice and grantee networks

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Comprehensive knowledge of diverse monitoring and evaluation methodologies, encompassing quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques, sampling methods, and diverse techniques for analysis
• Proficiency in research design principles and methodologies, including experimental design, survey design, and qualitative research methods
• Understanding of ethical considerations and professional standards governing evaluations, ensuring adherence tprinciples of confidentiality, integrity, and objectivity
• Familiarity with learning and knowledge management principles, including utilizing knowledge sharing platforms, fostering communities of practice, and facilitating organizational learning processes
• Strong analytical skills ttranslate data intactionable recommendations, coupled with effective communication abilities tconvey complex monitoring and evaluation findings clearly, concisely, and compellingly tdiverse audiences
• Demonstrated proficiency and skills in communication skills, report writing, delivering presentations tdiverse audiences, and effectively conveying complex information clearly and concisely
• Capacity for analytical thinking, critical evaluation of information, and drawing logical conclusions based on evidence and data
• Proficient problem-solving abilities tidentify challenges, propose viable solutions, and make informed decisions within dynamic and complex environments
• Demonstrated leadership qualities tmotivate and inspire team members, foster collaboration, and drive continuous improvement in MEL processes
• Capability twork collaboratively within diverse teams, build consensus, and navigate complex interpersonal dynamics effectively
• Attention tdetail in data collection, analysis, and reporting processes tensure the accuracy and reliability of findings
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills suitable for a range of diverse audiences Fluency in English and Kiswahili
• Adaptability tchanging priorities, circumstances, and stakeholder needs, thriving in a fast- paced and dynamic work environment

MINIMUM RECRUITMENT STANDARDS

• BS/BA in Social Sciences, Economics, or Statistics, with proven experience in program monitoring and evaluation, with 3-5 years of relevant progressive experience, preferably in the non-profit or development sector.
• Strong knowledge of monitoring and evaluation methodologies, proficiency in data analysis using software tools such as Excel, SPSS, STATA, NVivo, Atlas or other statistical and quantitative analysis software, and experience designing and implementing evaluation frameworks.