Monitoring Evaluation and Learning Specialist at DAI Kenya - Development Alternatives, Inc.

Position Background:

The Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Specialist (MEL Specialist) will support monitoring and evaluation for the KEA-Buy in by drafting, monitoring, and reporting on the monitoring and evaluation plan and progress against each activity; in monitoring/facilitating sub-activities, ensures technical support to each activity area is effective and efficient. The MEL Specialist will support the ATI MEL Director with drafting, monitoring, and reporting on the Performance Monitoring and Evaluation Plan (PMEP) and progress against each activity; in monitoring/facilitating sub-activities, ensuring technical support to each activity area is effective and efficient. He/she will provide support of the information management and design of a monitoring and reporting system including development of program indicators to help inform USAID, the Chief of Party, and Technical Program Officers of project status and progress toward achievement of key results. He/she will be responsible for the following:

Responsibilities and duties

• Collect data on program performance and impact, including undertaking field visits to activity sites
• Contribute to contract reporting requirements and success stories, conduct periodic data quality and completeness reviews, particularly collect and review evidences for indicator reporting data, and assist the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Director in analysis of project results
• Oversee and manage the monitoring and evaluation system, including implementing the ATI Activity Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan (AMELP), developing data collection methodology and tools, and leading complex statistical analyses and MEL reporting
• Manage the implementation of baseline surveys, program indicators and targets, and gather qualitative and quantitative data related to those indicators and targets.
• Provide performance monitoring and evaluation to include developing appropriate indicators, implementing systems to safeguard the collection and management of program data, and recommending changes to performance monitoring and work plans
• Support development of the project database system and coordinate with provincial staff to ensure the flow of reporting data from the field to central level; oversee, maintain and regularly update the database system.
• Provide training on tools and methodologies to staff and local partners as needed.
• Coordinate with the Communications Specialist to ensure timely preparation of MEL related progress reports on a weekly, monthly and quarterly basis
• Provide technical assistance and training on tools and methodology to staff and local partners
• Provide support to local partners to develop and test theories of change, and create forums for information sharing and learning
• Provide data analysis in support with periodic reporting, success stories in collaboration with the Communications Specialist
• Working closely with the project team, subcontractors, other partners and stakeholders in achieving high MERL standards and the collection, analysis, utilization, dissemination of data and learning.
• Conduct internal and grantee data quality assessments to test the validity and reliability of data used to measure program impact
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Director

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• 9+ years of progressively responsible experience in monitoring evaluation, program management, or knowledge management
• Substantial experience with baseline survey design, supervision and analysis
• Experience training local partners and staff in MEL and knowledge management initiatives
• Excellent writing and organizational skills and experience preparing well-researched reports
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with institutional and private-sector partners and stakeholders in a multi-country setting
• Proficiency in database management and data analysis
• Experience in development of web-based data management system is a plus
• Excellent writing, speaking, and reading skills in English.

Skills:

• Excellent technical skills in quantitative and qualitative monitoring and results measurement (MRM) methods.
• Strong quantitative and qualitative analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex and conflicting information, generate ideas and establish means of effectively testing them.
• Strong strategic thinking skills and good judgment – the ability to reflect on the variety of likely impacts or outcomes from the activity and to determine pragmatic approaches to getting results.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English and the ability to communicate complex issues with clarity and structure, and to deliver documents to the highest level of professionalism.
• Ability to think strategically and critically, and to bring imagination to solving problems with substantial complexity and ambiguity.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence: a genuine team player with strong listening, negotiating, and persuasive skills.
• Able to identify the key internal and external customers of the services provided by the MEL function, understand their requirements, and deliver services that they value within appropriate timescales.
• Ability to gain the trust and confidence of external and internal stakeholders at all levels.
• Genuine interest in business fundamentals and commercial analysis.
• Results-focused, consistent, and accurate with a strong commitment to data integrity.
• Able to plan and deliver work according to timescales and required milestones.
• Able to engage and work with a range of expert consultants and senior and middle management staff.
• Able to work with people of different professional, national and cultural backgrounds.
• Able to work independently, analyze and solve problems, and prioritize issues.
• Able to be flexible, versatile, and learn quickly in new or changing environments.
• Values-driven, demonstrating integrity and firm ethical standards.