Monitoring, Evaluation, Research & Learning Manager at FilmAid

Job Purpose:

The Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Manager will be responsible for managing MERL activities across FilmAid’s entire portfolio of donor-funded projects in Kenya specifically for Dadaab and Kakuma humanitarian and development operations. The position requires exemplary research, analytic and interpersonal communication skills to support internal and external reporting and to ensure that impact and learning is promoted within the organization and appropriately packaged for donors, government and other key stakeholders.

Indicators of Good Performance on the job:

1. MERL plans and frameworks are developed and monitored at a project and organizational level.

2. Program Teams are utilizing established MERL tools and observing program quality by following appropriate procedures and processes.

3. MERL data is aggregated, stored, and analyzed at a project, portfolio, and organizational level in a timely manner.

4. Learnings are packaged, and strategically shared internally and externally to key stakeholders.

5. M&E Staff, Team Leaders and other FilmAid Officers are equiped with the knowledge and tools to support MERL functions within their projects.

Main duties and responsibilities include:

• Monitoring and Evaluation:
  • Provide support at the proposal development and design stage of programmes and projects for setting up the performance management framework and defined indicators to support the intended project objectives and goal.
  • Ensure that organizational tools and systems are setup and effectively meet the M&E requirements as per contractual requirements.
  • Maintain the organisational M&E database.
  • Develop standards for verifying and measuring quality of activities implemented.
  • Provide support to internal team and stakeholders on ways and means to improve M&E related components and activities.
  • Provide evaluation feedback into project and programme design.
  • Follow up on implementation of evaluation recommendations, ensuring the optimal use of evaluations by providing guidance in preparation of timely management response.
• Research and Learning:
  • Design and lead research and learning activities for projects.
  • Contribute to global research and learning on Communicating with Communities (CwC) methodologies.
  • Manage programmatic learning structures to ensure adaptive management and that best practices and challenges are incorporated with the support of Team Leads into continued activities.
• Management:
  • Support the development of project proposals – particularly performance monitoring plans and M&E sections.
  • Ensure the timely submission of quality programme and M&E reports, and contribute to other reports that requireM&E inputs.
  • Ensure the development and revision of M&E templates/forms, tools and processes as part of organisation-wide efforts to improve programme reporting capabilities.
  • In collaboration with the senior management team, contribute and support the development of internal and external reports, including monthly, quarterly and annual reports.
  • Deliver training and capacity building as necessary for M&E and other staff on monitoring and evaluation, data collection and analysis.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in economics, demography, statistics, mathematics, social science or relevant discipline;
• Prior Work Experience: Minimum of three years of progressively responsible professional experience in a planning, performance monitoring and/or evaluation and reporting role, with experience working for a humanitarian organization prefered

Job Knowledge:

• Demonstrated ability in data analysis, project design, monitoring, and evaluation of development activities.
• Experience with data analysis or visualization tools, with Microsoft PowerBi preferred.
• Experience with designing and implementing surveys.
• Experience in developing performance management plans, results frameworks, logical frameworks.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in monitoring and evaluating programs—including indicator development, study design, and data analysis—in multiple sectors.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages.
• Proficiency in using statistical analysis software, with knowledge of SPSS and QSR preferred.
• Experience managing grants or contracts is also highly desired.
• Demonstrated experience in applying qualitative/participatory research methods. linking planning to M&E and results-based approaches.
• Experience with principles and practice of humanitarian aid and/or development.
• Has lived and is willing to live and work in non-family workstations.

Key Skills and Competencies;

• Fluency in written and spoken English and Kiswahili is essential;
• Excellent writing skills;
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills;
• Creative and analytical thinker with the ability to manage multiple projects;
• Must be highly organized and able to work with other teams.