Monitoring Evaluation Research & Learning Officer at Plan International

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Officer will ensure the effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of MERL functions within the organization. From maintaining business continuity to providing technical support and facilitating capacity building, the MERL officer's contributions are essential for achieving meaningful impact and promoting organizational excellence in MERL practices. The role has an assignment to drive project Data Quality Assurance and specific data requirements for projects and programmes as well as tracking and reporting on impact of interventions. Will be part of the country program project design team, with the role to support quality and effective program monitoring and evaluation by ensuring that projects and programs incorporate key monitoring frameworks and learning. 

ACCOUNTABILITIES AND MAIN WORK ACTIVITIES

Monitoring, Evaluation and Research– 40%

• Provides leadership in the conduct and management of original investigations undertaken to gain knowledge and understand about issues critical to Plan International, from conceptualisation through to use including specific ethics processes.
• Provide MERL technical guidance during the design, planning, collection, analysis and use of numerical information that can be transformed into statistics for analysis of trends, frequencies and correlation, to test objective hypothesis.
• Provide MERL support during the design, planning, collection, analysis and use of non-numerical data (transcripts, reports, stories, discussions, pictures, recordings etc.) to explore meaning, perceptions, opinions and perspectives from individuals or groups, to uncover the deeper meaning and significance of human behaviour and experience, including contradictory beliefs, behaviours and emotions.
• Apply MERL processes and concepts to conflict affected context, protracted and rapid emergencies and refugees where relevant.
• Support the development of Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) framework for all Country projects and programs.
• Support the development of relevant data collection tools, data collection, analysis and utilization across all programs.
• Develop and maintain updated database of completed interventions and periodically carry out meta-analysis of the information.

Reporting – 25%

• Responsible for the MERL system is utilized to monitor the implementation of the MERL framework and provide support in bi-annual and annual reporting against the Country core outcome indicators.
• Ensure that all completed MERL reports meet the highest quality and are duly signed off before they are shared.

Documentation, Learning and Knowledge management - 20%

• In liaison with the LKM specialist, track the utilization of LKM strategy to institutionalize and mainstream Knowledge Management as a key driver to enhancing efficiency and impact evidence.
• Reviews M&E findings and best practices and disseminates information to stakeholders to facilitate evidence-based planning, learning and informed decision-making
• Supports the program implementation team to engage key stakeholders in periodic program reviews to validate implementation strategies; jointly define a pathway to change; analyse performance trends along the program indicators and articulate necessary course corrections.
• Promotes individual and organisational learning through systematic reflection processes, documentation, dissemination and knowledge management.
• Ensure MERL initiatives are used for accountability, and to drive learning and improvements
• Periodically conduct meta-analysis of all completed evaluations and draw lessons for management decision and program/project improvements

Fundraising– 5%

• Work with the technical team in program development and innovation.
• Document/package needs assessment data, projects results, evaluations and lessons learned for each Country Strategy Thematic pillar – to demonstrate value add and inform program design.  
• Collect data to continually inform increasing humanitarian needs in the Country program.

Safeguarding Children and Young People (Safeguarding) and Gender Equality and Inclusion (GEI) 5%

• Understands and puts into practice the responsibilities under Safeguarding and GEI policies and Plan International’s Code of Conduct (CoC), ensuring that concerns are reported and managed in accordance with the appropriate procedures.
• Ensures that Plan International’s global policies for Safeguarding Children and Young People and Gender Equality and Inclusion are fully embedded in project design, during implementation and as principles applied in day-to-day work of Programme team.
• Ensures that Plan Kenya contributes to Plan International’s global efforts to ensure safeguarding and GEI, including making sure that relevant reporting and data are submitted.
• Ensure all MERL-related activities incorporate gender equality elements.

Others – 5%

• Any other assignment within the scope of work.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

• Setting and communicating ambitious but realistic work goals and priorities, explaining how these contribute to Plan International's purpose.
• Setting high standards for self and others' behaviour, inside and outside work. Championing our values and commitment to rights, gender equality and safeguarding. Supporting the health, well-being and both physical and psychological safety of our staff, including their safety to speak out.
• Holding self and others to account for what we have agreed, dealing with poor performance quickly, firmly and constructively.
• Creating a positive team spirit, helping people work well together, to reflect and continuously improve the efficiency and quality of what we do.
• Collaborating with team members, colleagues and partners in finding creative solutions to problems by sharing information, experience and ideas and actively seeking their input.
• Motivating and developing others by taking an interest, giving constructive feedback and praise, ensuring they are properly trained and helping them develop their potential.
• Positive about change and supporting others in adjusting to it, helping them understand.

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES

• Understands relevant sectoral context including how the sector operates in terms of funding and governance and awareness of Plan's purpose, values, and global strategy
• Manages legal and reputational risk including risk assessment, communication, risk management and reporting in full compliance with risk-related standards, including in areas such as Child and Youth Safeguarding and Protection, Gender equality and inclusion, Counter Fraud, Safety and Security
• Managing activities and resources including skills in strategic thinking, planning and organising, financial planning and monitoring, negotiation and programme and project management. 
• Managing people and information including skills in assessment and coaching, evidence-based management, communication skills, both speaking and writing, and digital working, including personal digital skills. Manages performance by providing clear objectives, access to developmental tools and opportunities for coaching and mentoring.  
• Managing resources and delivery: -Knows the resources required for their role. Manages their own workload, avoiding under or overcommitting to delivery activities; -Works according to a budget and uses the relevant financial systems.; -Works according to principles of data protection; -Understands how information is used for reporting and decisions making; - Seeks to continually improve personal working practices.
• Programme and project management: -Aware of the programmes that Plan International delivers directly and through partner organisations. -Aware of the programme and project management procedures relevant to their role.; -Complies with financial procedures and controls relevant to their role; -Seeks opportunities to reflect on and learn from all work. 
• Digital working: Identifies ways to use digital to improve the effectiveness of work activities. Understands how digital enablers can contribute to achieving Plan International’s purpose.  Utilises the digital tools available in line with privacy and safeguarding guidelines.  
• Evidence-based management: Understands the importance of high-quality data and the implications of poor data.  Understands what data Plan International needs to inform decision-making. Interprets a range of sources to inform evidence-based decisions relevant to their role.

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Qualifications/ experience essential:

• Minimum of a University Degree in Social Science, Economics, statistics, development studies or any other related field from a recognized university. 
• At least 3 years of demonstrated successful coordination of M&E functions and experience 
• Grounded understanding of qualitative and quantitative methodologies in research and evaluation.
• Experience with evaluations/research logistics, administration and/or project or research management.
• Experience with database design and management including advanced use of Excel and data analysis and entry packages including at minimum SPSS, Stata, R, Epi info, Atlas-Ti, CSpro and the use of KOBO Collect platforms for data collection. 
• Excellent written and spoken English, including the ability to write clear and engaging reports.
• Strong demonstrable levels of knowledge of and experience with gender sensitive research design, performance monitoring, impact evaluation, and / or social and environmental research methodologies.

Qualifications/ experience desirable: 

• Evidence of experience in development of longitudinal real time data bases including online application for management of data 
• Experience in advising / coaching individuals, teams and / or organisations in M&E system design, research methodologies, research design
• Previous experience with mobile data collection (Kobo, ODK, CsPro) and GIS mapping an asset 
• Experience in the application of MERL systems and frameworks including theory of change and logical frameworks 

Languages required

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Knowledge of Kiswahili, desirable