Monitoring, Evidence, Research and Learning Lead (MERL) - Gavi REACH Project at International Rescue Committee

• Reporting to the Project Director, the MERL Lead will be responsible for the development and oversight of all the M&E, evidence generation, research and learning, activities taking place in the GAVI REACH project areas in four countries- Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Ethiopia. The MERL lead will be responsible for the review and strengthening of the project’s M&E and accountability system, research as well as generating and disseminating learning, collaborating closely with the Consortium partners.
• Specifically, the lead will influence and impact the following key project areas: review and fill any remaining gap in M&E system; review and strengthen the project’s research and learning plan and strategy; coordinate research and evidence generation; lead documentation and dissemination of project learnings in implementing countries in coordination with the project consortium organizations; and collaborate on the development of knowledge content to inform programming, advocacy, training and support learning strategies. The lead will ensure that the Project’s M&E, research, evidence generation and learning are in line with GAVI terms and conditions, and that IRC achieves its deliverables in the GAVI REACH project and maximizes impact in reaching Zero Dose Children and missed communities it the target locations. The MERL Lead will also take an active role in adaptive management through active participation in stakeholder, learning and work planning meetings, as well as contribute to the development of GAVI REACH project’s communication strategy and various communication products for sharing internally and externally through various platforms.
• The MERL lead will also establish comprehensive data quality measures and monitoring standards, communicate them through written guidelines, and actively review and improve data collection protocols to ensure consistency. Additionally, review, strengthen and implement an effective feedback loop to address concerns and insights from data users, while making efforts to address challenges during country visits by the MERL team.

Key tasks

Monitoring, Evaluation and Accountability (40%)

• Provide strategic leadership and direction in the review, development and implementation of a harmonized monitoring, evaluation and accountability framework of the project and oversee its implementation across the target countries by consortium member organizations.
• Support Sr MEAL Coordinator in strengthening the capacity on data management including in interpretation and use of data for course correction, reporting, learning and communication.
• Provide hands on technical assistance by ensuring a consistent approach that enables standardized procedures of data collection, analysis, feedback and reporting by the project team including those of partners.
• Support the Sr. MEAL coordinator in the establishment of Client Responsiveness systems including client needs assessment, satisfaction surveys and use of routine feedback data across the target countries by consortium member organizations.
• Develop specific data quality measures to enhance accuracy, auditability, and verifiability and communicate these measures to countries and implementers (IRC and partners) through written guidelines.
• Established minimum REACH-project-wide monitoring standards with context-appropriate flexibility and review current data collection protocols to ensure consistency across countries and implementers (IRC and partners)
• Supervise MERL team and conduct performance reviews and MEAL staff development activities

Generation of Evidence and Learning (40%)

• Lead the coordinating and documentation of project learning and evidence generation for key internal and external audiences, including for donor reporting and advocacy work.
• Collaboratively with the project technical team and consortium member, design the project’s research and learning agenda (goals and objectives), workplan and the required methodology to achieve these
• Provide capacity strengthening of consortium staff to enable them to collect, analyse and generate evidence
• In collaboration with the project MEAL Coordinator and Technical Lead, provide support to country teams to implement integrated program monitoring activities with a focus on effectiveness and outcome reporting and reflective processes.
• In collaboration with MEAL Coordinator, Consortium research partners and Country teams, design Innovative and participatory learning methodologies and tools to assess outcomes and impact of the project.
• Effectively document evidence emerging from program monitoring and evidence generation methodologies
• Support effective utilisation of the IRC’s project cycle meeting approach as a mechanism for program learning
• Lead the technical support and implementation of all evaluations, assessments, surveys and project learning activities
• Respond to project needs; foster high standards and practices for quality data, analysis, and reports.
• Represent IRC in the REACH Consortium Evidence and research group and ensure IRC’s meaningful contribution to these processes

Coordinate GAVI REACH project research (20%)

• Lead the coordination of all research that is part of the GAVI REACH project
• Identify and support the development of relevant research and analytical skills including practical use of MEL technology methods for staff in order to build organisational capacity for impact monitoring and assessment.
• Work with the Health Research Adviser, Health Unit MEAL Department, as well as Measurement Unit to leverage internal MEAL capabilities and advance project success
• Work closely with Technical Lead/Immunization Adviser as well as Awards Mgt and Partnership Coordinator to review reports by consortium member organization to ensure alignment with project strategy and priorities
• Represent IRC in relevant external meetings and engage with various stakeholders to increase the capacity of the country programs and project to effectively demonstrate results and learning
• In Collaboration with the MEAL development and finalisation of REACH project narrative reports including the “Stories of Change” for submission to GAVI and ensures they are of required quality and are timely.
• Conduct any other duties assigned by the Project Director to support REACH project management-

Qualification and experience

Education: University degree in Monitoring and Evaluation, Statistics, Research, Data Science, or related studies

Experience:

• At least 7 years’ Experience in managing and delivering a range of evidence and learning products including Database development and management.
• Experience in data collection tool using mobile data collection systems such as Commcare, KoBoCollect or any ODK system as well as skills in PowerBI and GIS software tools are additional assets.
• Experience and skills in public health research, knowledge management, dissemination of lessons and evidence.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, SPSS, STATA or other similar software.
• Advanced quantitative or mixed methods research skills, including ability to review and critically appraise data and empirical literature.
• Proven ability to transfer knowledge to diverse audiences through training, mentoring, and other formal and non-formal methods together with presentation and reporting skills are a strong asset.
• Confirmed ability to lead, mentor and empower a small to a medium professional team.
• Self-motivated with good organization, and planning skills, including prioritizing work and multi-tasking.

Willingness to travel to various field-level offices (40%).

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent interpersonal and time management communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to develop and utilise appropriate methods and tools to support high quality evidence and Learning analysis.
• Well-developed skills in managing and delivering a range of research and development projects, including effective and efficient resource allocation.
• Ability to work remotely and independently
• Ability to work under own initiative with a proactive approach to problem solving.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage a range of diverse audiences, stakeholders, and partners.
• Strong people management skills, including developing and motivating direct reports, colleagues and consultants.
• Proven skills in writing for and speaking to a range of audiences to ensure impact, including making empirical data accessible for different audiences, and in using different channels and media.
• Strong interpersonal skills, self-motivated and result-driven, with ability to effectively build and manage networks and relationships for program promotion and issue-resolution
• Ability to independently and proactively work as a team member with minimum day-to-day oversight

Desirable Knowledge and experience

• Experience in delivery of large evidence syntheses (e.g., literature reviews and systematic reviews).
• Advanced knowledge and experience of a range of analytical and evaluation techniques, including impact evaluation.
• Proven track record in delivering research projects to meet funders’ requirements, including to time and quality expectations, within budget.
• A clear understanding of project management processes and the importance of clear project/ performance management frameworks.
• Experience in developing research proposals and publications

Proficiencies:

• Active listening and effective communication.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving.
• Professionalism and work ethic.
• Receptive and Resilient.
• Positive Interpersonal interactions

Work Environment

• The position is based in Nairobi, with scheduled travel to field locations in REACH Project countries

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: Project Director; works closely with the Technical Lead/Immunization Adviser, Country MEAL teams, Partners MEAL teams, IRC HQ Health Unit MEAL Team, IRC HQ and Regional Measurement Teams as well as with project management team members. The Position also gets direct support from Health Research Adviser at 25% LoE, as well as from STTAs and consultants (if/when needed).

• Position directly supervises: Sr MEAL Coordinator, MEL Technology Manager