Project Coordinator - Monitoring, evaluation and Learning (MEL) at KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP)

JOB PURPOSE: 

• The Initiative to Develop African Research Leaders (IDeAL) is a consortium of seven institutional partners (KWTRP, Oxford, Glasgow University, Pwani University, Strathmore University, CIDRZ, and Epicentre) funded by the Wellcome Trust through the Science for Africa Foundation and hosted by KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP).
• IDeAL’s primary goal is to build capacity for quality scientific research leadership in Africa through research career mentorship and training schemes ranging from attachments for school leavers and undergraduates to Postgraduate diploma, Masters, PhD and postdoctoral studentships/fellowships.
• The Project Coordinator - MEL officer will be responsible for designing and implementing the monitoring evaluation and learning strategy, plans and activities for the consortium, document learnings for improvement and lead in the preparation of periodic progress reports – among other duties (and as assigned).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop a monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) strategy for IDeAL.
• Develop and manage implementation of IDeAL’s MEL plans, approaches and tools.
• Assist in tracking and documentation of IDeAL trainees’ progress and achievements (current, alumni).
• Develop and manage tools for feedback from IDeAL trainees, supervisors, mentors and stakeholders.
• Prepare quarterly, half-yearly and annual progress reports for feedback to the steering committee, financiers and other stakeholders.
• Assist in preparing regular communication briefs on the Initiative’s progress, challenges and successes.
• Suggest strategies for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the Initiative by identifying operational bottlenecks and developing respective mitigation plans.
• Support departmental audit and data protection processes.
• Support outcome and impact evaluation of IDeAL’s capacity building interventions (since 2015).
• Support any other duties as required

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree with Monitoring and Evaluation as a major component - or other related field.
• Atleast 3 years’ experience in developing and implementing MEL strategies, approaches and frameworks.
• Experience in participatory research and in the use of multiple MEL tools to collect quantitative and qualitative data.
• Sound understanding and experience in multisite impact evaluation (design, implementation, reporting, dissemination).
• Strong computer skills and able to effectively handle, present and disseminate both qualitative and quantitative data (and related findings) to diverse audiences.
• Experience in preparing (non)technical reports to multi-stakeholders.

DESIRABLE:

• Work experience in training and capacity building initiatives.
• Experience in using qualitative and quantitative data handling and analysis packages.
• Well-versed on current international debates around effective capacity development and evaluation.
• Experience in adapting communication materials to suit varying audiences.
• Experience in using different communication tools/platforms (e.g. social media) – in disseminating progress and success stories.
• Experience in project planning and management.
• Certification in Monitoring and Evaluation

COMPETENCIES:

• Demonstrate high levels of integrity and confidentiality 
• Excellent interpersonal, written, presentation and communication skills 
• Basic analytical, problem solving and critical thinking skills; 
• Team working and ability to work in diverse teams 
• Flexibility, adaptability, multi-tasking and attention to detail