Research, Evidence and Learning Manager_WISH2ACTION at International Rescue Committee

 JOB PURPOSE

Reporting to the Senior WISH2ACTION Coordinator, the Research, Evidence and Learning (REL) Manager will be responsible for the development and oversight of all monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) activities taking place in the WISH2ACTION project in four countries- Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda and Ethiopia. The manager will be responsible to develop the IRC Learning agenda for IRC working in collaboration with the WISH Hub. Specifically, the manager will influence and impact the following key project areas; Lead on the development and implementation of a robust MEAL strategy for WISH 2 Action in line with the IRC Good and Great standards; Coordinate Research, Evidence generation and learning in the 4 WISH2ACTION implementing countries and the region; Develop knowledge content to inform programming, advocacy and fundraising and Training and Support WISH2ACTION learning strategies. The Manager will ensure that the Project MEAL is in line with the DFID and IPPF terms and conditions and that IRC achieves its “Global Goods” deliverables in the project. The M&E Manager will also take an active role in adaptive management through active participation in stakeholder, learning and work planning meetings.

KEY TASKS

• Generation of Evidence and Learning.
• The post will assume overall responsibility for coordinating and compiling organisational project evidence for our key internal and external audiences, reporting and advocacy work.
• Provide technical assistance to country offices to enable them to collect, analyse and generate evidence from the WISH2ACTION project for national and regional advocacy and programme development
• To provide support to country programs to implement integrated program monitoring activities with a focus on effectiveness and outcome reporting and reflective processes.
• In collaboration with MEL Coordinators, Regional and Global research colleagues and Country Offices, design Innovative and participatory monitoring and evaluation methodologies and tools to assess outcomes and impact of the project.
• Support effective management of data towards evidence emerging from program monitoring and evaluation as well as support effective utilisation of the IRC’s project cycle meeting approach.
• Facilitate review and harmonisation of tools for data collection to help demonstrate Sex, Age and Disability disaggregation in a manner that facilitates inclusion and demonstrates the impact of the WISH2ACTION project among its target beneficiaries.
• Facilitate cross learning within IRC WISH countries and with other external learning bodies through exchange visits, conferences, webinars etc.
• Support the Technical Unit and the WISH country programs engagement with the IRC Global and WISH Hub knowledge platforms to facilitate online sharing of knowledge exchange and collaborative learning across the WISH countries and the WISH Consortium.
• Support and work with the Cross Organisational MEAL Community of Practice (COP) to promote effective internal communication, stronger awareness of demonstrating and using results.
• Coordinate Research and Partnership for MEAL:
• Coordinate various research carried out by IRC WISH2ACTION country programs
• Represent IRC in the WISH2ACTION Hub and Consortium third party research and ensure IRC’s meaningful contribution to these processes e.g. Third party engagement with ITAD and OPM
• Identify and support the development of relevant research and analytical skills including practical use of mobile technology methods for staff in order to build organisational capacity for impact monitoring and assessment.
• Work with the Research and Evaluation Unit to identify strategic partnerships with academic and research institutions to enhance overall country program MEL capacities and collaborations (using IRC’s PEERS methodology)
• Represent IRC in relevant external meetings and engage with the WISH Hub , WISH Consortium and WISH Third Party Monitors to increase the capacity of the country programs and project to effectively demonstrate results and learning.
• Develop/ Adapt and Implement a WISH2ACTION learning and Research Strategy
• Lead the development or adaptation of the Monitoring Evaluation and Learning Plan (MEAL) and update as necessary throughout the life of the project
• In close collaboration with the IRC Regional Measurement Action Coordinator, undertake analysis and review of the current learning strategies within IRC WISH community e.g. drawing on learning from IRC global thematic learning groups and learning hubs on our IRC network platform.
• Develop a focussed learning and research strategy on 2-3 focussed themes within WISH and roll out the same in WISH2ACTION country projects.
• Lead in the development and finalisation of WISH2ACTION project narrative reports including the “Stories of Change” for submission to the WISH HUB and ensure they are of required quality and are timely.
• Coordinate the collection and publishing of an internal quarterly WISH newsletter working with both WISH regional and country programs.
• Other
• Conduct any other duties assigned to support WISH2ACTION project management

Qualifications

• Degree (in statistics, economics, research or other relevant social science), equivalent qualifications or evidence of equivalent research and analysis experience
• At least five (5) years of experience designing and implementing MEL systems, specific to the roles above preferably in reproductive health programs/ humanitarian setting.
• Experience with MEL on Reproductive Health programs preferred.
• Advanced quantitative or mixed methods research skills, including ability to review and critically appraise data and empirical literature.
• Professional proficiency in English required
• Computer literacy and competency in use of Microsoft Office software

SKILLS

• Ability to develop and utilise appropriate methods and tools to support high quality research and analysis.
• Well-developed skills in managing and delivering a range of research and development projects, including effective and efficient resource allocation.
• Excellent organisational and planning skills, including programme, resource and performance management.
• 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, funders 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 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.
• 5. WORKING ENVIRONMENT
• Standard office environment
• Occasional travel to WISH countries

KEY CONTACTS

• Internal Contacts:
• Country Monitoring and Evaluation and Technical Coordinators
• Regional Measurement Action Coordinator
• IRC Global R&E team
• IRC Communication team members
• External Contacts
• IPPF Evidence and Learning Team

Third Party Monitor organisations

The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

IRC et les employés de IRC doivent adhérer aux valeurs et principes contenus dans le IRC WAY (normes de conduite professionnelle). Ce sont l’Intégrité, le Service, et la Responsabilité. En conformité avec ces valeurs, IRC opère et fait respecter les politiques sur la protection des bénéficiaires contre l’exploitation et les abus, la protection de l’enfant, le harcèlement sur les lieux de travail, l’intégrité financière, et les représailles.