Jobs at Terre des Hommes Netherlands (TDH)

About the role

Research is an important cog in our new five phase approach (identify-research-expose design-mobilise-handover), and the incumbent will be expected to support the new strategic direction by designing and managing research initiatives, support in gathering data and evidence which will then be used to inform potential solutions to child exploitation issues. Research will also form a key part of future campaigning, lobby and advocacy work with children and all our key stakeholders.

The Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, Research and Learning (MEARL)) Officer is expected to support the implementation of the PMEL system and processes in the Kenya Country Office. Where applicable, s/he will be required to strengthen and enhance the PMEL system and for effective knowledge management.

Objective of the function

The MEARL Officer is responsible for the coordination of the research, monitoring, evaluation and learning for projects and programs in Kenya. With guidance of the Regional R&PMEAL Coordinator, the incumbent will contribute to the development, and implementation of PMEL policies and systems to ensure the quality management of Kenya Country projects and programmes. The post holder will be responsible for data verification, analysis and utilisation with an aim of providing management with relevant and timely information for decision making and programme improvement. S/he will support quality programme design ensuring country plans incorporate key MEARL information for adaptive programming or management. The MEARL Officer will work together with the Regional R&PMEAL Coordinator and Kenya team to ensure strengthened knowledge management, effective performance management as well as quality and timely reporting. The officer will provide oversight at country level in issue identification and research linked to the strategy five phases.

Position within the organisation

The MEARL Officer reports to the Country Manager and provides functional guidance and support to the country team in relation to quality programme/project planning, monitoring, evaluation, research, learning and reporting. He/she will receive technical guidance from the Regional R&PMEAL Coordinator (based at the Regional Office East Africa in Nairobi)

Main duties, responsibilities and Result areas

1. Programme design and planning- (including utilising about 80% LoE on the Child Labour project )
2. Provides high quality technical input into inclusive ideation, programme and project development processes, particularly on logic of intervention (Theory of Change, logical frameworks and PMEL plans), with an emphasis on ensuring sound understanding of how changes happen and sound programme logic and objective setting that is informed by contextual information
3. Provides guidance to Kenya Country Office (KCO) team in ensuring that programme quality is embedded in new programmes and projects and that TdH NL quality standards are met.
4. Supports TdH NL KCO team and partner teams on quality information gathering and analysis at country level to facilitate informed and evidence-based programme and project design.
5. Supports programme and project managers to design and monitor MEARL budgets and spending in line with donor requirements.

Results: Quality project design and implementation planning with sound understanding of how change happens.

1. Set up and implement monitoring, evaluation research and learning system (including utilising about 80% LoE on the Child Labour project )
2. Support in the development and implementation of a MEARL system and strategy in accordance with TdH NL standards, regulations and instruments – including the definition of specific processes, methodologies and tools– for an optimal accountability process with regard to implemented policies and programs and/or projects.
3. Provides technical advice, training, coaching and support to TdH NL KCO staff, and partner teams in various aspects of planning, monitoring and evaluation to ensure the overall quality of TdH NL and partner teams’ field data collection, data management, and analysis processes.
4. Attends M&E country meetings convened by the Regional R&PMEL Coordinator for collective analysis and interpretation of MEARL information.
5. Leads in information and knowledge management to ensure appropriate information is collected by project teams and aligned to TdH NL’s Strategic Objective areas and progress on KPIs, which is needed for an effective M&E system.
6. Promotes the utilisation of the collected data at country level in monitoring of strengths, weaknesses and gaps in the implementation of the TdH NL’s programmes, adaptation of monitoring plans to ensure achievement of envisaged outcomes and strategic use of information for improvement of programme impact.
7. Signals and analyses any improvement points regarding the accountability of the programs/projects implemented by the organisation, taking into account the applicable laws and regulations.
8. Facilitates local analysis and interpretation of PME information as an input to regular narrative reports covering progress of the TdH NL programme. This includes ensuring regular updates of the PRIMAS system.
9. Oversees quality assurance of feedback and complaint mechanisms and sharing of accountability findings with programme teams and senior management.
10. Exchange of PME expertise and experience between the countries and partners and within the TdH NL organisation.

Result: PM&E system supported in such a way that standards, regulations and instruments have been developed, data have been analysed and the KCO project/program activities can be accounted for in a timely and accurate manner.

1. Strategic research support (including utilising about 80% LoE on the Child Labour project )
2. Supports identification of CE issues in Kenya
3. Guided by the strategic plan, provides support on research, evidence generation and use of research products in lobby and advocacy
4. Supports identification and on-boarding of strategic research partners including academia, research think tanks, policy institutions, research NGOs and other local research partners
5. Coordinates strategic research components with TdH NL Regional Office research and advocacy teams, providing the contextual elements
6. Supports research activities, including advising on methodology, sampling and tool development for relevant research initiatives aligned to TdH NL’s policy and project needs.
7. Supports identification of research activity spinoffs from ongoing projects
8. Contributes to program development by monitoring the changing research, identifying opportunities in line with TdH NL strategy and monitoring international best practices and development trends
9. Monitors and follows up on utilisation of recommendations from researches and surveys including establishing key learning and recommendations to inform future research work.

Result: High quality research in line with the 2021 – 25 strategic plan is generated and informs the strategy phases and actions. Interventions are developed informed by high quality data and evidence.

1. Evidence based Learning and Reflection (including utilising about 80% LoE on the Child Labour project )
2. Promotes evidence based learning through undertaking assessments, baselines and evaluations including operational/action research and documentation at country level in compliance with TdH NL’s evaluation policy.
3. Supports the programme teams and partners in extracting lessons learnt and good practices, and documenting case studies which demonstrate qualitative and quantitative changes.
4. Analyse and provide monitoring data generated from PMEL systems and used for management purposes in line with appropriate decision making, course adjustments and future designs through reflection and learning forums, events and periodical reviews organised on a regular basis.
5. Supports Kenya Country Office in documenting and disseminating innovations and new research findings in line with TdH learning framework
6. Synthesises and summarises trends in country monitoring data and data generated from evaluations that can be used to inform global level programming
7. In consultation with the Regional R&PMEL Coordinator takes lead in disseminating Evaluation and Outcome Level findings and track Programme/Project utilisation of Evaluation findings
8. Identifies, tests and rolls out approved innovative MEARL approaches and methods.

Results: A system for evidence based learning and reflection is in place and utilised by staff and partners to craft and steer interventions. Knowledge generations well anchored in the country and with clear links to the TdH NL research and knowledge hub.

1. Give advice and provide information (including utilising about 80% LoE on the Child Labour project )
2. Is the point of contact for substantive questions regarding the own focus area.
3. Provides solicited and unsolicited advice, information, and support regarding the policies pursued and programs/projects within the organisation and their accountability.
4. Generates (management) information for annual plans, the budget, and budget monitoring.

Result: Advice given and information provided in such a way that those involved have been informed and advised in an expert manner.

1. Maintain contacts
2. Maintains internal and external contacts associated with the function.
3. Builds and maintains a network of stakeholder organisations.
4. Initiates and develops information and knowledge transfer in the applicable policy area and provides information and advice to internal and external stakeholders.

Result: Contacts have been maintained in such a way that the organisation is well represented in external MEARL circles.

Knowledge and skills

• A degree or equivalent in Monitoring and Evaluation, Project Management, Statistics, Demography, or a related field is required. (Masters degree will be an added advantage)
• At least 4 years practical experience with an INGO/child rights agency in managing data intensive programs and designing, monitoring, and evaluation methodologies.
• Knowledge of designing and managing PMEL systems at a national level for effective generation of monitoring data used in tracking programme and improved service delivery and support related to development programming
• Experience in designing and guiding high level research and evidence based advocacy with ability to translate knowledge into practice is desirable.
• Good understanding of implementing results based monitoring, evaluation and learning systems, results frameworks and theory of change methodology.
• Skills in developing, implementing and evaluating policies.
• Experience in designing PMEL methodologies and tools, and the ability to coach and train others in their use is desirable.
• Experience with qualitative and quantitative PMEL data collection and analysis methods, including tracking outcome indicators, is desirable.
• Experience measuring change in lobby and advocacy and campaigning work is desirable
• Ability to work with interdisciplinary teams and a wide range of program/project activities
• Proven conceptual and analytical skills, ability to take an evidence-based approach to programming.

Competence profile

Analytical capacity

Understanding the essence of complex issues by logical reasoning, investigation of potential causes, separation of key messages from the mass of detail and acknowledgement of their interdependence.

• Supports and involves others in the immediate vicinity in issue analysis while demonstrating exemplary behaviour.

Driving for quality

Setting stringent requirements for the quality of your own or other people’s work; striving for continuous improvement.

• Sets high standards for the quality of work within the organisational entity and encourages continuous quality improvement.

The power of persuasion

Expressing opinions convincingly, demonstrating interaction and debating effectively, thereby generating acceptance of viewpoints and ideas.

• Defends and argues points of view with tact and in a clear and convincing manner while taking another opinion into account.

Networking

Builds relationships and networks that are helpful when realising objectives and utilises informal networks to get things done.

• Actively builds relationships and maintains contacts related to the achievement of personal objectives.
• Contract Period: One year contract with a possibility of extension

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About the Child Labour Project

The Child labour project will be implemented by Terre des Hommes Netherlands in strategic partnership with Investing in Children and their Societies (ICS SP), and in collaboration with other key stakeholders in Busia County as well as at national level. The overal goal of the project is to prevent and respond to child labour with a focus on the service industry. The project is aligned with TdH NL strategy as it is designed to contribute towards the long term goal of ending child exploitation (child labour). It will focus on improving prevention of and response to child labour while generating evidence, mobilising and strengthening capacity of key stakeholders including children to advocate for systemic change in the fight against children exploitation in Kenya. This project further aligns with ICS SP goal and strategy of creating safe and nurturing environments for children to reach their full developmental potential.

To achieve the anticipated goal the project seeks to achieve 3 main outcomes:

1. Children with increased opportunities to access education and acquire relevant life skills and skills for work
2. Families and communities with strengthened capacity to care for, protect and provide the needs of their children.
3. Strengthened implementation of child labour laws and policies in the service industry.

The project will be implemented for a period of three (3) years running from 1st March 2022 to 28th February 2025.

Objective of the function

The Project Manager is responsible for providing substantive technical, project, and administrative support in the planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting of the Child labour project in line with defined objectives and quality KPIs. The post holder is expected to lead and support the project team effectively and efficiently deliver the project . He/she will be expected to strengthen good cooperation with national and county stakeholders, relevant networks and alliances including but not limited to government, private sector, like-minded CSOs and communities.

The Project Manager, working together with the co partner team will be responsible for ensuring effective quality implementation through work planning, technical support, strategic engagement and advocacy, coordination, (internal and external) and partner capacity building and support. The Project Manager is responsible for the realisation of the Child Labour Busia project in accordance with the defined goal(s) with regard to lead time, budget and quality.

Position in the organisation

The Project Manager – Child Labour works with the Country Team, and receives leadership and supervision from the Programme Manager (PM) to whom he/she reports. He/she will, in close collaboration and consultation with the Programme Manager, be accountable for the rollout, coordination and oversight of the 3 year child labour project in Busia County and at national level.

Results Areas, Main Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Realising the project objectives
2. Overall management including effective planning, implementation and monitoring and reporting of project outcomes
3. Translates project plan into a concrete and achievable work plan for project execution.
4. Ensures project execution based on the work plan drawn up; directs the project team to this end, checks the progress of the project in terms of time, budget and quality and solves any conflicts/bottlenecks.
5. Builds and strengthens strategic partnerships with key decision makers, policy makers, civil society entities and the relevant government ministries and departments at the national level in line with prevention of child labour
6. Develops and monitors implementation of work plans for the child labour project
7. Oversees risk mitigation through an up-to-date risk register throughout the project cycle to help in effective management and mitigation of risks
8. Works with TdH finance team to develop and execute a procurement plan to ensure timely procurement of project supplies in line with project budgets
9. Works professionally within TdH-NL’s policies and codes of conduct, including those related to child protection/safeguarding, confidentiality, safety and security and ethical practice.
10. Ensures that the project officers and partners follow the policies, processes and protocol regarding child safeguarding,
11. Communicates incidents and violations of the policies in line with the established protocol.

Result: Project is implemented according to the objectives of the developed project plan and the project team is involved, well-functioning and informed.

1. Project Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning
2. Works in close collaboration with the MEARL Officer and Regional R& PMEL Coordinator to monitor and report on the project progress
3. Preparation of quarterly/yearly project progress reports in line with Terre des Hommes Netherlands reporting guidelines.
4. Provide regular/routine project implementation updates to KCO management team
5. Monitoring and safeguarding meaningful engagement of children in the implementation and management of the project.
6. Provide technical inputs for child labour analyses, strategies and solutions and contribute to the development, dissemination and uptake of child labour knowledge products, capacity development materials and advocacy and information materials
7. Identifies opportunities for improvement of working methods and procedures.
8. Assists in the continuous assessment of child protection needs and gaps in Kenya in order to ensure that these are appropriately reflected in project strategies and interventions.
9. As and when relevant, coordinates the activities of assigned consultants for specific tasks, such as evaluations, learning agenda, etc.
10. Supports the Senior Communication Advisor at the Regional Office with information and materials for marketing and communication, e.g. news items (case stories), documentaries and photos.
11. Work the Senior Communication Advisor at the Regional Office to consolidate, package and disseminate project best practices, success stories, case studies
12. Ensures appropriate reporting, including through monthly and quarterly reports, are on time , accurate and as per TdH requirements
13. Has an active contribution to the continuous process of quality improvement for the provision of services in the specific policy area.

Result: Service has been improved in such a way that responses to relevant developments are made and contacts are maintained.

1. Collaboration, Networking and Representation
2. Follows and identifies relevant (social) developments and issues and translates these into opportunities for the organisation and developed projects.
3. Evaluates realised projects and, if necessary, proposes improvements for future project execution.
4. Maintains relevant network contacts and represents the organisation with internal and external relationships.
5. Encourages and guides collaborative processes with internal and external stakeholders in the context of the project.
6. Maintains contacts with stakeholders and interested parties to gauge whether the project meets expectations.
7. Represents TdH NL in protection cluster meetings and contribute to interagency initiatives

Result: Service has been improved, such that responses to relevant developments are made and contacts are maintained.

1. Programme Development
2. Support Country Manager Kenya and the Programme Development Manager in identifying project development opportunities in Kenya
3. Represent Kenya country office in critical spaces to increase visibility and credibility with donors and other external stakeholders ensuring we continue to claim our role as an expert organisation in our thematic areas
4. Develop and share project ideas for further development into concept notes and proposals.
5. Perform any other duties as relevant for the country programme as assigned and as can reasonably be expected from the position, in consultation with the line manager.
6. Advocacy
7. Oversee county and national level advocacy in prevention of child labour
8. Develop and oversee implementation of strategic plans and activities for agreed advocacy actions
9. Use knowledge and insight into the political and legal environment to inform the project´s advocacy actions towards prevention of child labour

Education, Experience and Skills required

• MA degree in Social Sciences, Gender, Development Studies or related fields.
• At least 5 years proven experience in child protection programming (with at least 2 years in child labour projects)
• In-depth knowledge of child protection and child labour laws and sector nationally, and locally
• Proven knowledge, skills and experience in stakeholders engagement, lobby and advocacy at all levels
• Solid understanding on planning, budgeting and project reporting
• Experience in supervising/leading a team including excellent partner management skills
• Strong interpersonal, communication and presentation skills
• Planning, organising, cooperation, performance oriented
• High degree of taking initiative and working independently

Personal profile

• Exhibits composure and professionalism. Ability to represent TdH NL in Kenya to donors, government officials, other NGOs, other external stakeholders in a self assured manner
• Excellent negotiating and communication skills both oral and written
• Ability to work under pressure and with limited supervision

Competency profile

Coaching

• Make others enthusiastic and motivate them to achieve a previously defined result. Encourage others to develop themselves to the full.
• Level 2: Gives others the room to work independently and coaches them along the way.

Planning & Organising

• The effective alignment of activities, time and resources to achieve objectives.
• Level 3: Coordinates and aligns activities and supports and encourages others in the direct vicinity to start to plan and organise.

Problem-solving ability

• Actively seek logical, tangible and realistic solutions for problems
• Level 3: Can identify and articulate the core of the problem, can initiate the collection of relevant data and can propose solutions.

The power of persuasion

• Expressing opinions convincingly, demonstrating interaction and debating effectively, thereby generating acceptance of viewpoints and ideas.
• Defends and argues points of view with tact and in a clear and convincing manner while taking another opinion into account.
• Level 3: Defends and argues points of view with tact and in a clear and convincing manner while taking another opinion into account!
• Contract Period: One year contract with a possibility of extension