Signature Program MEL Manager

Description

Heifer International is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identify, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with some form of disability.

FUNCTION
This position will manage the development and implementation of Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Systems for projects executed within the country programs. A strong emphasis is on data collection, integrity, data analysis, reporting and dissemination to key stakeholders. S/he will provide technical input to project reviews and proposals and will provide leadership and support in the implementation on Heifer’s regional and global monitoring and evaluation systems at the country level, ensuring standards in baseline surveys, living income benchmarking, impact monitoring and evaluation processes that contribute to the global strategies.

ESSENTIAL CHARACTER TRAITS: 

The Signature Program Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Manager will report to the Siganture Programs Director to undertake the following tasks;

RESPONSIBILITIES (including approximate percentage effort)

Implement monitoring, evaluation, learning and systems for country specific projects. (50%)

• Collect and manage data to support needs assessment, project design, project logical framework design and target setting and progress management.
• Ensure that each project has a clear baseline, living income benchmarked and monitor project progress, and evaluations as per M&E plan.
• Ensure the effective implementation of MELS policies, procedures and guidelines for country projects.
• Ensure proper use of available digital tools and technology for effectively managing MELS activities.
• Provide support to HIP implementing partners to align their MELS plans and ensure effective use of digital tools for data collection and Project management.
• Support Heifer wide research for Learning when needed.
• Propose systems for the computerization of the monitoring system with full justification and costings (off-the-shelf, purpose built, based on Excel) and submit these to the Signature Project Director for consideration.
• Prepare a detailed monitoring manual covering all the Country Projects and train all Project Staff on the new MELS manual and systems
• Establish a Results Measurement Plan (RMP) for each HIP Project. The RMP must guide the process of collecting information at all levels from the result chain (from activities to the outputs, outcome and impact). The RMP should be accompanied by a Project Monitoring Report to provide the input data for the RMP.
• Design a HIP centralized data collection, management, analysis and reporting system. This should be based upon a Results Measurement and Management Framework (RMMF) for each HIP signature Project and their amalgamation into an overall RMMF for HIP. Each project level RMMF should include Basic project information, Result chain (with supporting notes), Results Measurement Plan, Project Monitoring Report Data cumulated onto a single spreadsheet to demonstrate progress. Impact data should be able to be cumulated simply in an integrated manner to assess HIP overall achievement. The system should incorporate a simple dashboard and traffic light approach to allow rapid overview of project performance
• Review and adjust M&E plans and targets, tools and processes periodically.
• Ensure alignment of country’s/projects’ M&E plans and procedures with organization’s standards and requirements.
• Support development of a MELS budget and staffing plan per each funded project.
• Assist in networking with other development organizations, governments and other line agencies in promoting Heifer’s development model/initiatives, and potential collaborations.

Data management, analysis and utilization for learning. (20%)

• Summarize/ aggregate data at country level and contribute to organization-wide aggregation.
• Manage all data properly in clean form, and analyze to use for project management, learning and meet all the reporting needs.
• Ensure timely data availability and reporting to stakeholders as needed.
• Respond to periodic donor and headquarters requests for additional information on project activities and results.
• Document lessons learned, successes, failures and best practices via case studies.
• Develop and monitor Country Programs level action agenda to ensure that they are refined and acted upon.

Capacity Development (15%)

• Train HIP Project staff and implementing partners’ to deliver on MELS activities efficiently.
• Supervise and manage supporting MELS staff for efficient work and maintaining compliance.
• Provide coaching and training to equip MELS staff to deliver the assigned responsibilities efficiently.
• Contribute in the recruitment, training and supervision of external parties that are contracted to implement special surveys and studies required for evaluating project effects and impacts.

Fundraising (10%)

• Support the development of concept notes, project proposals, and submission to potential donors.
• Support HIP research and evaluation initiatives in country.
• Assist in networking with other development organizations, governments and other line agencies in promoting Heifer’s development model/initiatives, and potential collaborations.
• Support the Director of Programs in data collection and updating for all Value-chains of interest in the country.

Any Other Assigned Functions (5%)

Perform other job-related duties as requested.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in International Development, Project Planning and Management, Economics, Statistics, or other relevant disciplines with focus on monitoring and evaluation.
• Eight (8) years of work experience in the design, establishment and operation of monitoring systems for complex aid projects.
• Excellent writing, presentation and communication skills.

Preferred Requirements:

• Demonstrated experience in coordinating and working with international donors and grantees on PMEL/MLE systems.
• Experience in supporting and monitoring field-based programs in the region.
• Experience in managing databases and coordinating evaluations, surveys and impact monitoring.
• Professional training in project management.

Most Critical Proficiencies:

• Innovative, analytical, and solutions oriented.
• A good understanding of and sensitivity to issues associated with poverty, hunger, agriculture and the environment, and knowledge of the context in which non-profit organizations operate.
• Demonstrated experience in statistical analysis, reporting and analyzing program performance.
• Knowledge of market systems interventions and linkages to poverty alleviation.
• Excellent organizational skills, including strong attention to detail.
• Proven experience in building the capacity of partner institutions to document and disseminate industry information, manage knowledge, measure progress and plan and advocate within the industry.
• Proficient knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, presentation tools, electronic mail (Microsoft Office preferred) and Internet.
• Strong knowledge and skills in data management and analysis using statistical software’s (eg. STATA, SPSS, SAS, EViews, etc.).
• Demonstrated proficiency in English, both oral and written.
• Experience with ICT.
• Excellent communicator with strong team building skills, proven experience in managing people and performance, decision-making and conflict resolution.

Essential Job Functions and Physical Demands:

• Ability to understand, appreciate and implement Heifer’s Values-Based Holistic Community Development model.
• Demonstrated creativity, ability to think systematically, willingness and ability to incorporate innovative solutions.
• Quantitative and qualitative approaches to evaluation and ability to communicate MEL concepts clearly with leadership, partners, and staff at all levels.
• Willingness and ability to assign and review the work of direct reports and to use participatory management skills with junior and senior staff.
• Proven team leadership and supervisory skills with the ability to train and work cooperatively with a diverse staff, including field staff in various locations.
• Constant face-to-face, telephone and electronic communication with colleagues and the public.
• Working with sensitive information and maintaining confidentiality.
• Ability to manage and execute multiple tasks with little supervision while meeting sometimes inflexible deadlines.
• Willingness and ability to travel.
• Ability to work with sensitive information and to maintain confidentiality.