Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Advisor

MONITORING, EVALUATION AND LEARNING (MEL) ADVISOR

SOS CV Zambia

(The National Association)

Assigned to SOS CV MEL

Position Title:  Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Advisor

Reporting to:  Head of Programmes (HoP)

Duty Station:  National Office-Lusaka

The Organisation

SOS Children’s Villages Zambia is a child focused organization and an affiliate of the SOS Children Villages International. It is non-governmental, non-political, non-denominational, and non-racial. Its overall mission is to build families for children in need, help them shape their own futures and share in the development of their communities. To realise the mission of the organisation, SOS Children’s Villages Zambia is recruiting for Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Advisor.

Mission of the position

The Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Advisor supports the development of programmes within the country. S/He takes a leading role in the development of Results Based Management Framework and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) systems and their implementation, also supports in the implementation of self-evaluations for working with SOS families and families of origin. S/He also takes a leading role in the generation of information, analysis and the relevant knowledge for timely and efficient decision making. Moreover, s/he takes the leading role in building capacity in the MEL on different units or levels of the organization and also work closely with other units to strengthen the overall MEL system and to allow the MEL to focus on use and analysis of data.

Principal Job Accountabilities

Monitoring

1. Develop and periodically review the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) systems for SOS CV Zambia and create frameworks that provide an organization-wide core set of indicators, related protocols and relevant data for internal and external requirements and learning.
2. Lead the development and review of the SOS CV Zambia RBM framework to allow the inclusion, in the entire process, of planning, monitoring, reporting, evaluations and use of results.
3. Coordinate routine data collection and analysis, and undertake periodic surveys to generate qualitative data that would not be generated through routine monitoring activities.
4. Lead and/or conduct ethical research, baseline studies, periodic surveys, evaluations and other cross programme studies.
5. Ensure transparency on programme planning by tracking plans and review of programmes with the overall organization Theory of Change (ToC) and the National Strategy.

Quality Assurance

1. Conduct Data Quality Audits (DQA) to validate and verify programme related data in collaboration with programme staff.
2. Ensure the integration of the M&E inputs to the annual work plans, proposals and reports and support programme staff in embedding a clear results chain in programming.
3. Maintain MEL databases (including programme database, tools and other IT driven systems) and ensure their alignment with core indicators to allow congruence in data and reports generation.

Learning and knowledge sharing

1. Develop key knowledge management aspects that contribute to cross functional learning, documentation, knowledge repositories, sharing and evidence based disseminations.
2. Undertake periodic reviews of the MEL framework ensuring the appropriateness of guides and tools through learning to identify potential MEL improvements.
3. Follow up on the implementation of other systems or monitoring and evaluation tools.

Capacity building

1. Assist partners to set up reporting systems that meet the internal M&E requirements, when applicable
2. Capacity building of SOS CV Zambia staff on results-based management, the associated tools and other relevant monitoring and evaluation topics. (capacity building)
3. Provide technical support to programme staff and national management team to interpret the collected data and make informed decisions for improvements, (capacity building)

Cross functional

1. Prepare briefs, presentations, success stories, and working papers as requested
2. Compile annual work plans and periodic reports with inputs from each programme location
3. Advice and update the national management team and other colleagues on all aspect of monitoring and evaluation of programmes.

Academic education

1. Full Grade Twelve School Certificate.
2. Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences, preferably in project management, M&E, demography, development studies, mathematics and/or other relevant concentrations.
3. Other relevant professional studies (alternate) equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree in the relevant concentrations like M&E, statistics, operational research etc.
4. A master’s degree will be an added advantage.

Experience

1. At least five (5) years’ experience in the development and implementation of planning and strategic processes
2. Proven experience in developing and implementing MEL systems. Knowledge of IT driven systems for MEL in the development sector will add substantial value and vantage points to candidates.
3. Prior experience of operational research, low cost surveys and contemporary dissemination methods.
4. Previous experience in child focused organizations is an added advantage.

Competencies

1. Strong communication, facilitation, leadership and coordinating skills.
2. Awareness and understanding of social development issues.
3. Ability to lead capacity building activities/workshops
4. Demonstrated ability in meeting deadlines while producing quality results.
5. Ability to multi-task.
6. Excellent knowledge of relevant MS Office packages including (but not limited to) Word, ACCESS, EXCEL, and Power Point and experience in using some statistical packages such as SPSS, SAS, STATA, ENA/epi data and web based applications.
7. Strong oral and written communication skills in English, including evidence of quality report writing and presentations.

How to apply

If you believe you are the right candidate for the above position, please send your detailed curriculum vitae (CV), and photocopies of academic and professional certificates.

Applications should be submitted electronically indicating the position you are applying for in the subject line and send to the address given. All applications should be submitted not later than 30th April, 2019.

E-mails: Applications including at least three traceable referees should be sent electronically to [email protected]