Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Manager NORAD Framework & TOFI Programme

TITLE: Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Manager NORAD Framework & TOFI Programme

TEAM/PROGRAMME: Research Evaluation Analysis Learning and Monitoring (REALM)|

LOCATION: Moqdisho/Garowe with frequent travel to project locations

GRADE: 3

POST TYPE: National

CHILD SAFEGUARDING:

Level 3:  the post holder will have contact with children and/or young people either frequently (e.g. once a week or more) or intensively (e.g. four days in one month or more or overnight) because they work within country programs; or are visiting country programs; or because they are responsible for implementing the police checking/vetting process staff.

ROLE PURPOSE:

The MEAL Manager will lead and take an overall responsibility on MEAL and research componants under the NORAD Framework program and the Together For Inclusion (TOFI) projects. The MEAL Manager will develop M&E Frameworks, track key project milestones, document achievements and track the quality of implemented interventions.  The MEAL Manager will also maintain the portfolio’s learning agenda and esure timely, reliable and robust evidence is generated to inform program designs, dat to day decision making and learning outcomes. The MEAL Manager will ensure that MEAL procedures and tools are harmonised across the different Area Offices and across partners. The NORAD and TOFI programmes are implemented across four regions Galgadud,Banadir/Hiran, Karkar and Nugaal regions of Somalia.  The MEAL Manager will work closely with the Country Research team,  Area MEAL Managers, and Program leads to demonstrate the impact of our work and value for money.

SCOPE OF ROLE:

Reports to: Norad Project Director (with dotted lines to the Head of REALM)

Direct reports: (staff reporting to this position): TBD

Indirect reports: (staff with dotted lines to the position): TBD

Budget Responsibilities: TBD

Primary Technical area: Programme Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning

Secondary Technical area: Program Development

Dimensions: The NORAD Framework Program and the Together For Inclusion (TOFI) projects are multi-year and multi-sector programmes that aim at improving education outcomes among deprived children, especially girls, boys and children with disability, ensuring that girls and boys are safe and protected from all forms of risk and abuses in their schools, homes and communities, and ensure children’s rights are uphold.  The projects support pedagocical components, safe learning spaces, child participation through clubs, promoting inclusive learning environements and supporting child rights efforts beyond the school. The two projects have an annual expenditure of above USD$ 5 million. The position holder will travel across the four supported regions; Galgadud,Banadir/Hiran ,Karkar and Nugaal regions of Somalia. The position holder will work closely with Save the Children Norway Technical leads, Save the Children in Somalia Area and Field Teams, Partners and Line Ministry Staff.

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Provide strategic direction for the development and optimization of MEAL system that measures program wide performance and achievements towards outcomes (using the Outcomes & Evidence Framework core indicators and other methods as appropriate) including roll-out of new MEAL related initiatives
• Lead on all programme MEAL processes (including programme baseline/ endline evaluations, KAP surveys, complaints and feedback mechanism system, development of relevant MEAL frameworks and managing MEAL frameworks for programme) working closely with programme managers
• Continously strengthen MEAL systems and processes, through an institutionalised MEAL framework to ensure reliable tracking of project outputs and outcomes;
• Work with programme managers, partners and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the MEAL framework is utilized;
• Participate in proposal development sessions to facilitate and develop Theories of Change.
• Strengthen the MEAL systems and processes to assure tracking of achievements and progress towards project outcomes and outputs indicators
• Set up Project Management Information Systems including digital data gathering and analytic software allowing real time data gathering and mapping to improve implementation of activities and technology driven MEAL system and tools
• Ensures that there is continuous quality of service monitoring using quality benchmarks regularly throughout the lifespan of the projects;
• Ensure that data collection and management methodologies used at field level are standardised, and tuned to capture the unique needs or vulnerabilities of different target groups;
• Support programme teams in preparing and managing internal assessments, external program evaluations, impact studies and case studies
• Provide staff support including on-the-job training/learning to strengthen technical capacity on MEAL priorities and quality standards
• Ensure that all assessment/evaluation reports meet Save the Children quality criteria, and promote the integration of recommendations and lessons learnt into project management and future programme designs.
• Ensure that the program delivers on all internal and external MEAL requirements in a timely manner and high quality;

Research and Evidence

• Lead the development, dissemination and implementation of a coherent and coordinated Evidence and Research agenda and work with the program development and operations teams to translate research and evaluation outcomes into practice
• Provide advice on development of robust methods to collect rigorous and relevant data to demonstrate effectiveness and impact of Save the Children’s Norad Framework agreement portfolio in Somalia
• Commission research and studies, impact evaluations and programme level learning activities;- identifying opportunities for ‘re-packaging’ research findings in accessible formats to ensure that learning and uptake is widely disseminated through SCI and wider development community
• Lead the conceptualization and design of research studies and ensure technical quality of all research activities and products for Save the Children’s Norad Framework agreement in Somalia
• Undertake meta-analysis and systemic reviews of Save the Children’s Norad Framework agreement portfolio in Somalia program evaluations and research to generate sectoral learning on trends, opportunities, risks etc
• Bring research, analytical and quality assurance expertise to projects, especially in the design, implementation and reporting stages
• Lead or participate in program and project evaluations and impact studies and assist in the development of tools and methods for such evaluations and studies, in collaboration with other stakeholders
• Prepare terms of reference for external evaluators and coordinate collaboration with them  Supervise the development of data collection tools proposed for evaluations activities
•  Perform data analyses, using SPSS, STATA or other software, for project research and evaluations

Learning, Knowledge Management & Innovation

• Identify, nurture, and validate solutions to maximize impact and minimize cost
• Develop project systems to track program quality, cost-effectiveness, and progress to scale
• Champion holistic approaches to collaboration, learning and adapting (CLA), including design and implementation of an action-oriented project research and learning agenda, routine analysis of available sector/sub-sector data sources, and application of lessons learned and best/promising practices in knowledge management
• Support efforts to improve learning systems and planning processes to ensure knowledge and evidence are fully utilized to improve program design and implementation, as well as inform policy and advocacy initiatives with external stakeholders in Somalia and regionally.
• Participate in designing and implementation of studies, assessments and learning in coordination and cooperation with Research Manager/area REALM manager and programme staff
• Support the programme team to communicate programme learning (through document sharing, presentations, and facilitation of cross-learning/Best practices workshops amongst NGO partners, local partners, and other stakeholders, etc)
• Lead in designing and implementation of programme related studies, assessments and learning in coordination and cooperation with thematic coordinators and programme staff
• Actively seek opportunities for information sharing and learning exchanges with local actors/INGOs to promote coordination at local and national level
• Work closely with the project director, Communications and Media teams to ensure that all the data, pictures and stories are available and used for publications and media products are of quality
• Capacity building of MEAL staff and partner MEAL Officers
• Oversees the documentation and dissemination of program achievements, success stories and lessons learned; prepares and contributes to periodic annual programs reports.

Others

Other duties as needed.

BEHAVIOURS (Values in Practice)

Accountability:

·         Holds self accountable for making decisions, managing resources efficiently, achieving and role modelling Save the Children values

·         Holds the team and partners accountable to deliver on their responsibilities - giving them the freedom to deliver in the best way they see fit, providing the necessary development to improve performance and applying appropriate consequences when results are not achieved.

Ambition:

·         Sets ambitious and challenging goals for themselves and their team, takes responsibility for their own personal development and encourages their team to do the same

·         Widely shares their personal vision for Save the Children, engages and motivates others

·         Future orientated, thinks strategically and on a global scale.

Collaboration:

·         Builds and maintains effective relationships, with their team, colleagues, Members and external partners and supporters

·         Values diversity, sees it as a source of competitive strength

·         Approachable, good listener, easy to talk to.

Creativity:

·         Develops and encourages new and innovative solutions

·         Willing to take disciplined risks.

Integrity:

·         Honest, encourages openness and transparency; demonstrates highest levels of integrity

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of degree in an area of education, social development, economic, statistics or equivalent.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

Essential

• A degree in a development field, social science, economics, or relevant discipline.
• Minimum 5 years practical experience in M&E system coordination/implementation in a large international non-governmental organization or other international relief/development body;
• Demonstrated ability in data analysis, project design, monitoring, and evaluation of development activities.
• Familiar with education program outcome measurement tools like ASER, EGRA, EGMA etc.
• Experience developing results frameworks, logical frameworks, or similar tools for project design is required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in realistic indicator development, study design, and data analysis—in multiple sectors. 
• Experience using knowledge management software or database is highly desired and proven knowledge and skills of statistical packages (SPSS, STATA, sphinx etc...)
• Experience with statistical analysis, database, and/or data visualization software such as ODK, ONA, R, NVIVO, PowerBI
• Demonstrated working knowledge and extensive experience in monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning, in both development and humanitarian programs; preferably with an INGO.
• Proven strategic and implementation ability with strong conceptual and analytical skills for monitoring and Evaluation, learning & accountability.
• Experience of gathering, analysing and presenting quantitative and qualitative data including information / data management and beneficiary registration and counting
• Ability to plan workload, prioritize, commit to meet deadlines and demonstrate accountability for outputs with minimal direct supervision.
• Good organisational skills including accuracy, consistency, attention to detail, tenacity and the ability to work under pressure
• Willingness to travel extensively within Somalia.
• Ability to write clear and well-argued assessment and project reports. A high level of written and spoken English

Desirable

• Ability and willingness to dramatically change work practices and hours, and work with incoming surge teams, in the event of emergencies
• Highly developed cultural awareness and ability to work well in a matrix management environment with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Have a good understanding on integrated programming

Additional job responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities as set out above are not exhaustive and the role holder may be required to carry out additional duties within reasonableness of their level of skills and experience.

Equal Opportunities

The role holder is required to carry out the duties in accordance with the SCI Equal Opportunities and Diversity policies and procedures.

Child Safeguarding:

We need to keep children safe so our selection process, which includes rigorous background checks, reflects our commitment to the protection of children from any form of abuse.

Health and Safety

The role holder is required to carry out the duties in accordance with SCI Health and Safety policies and procedures.

Save the Children is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to employ and assign the best qualified talent.

Qualified persons with disabilities and qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Female qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply

Application procedures:

All interested and qualified candidate can apply the position through the below link :

with clear subject heading for the position.

https://hcri.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com:443/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/job/490?utm_medium=jobboard

application closing date is on 12th January 2023