Research and MEAL Specialist TEAM/PROGRAMME: NAWIRI Programme
LOCATION: Nairobi
GRADE: 2 POST TYPE: Contract
Child Safeguarding:
Level 3 – the responsibilities of the post may require the post holder to have regular contact with or access to children or young people
ROLE PURPOSE:
Under the general guidance and direction of the Research and Learning Manager; and the Head of MEAL, the Research and MEAL specialist will provide over sight for the MEAL and research requirements of the project. S/he will provide technical leadership in the implementation of the NAWIRI research and learning agenda as well take lead in design and implementation of the monitoring, evaluation and accountability aspects of the project in coordination with the NAWIRI consortium partners led by Mercy Corps.
He/she will ensure that the project has a system that allows for continuous data collection, analysis and learning and that fits into the existing Save the Children organizational specific M&E systems. S/he will also represent Save the Children at all NAWIRI MEAL technical forums at the national and county level.
Reports to: Head of MEAL
Dimensions:
Save the Children has been operational in Kenya since the 1950s, providing support to children through developmental and humanitarian relief programmes delivered both directly and through local partners. Current programming focuses on child protection, child rights governance, education, health, HIV/AIDS, livelihoods, nutrition and WASH.
In 2012, as part of a global reorganization process, Save the Children combined the programmes of SC UK, SC Canada and SC Finland to create a single operation in Kenya. In Feb 2014, we completed a second transition, which saw us join forces with the British INGO, Merlin, and merge their health and nutrition programmes with our own.
Save the Children now has an operational presence in Bungoma, Dadaab Refugee Camp, Garissa, Mandera, Turkana and Wajir and we work through partners in many other parts of the country.
We employ over 200 staff and will have an operating annual budget in 2019 of approximately US$13 million. Save the Children is currently a member of NAWIRI consortium (Kenya Development Food Security Activity: Program for Resilient Systems) which is led by Mercy Corps and is being implemented in Turkana and Samburu counties.
Staff directly reporting to this post: MEAL officers *2 and Information management officer
SCOPE OF ROLE AND RESPONSIBILLITY
- Take lead in all aspects of studies, monitoring evaluation and accountability of the project ensuring that the indicators are correctly tracked and that progress data is available.
- Together with the other consortium partners ensure that the project learning agenda is implemented and take lead on implementation research.
- Carry out regular monitoring visits ensuring that the quality of activities is maintained while ensuring that project objectives are met as per agreed work plans.
- Work with the thematic specialists to supervise and monitor the development of reporting systems for data collection, conduct data analysis, follow-up, and provide feedback to relevant staff, partners and other agencies.
- Provide input into the integration of beneficiary participation, inclusion and accountability in NAWIRI project.
- Develop systems for monitoring accountability to beneficiaries ensuring that project information is continually shared across all implementation areas
- Work with consultants/partners to ensure that all studies are conducted with good rigor and precision.
KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:
Program Research, Monitoring and Evaluation
- Together with the consortium M&E working group, lead in the design, implementation and review of the project MEAL framework.
- Lead the MEAL and information team to support field Programme activities.
- Ensure that quality data is collected and that data quality audits are conducted on a routine basis to identify any challenges with data.
- Review and sign off on all data that is generated by the project before it is shared within consortium and externally with partners/stakeholders and take responsibility for any data issues.
- Take lead together with the consortium partners M&E working group in the design and implementation of all research studies, and assessments as well as evaluations.
- Lead in the dissemination of programme findings and lessons learned through the production of high quality materials and their effective dissemination to key stakeholders.
- Participate in the design of the Collaborate, Learn and Adapt (CLA) methodology of the programme implementation to ensure NAWIRI interventions are working to address persistent acute malnutrition.
- Ensure that all data generated by the project is timely, of a good quality and that it is used for program decision making
Knowledge management and Learning
- The MEAL specialist will closely work with field technical advisors in the development of implementation learning strategy, including design and development of data collection tools.
- Responsible for coordinating learning activities during the project implementation
- Take lead in ensuring that learning becomes a core business of the project and that staff are regularly participating in learning and reflection- Institute a learning culture
- Ensure that the project has a learning calendar that is adhered to and that all program staff do contribute to learning and adaptation.
- Support the PDQ team in the establishment and operation of a system that will enable SCI staff to access a centralized data and information and ensure the setting up and maintenance of a resource library
- Develop knowledge management system that facilitates the capturing, storage, dissemination and use of key learning emanating from various internal and external sources.
- Communicate program learning (through document sharing, presentations, etc.) internally to provide guidance and technical input on strategic direction and program design, and externally with key stakeholders (NGOs, government partners, working groups, etc.).
- Coordinate with sectors’ technical coordinators and program staff to ensure that lessons learned are properly documented and are incorporated into program implementation.
- Lead and foster learning based on best practices, lessons and feedback captured from program participants (adults and children) to influence and guide the design and implementation of our programs and regularly produce and report on best practices and case studies.
Accountability, Reporting and Child safeguarding
- Regularly review and monitor child safeguarding issues. Take corrective action in modifying programme activities and/or report incidents.
- Ensure that accountability to beneficiaries becomes a core element and success indicator for all NAWIRI program activities and engage beneficiaries and stakeholders in evaluations and research activities.
- Ensure participation of beneficiaries and children in monitoring and evaluating of the projects. This includes introduction of context specific and functioning accountability systems.
- Develop a robust system for capturing and reporting against accountability-related indicators and conduct regular trend analysis of complaints and feedback for learning and improvement.
- Design and implement appropriate feedback mechanisms that are contextual, effective, accessible and safe for beneficiaries and that ensure that feedback is recorded, reviewed and acted upon.
- Development and regular sharing of project MEAL monthly reports and complaint/feedback databases with project staff for action and with Head of MEAL for consolidation and sharing with SMT.
External Representation and Partnerships Management
- Represent Save the Children in the consortium M&E working group and other MEAL technical forums and initiatives regarding Research, monitoring and evaluation, accountability, and learning
- Lead and manage the NAWIRI project relationship with research institutions and consultants hired to conduct external evaluations
- Ensure close working relationships and regular communication on MEAL issues with project partners at all levels (sub counties, counties and national), including with government and other organizations working in the project areas, to ensure efficient and effective project implementation;
- Take the initiative in documenting lessons learnt, best practice and case studies to shape in-country MEAL strategies and evidence-based program approaches, and contribute to broader MEAL-focused learning.
- Pro-actively identify MEAL opportunities, case studies and research opportunities, which link with wider organizational and programmatic strategic objectives, and turn these into action.
- Contribute to identify the capacity of present and potential partners in quality programming and ensure that MEAL support is provided.
Capacity building and MEAL staff management:
- Ensure the recruitment and training of NAWIRI MEAL officers as appropriate and ensure availability of appropriate professional development opportunities.
- Develop learning needs assessment, professional development, and capacity-building plans for both NAWIRI SC and partner staff
- Manage the performance of supervisees and provide feedback through: effective use of the Performance Management System including the establishment of clear, measureable objectives, ongoing feedback, periodic reviews and fair and unbiased evaluations; coaching, mentoring and other developmental opportunities; recognition and rewards for outstanding performance; documentation of performance that is less than satisfactory, with appropriate performance improvements/ work plans
- Support and build the technical capacity of and equip the MEAL and other project team with relevant data collection, management, and analysis tools and skills using the state-of-the-art software (STATA and/or SPSS, ATLAS.ti) to ensure quality and timely analysis of program and MEAL data to inform timely decision-making for learning and quality programming
Other
- Participate actively in NAWIRI programme meetings, planning and review activities.
SKILLS AND BEHAVIOURS (our 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 others to do the same
- Widely shares their personal vision for Save the Children, engages and motivates others
- Future orientated, thinks strategically
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
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Essential
- Bachelor degree in Population studies, Public health, Social sciences and a master’s degree in Monitoring and Evaluation, or other discipline relevant to the job.
- At least 5 years of experience working in Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, Accountability and Learning including a senior management position in an INGO setting , preferably with solid experience in more than one of the Save the Children priority sectors: education, child protection, child rights governance, child poverty, health and nutrition. USAID RFSA programming experience is an added advantage.
- Proven experience of undertaking evaluations/research or leading evaluation/research teams, with outstanding skills in qualitative and quantitative research and data analysis using relevant software such as STATA or SPSS, and ATLAS.ti (to be assessed) and data management Software such Commcare
- Technical expertise in various data analysis software and proven experience using mobile technology for data collection with experience of electronic data collection using tablets or other devices
- Understanding and experience in child rights programming.
Desirable
- Strong commitment to capacity building of county staff and partners with willingness to adopt participatory and consultative approaches.
- Experience working in arid and semi-arid land (ASAL) settings preferred.
- Strong writing skills, including experience in writing, capacity statements and position papers.
- Good interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate and negotiate clearly and effectively at all levels, taking into account cultural and language difficulties.
- Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills including influencing, negotiation and coaching.
- Highly developed cultural awareness and ability to work well in an international environment with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
- Strong results orientation, with the ability to challenge existing mind-sets.
- Experience solving complex issues through analysis, definition of a clear way forward and ensuring buy-in.
- Ability to present complex information in a succinct and compelling manner.
- Ability and willingness to dramatically change work practices and hours, and work with incoming surge teams, in the event of emergencies.
- Fluency in English, both verbal and written, required. Swahili preferred.
- Commitment to Save the Children values, including willingness to abide by and enforce the Child Safeguarding policy.
Date of issue: March 31, 2020 Author : Head of MEAL
Job Description
Find out more about this role by downloading the job description Job description
24 Jul 2024
7 Aug 2024 – 15:52 EAT
Kenya
Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning
Permanent
Full-time