MERL Officer at Youth Empowerment and Development Initiative (YEDI)

Description 

• Oversee the development and maintenance of a comprehensive project data management system, including the effective, efficient, and secure flow of data from collection through compilation, storage, analysis, and reporting.
• Systematize data quality into all MERL activities to ensure validity, reliability, precision, integrity, and timeliness of data, including through Routine Data Quality Assessments (RDQA) and implementation of corrective actions to improve data quality and accountability of staff and partners.
• Integrate participatory MERL methods for promoting local ownership and sustainability.
• Ensure data use for decision-making through routine review and interpretation of data, packaging and disseminating findings in a meaningful way, and making recommendations for adaption.
• Produce comprehensive MERL reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Support the MERL Lead in tracking programme performance, success stories and adaptations for effective reporting to the programme leadership.
• Prepare regular progress MERL-related briefs for programme management and client utilisation.
• Develop effective monitoring and evaluation tools and processes for measuring the success of the program.
• Supervise the MERL team and ensure strategic and functional integration of all MEL activities as well as active collaboration with donors, other implementing partners, and local counterparts.
• Produce consolidated progress MEL reports.
• Oversee research and evaluation activities related to urban adolescent health and family planning in collaboration with local partners.
• Manage and guide program learning to inform decision marking and adaptation.
• Organise and provide training in monitoring and evaluation for program staff and volunteers.
• Represent YEDI at various relevant MEL forums.
• Perform any other relevant duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Program Management (20%):

• Provide input in program activities at the state level including timely reporting of all activities conducted, budget development, expenditure monitoring, and execution of project plans.
• Provide input in the development of work plans and program implementation, including overseeing training and capacity building, community-based sensitization and engagement, testing and counseling, appropriate linkage and referral to health facilities, and support for retention in SRHR/FP/HIV services, according to work plans, targets, national policy, guidelines, and program SOPs.
• Work closely with YEDI and its consortium lead in identifying project staff capacity development needs through periodic performance evaluations.
• Assist in planning and coordinating periodic staff meetings across program regions to foster learning.

Stakeholder Management (10%):

• Work closely with other consortia technical MEL teams in planning and implementing MEL activities including supportive supervision and development of reports as required.
• Assist in planning and coordinating periodic partner meetings.

Financial Management/Governance (10%):

• In consultation with YEDI's CFO and Accountant, prepare the annual budget for MEL activities.
• Ensure and enforce MEL teams' compliance with all financial policies and procedures (including procurement).
• Implement and ensure compliance with the USAID Policies, processes, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in a development field, social science, economics, or relevant discipline.
• Membership with reputable MERL organizations is an added advantage.

Prior Work Experience:

• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in a performance monitoring and/or evaluation role with an international development organization.
• Post Entry Training: Specialized courses in USAID programming of foreign assistance, management, leadership, ethics, monitoring and evaluation, and various specialized databases and computer programs.

Job Knowledge:

• Experience managing and executing MERL activities for donor-funded programs, including experience leading MERL teams, and prior experience conducting quantitative and qualitative research in field-based positions.
• Demonstrated ability to use MERL findings to inform adjustments to program to maximize project effectiveness.
• Demonstrated understanding of CLA and USAID evaluation policy and reporting guidelines.
• Experience coordinating with governments, ministries and/or NGOs, as well as local communities, for the design and implementation of surveys and other data collection techniques, including those that address capacity weaknesses, preferred.
• Demonstrated ability in data analysis, project design, monitoring, and evaluation of development activities.
• Experience developing results frameworks, logical frameworks, or similar tools for project design is required.
• Experience developing and/or using performance management plans or similar tools is required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in monitoring and evaluating programs-including indicator development, study design, and data analysis in multiple sectors.
• Experience using knowledge management software or databases is highly desired.
• Experience managing grants or contracts is also highly desired.

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent analytical skills and the ability to summarize disparate information in a clear and concise manner
• Excellent research and data collection methodology skills
• Ability to create organizational work plans based on higher-level goals.
• Ability to lead and coordinate multiple offices through multiple-step processes without being a direct supervisor (although appropriate authority will be given)
• Skills in supporting staff with a variety of levels of knowledge and capabilities.
• Strong organizational skills to balance competing priorities.
• Ability to work independently to efficiently meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Oral and written communication skills to deal effectively with mid and high-level partner contacts, the host government, and the local communities.
• Ability to apply Agency regulations and procedures to daily work requirements.
• Excellent computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheet programs, Excel and PowerPoint, SPSS, Salesforce, Survey Monkey and other multimedia communication platforms like Skype and data base management.