Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning Officer at Inspire Community Network Foundation

• ICON seeks a Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Officer to support the start-up and implementation of ICON’s MEAL activities, provide technical, data collection, and analysis support throughout programs, and ensure the accurate reporting of results for program activities and as per adherence to all standards regarding ethical and high-quality data collection and utilization.
• The MEAL Officer will provide support for the successful monitoring and evaluation of ICON programs, as well as for generating and translating evidence to inform programmatic adaptation.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• MEAL System Design
• Lead the development and implementation of all programs’ MEAL framework.
• Develop MEAL systems for collecting, tracking, analyzing, and reporting the progress of project activities against targets and expected outcomes.
• Implement MEAL plans across all program components including the identification of process, output, and outcome indicators specific to activities.
• Ensure the quality of data monitoring, collection, collation, storage, analysis, and reporting.
• Coordinate the design and implementation of learning studies.
• Promote all aspects of MEAL to support the creation of an organizational culture that prioritizes quality programming, program accountability (including developing program accountability mechanisms), and evidence-based information.
• Build strong relationships with colleagues and provide support as required to ensure MEAL system is understood and supported at the field and national level.
• Work closely with the programme teams to ensure that MEAL becomes an integral element of project implementation leading to enhanced quality, accountability, and impact.
• Ensure that MEAL is an integral part of the programme design stage and features in all proposal development.
• Ensure that MEAL resources are included in all proposal development processes.
• Develop knowledge management and learning mechanisms, processes, and tools that are accessible and support organizational decision-making.
• Identify and introduce new elements (systems, tools, processes) required under the MEAL system and project management/development by team members.
• Contribute to related research processes as may be required.
• Data Collection, Management, and Presentation
• Design baseline, mid-term, and final evaluation surveys using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods and conducting and/or supervising survey implementation and analysis.
• Ensure adequate feedback to/from beneficiaries on data and analyses.
• Ensure the maintenance of the database of performance data for all ICON projects;
• Lead the development and implementation of data visualization (i.e., mapping, graphics).
• Coordinate with partners and assist with carrying out assessments and analytical studies.
• Support the drafting of deliverables to donors in a timely manner.
• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
• Develop, oversee, and coordinate ICON’s monitoring and evaluation activities, including the preparation of annual MEAL work plans, budgets, and staff allocations.
• Ensure the incorporation of MEAL findings into ICON reports and provide recommendations to the Board and partners.
• Support the preparation of quarterly, semi-annual, and annual reporting to the Board.
• Respond to ad hoc requests for information from the Board or other stakeholders.
• Ensure that the organization delivers on all internal M&E requirements in a timely manner and with high-quality information to support program reporting as per donor contractual requirements.
• Ensure final evaluations of implementing partners’ projects are undertaken according to best practice standards and guidelines.
• Provide technical assistance to implementing partners to ensure timely and effective participation in MEAL processes.
• Routinely visit project sites for MEAL activities, as feasible.

Resource Development

• Contribute to the development of the monthly, midway, and annual reports with required MEAL data visualization (i.e., mapping, graphics).
• Contribute to the development of program evaluation reports with required MEAL data visualization (i.e., mapping, graphics).
• Contribute to research and resource development efforts including providing required MEAL data visualization (i.e., mapping, graphics) for proposals development, donor reports, and presentation.
• Contribute to other resource development efforts that require MEAL data visualization (i.e., mapping, graphics).
• Ensure that data brought together and findings from across thematic and operational regions form a coherent basis for analysis of impact which is evidence-based and promotes learning and strategy development for the whole organization.
• Lead on monitoring and improving the synergy and integration of thematic programs to enhance the delivery of outstanding results for targeted communities
• Communicate top-level learning/analysis reports and monitoring data to ensure that management is able to make informed decisions on a timely basis to scale up and face operational challenges.
• Team Leadership and Capacity Development
• Support the program team’s progress on specific projects, providing MEAL management oversight on progress and problem-solving in case of challenges.
• Train and guide the project team on MEAL tools and processes.
• Define MEAL expectations, and provide leadership and technical support as needed so that program staff are able to perform their roles as required.
• Manage the performance of direct reports as related to MEAL through performance management, coaching, mentoring, training, and development.
• At the organizational level, devise and manage a MEAL training program in collaboration with HR, with the goal of increasing capacity and awareness of MEAL for all related staff and developing national MEAL capacity.
• Lead management capacity strengthening, coaching, and mentoring on MEAL responsibilities.
• All other duties as assigned

Qualifications & requirements:

• A minimum of 3 years of professional MEAL experience related to the MEAL of rural development, advocacy, education, and livelihoods programs;
• Extensive experience with knowledge management and supporting the development of an institutional culture of learning is required;
• Extensive experience in developing measurement frameworks and identifying appropriate performance indicators is required;
• Excellent skills in quantitative and qualitative research and analysis are required;
• Computer literacy in Google Suite applications, along with data management and visualization applications is highly desirable;
• A proven track record of team leadership is highly desirable.
• Previous successful involvement with, and good knowledge of NGOs and civil society is highly desirable.
• Experience with institutional change management is highly desirable;
• Experience in capacity building and development would be an asset.
• Extensive experience in effective strategic level communication and coordination with national partners, central and local authorities,
• NGO partners, UN agencies, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Excellent writing and research skills and computer literacy, including donor report writing experience
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate complex activities, meet deadlines, and exercise sound judgment with high cultural awareness.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team or independently.
• Fluency in English and strong English writing skills are required.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, stressful environment. Must be flexible, willing to perform other duties, and work irregular hours as needed.
• Excellent time management skills and resourcefulness with strong attention to detail.

Education

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in any of the following or related fields: social science, international development, evaluation, statistics, or economics.
• At least two (3+) years of relevant experience in implementing results-based MEL activities or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

COMPENSATION AND HOURS

• This is a full-time, exempt, salaried position.
• Salary is a monthly N150,00-N200,000 commensurate with experience
• Irregular evening and weekend work hours; flexibility with work schedule
• Primarily local and inter-state travel during business hours, although some regional and overnight travel may occur.
• Benefits are generous, including paid employee health and dental insurance (some employee contribution required); voluntary vision and retirement plans are also available.
• Paid time off includes vacation, sick, personal days, and holidays.