Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Manager at BlueBrain Services Ltd

JOB PURPOSE

The Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Manager shall:

• Oversee the MEL implementation of all the organization's projects/clients under the supervision of the MEL Director.
• Design and deploy a gender-sensitive and robust results-monitoring system with solid feedback routes.
• Design, implement, and maintain a robust database system to efficiently store, manage, and retrieve monitoring and evaluation data.
• Integrate GIS tools and techniques into monitoring and evaluation processes for geospatial data analysis and visualization.
• Track progress towards achievement of stated outputs and provide early warning signals of possible deviations.
• Institutionalize data quality to ensure that data collected adheres to quality specifications of validity, integrity, timeliness, completeness, and precision.
• Carry out periodic results measurements to benchmark and establish the status of project outcome indicators.
• Support data and knowledge management, including identification and application of lessons learned.
• Facilitate capacity-building sessions on monitoring and evaluation for project staff and partners.
• Support the development of periodic progress reports to the donor and other relevant stakeholders.
• Oversee the job responsibilities and tasks of the MEL Specialists and MEL Officers.

JOB DESCRIPTION

MEL System Design and Documentation

• Design and refine relevant MEL documentation including Theory of Change, MEL frameworks, MEL Plans, and Indicator Tracking tools.
• Design and implement project-specific Monitoring Information Systems (MIS) for data collection analysis and visualization.
• Lead the development of data collection methodologies, plans, tools, and budgets for every routine and periodic (surveys) data collection activity.
• Ensure data quality assurance on all data collection activities in the project through developing cutting-edge questionnaires, rigorous training of data collectors, supervising the data collection process, and reviewing data input and quality.

  Data Collection, Analysis, Reporting and Management

• Lead the execution of field-level data collection activities in the project including farmer registration and profiling, GIS data collection, routine monitoring of farmers' performance, surveys, and assessments.
• Conduct regular monitoring visits to assess project progress, provide feedback, and identify areas for improvement.
• Perform monthly analysis of monitoring data generated from activities and provide feedback (using charts, tables, narratives, etc.) to management indicating where project activities and interventions are falling short, meeting, or exceeding the expected outputs and outcomes.
• Lead the development of periodic reports for various stakeholders including donor agencies and local communities focusing on the updates on implementation activities.
• Update and maintain the project's central electronic database (management information systems) ensuring that relevant data points generated are in sync with source datasets and evidence materials.
• Ensure the integrity, security, and confidentiality of all project data.
• Develop comprehensive reports, including success stories, lessons learned, and recommendations for program adjustments.

Team Management and Capacity Building

• Oversee the job responsibilities and tasks of the MEL Specialists and MEL Officers.
• Lead capacity-building initiatives to strengthen MEL competencies among staff and partners.
• Conduct workshops and training sessions on MEL methodologies, tools, and best practices.
• Train State MEL officers, enumerators, and extension agents working on the project using digital data collection tools to collect the various forms of monitoring and survey data required by the project.
• Execute relevant training for staff, field officers, and partners in the monitoring of the project/partner’s intervention.
• Provide supervisory support, mentorship, and capacity building to State-based MEL Officers to ensure effective implementation of the project MEL system at the State level.

Gender and Inclusion

• Support the project technical team with guidance, capacity building, and tools to ensure gender considerations are mainstreamed throughout intervention design and implementation.
• Ensure gender considerations are mainstreamed throughout all monitoring activities and processes.

Learning, Knowledge Management, and Collaboration

• Co-facilitate the coordination and execution of knowledge management (KM) events by developing, collecting, and disseminating relevant monitoring, evaluation, learning, and research information.
• Facilitate regular project intervention reviews and learning activities at the project level to promote adaptive management.
• Facilitate regular staff meetings to share experiences and lessons and to brainstorm ways of applying new learning.
• Collaborate across the various teams to integrate MEL activities effectively and utilize data for program implementation and decision-making.
• Stay updated on emerging trends and technologies related to monitoring, evaluation, database management, and GIS.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Engage with project stakeholders, including donors, partners, and beneficiaries, to gather feedback and ensure the relevance of MEL systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate MEL into program activities and decision-making processes.

Business Development and Other Responsibilities

• Discover opportunities and develop comprehensive proposals to offer MEL services to potential clients.
• Undertake other assignments as required by your supervisor and Sane Konsult.

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

Qualifications

• Minimum of Bachelor’s degree. Academic training in social sciences, data sciences, management studies or any related field.
• Willingness to travel and work in diverse cultural and geographic settings.
• Proficiency in using data collection software, Microsoft packages, data visualization tools, and other relevant technology tools.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in quantitative and qualitative research methods, project management, or sector-specific knowledge (e.g., agriculture, rural development, TVET).
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a diverse and dynamic team environment.

Experience

• Minimum of 5-7 years of professional experience in monitoring, evaluation, and learning, preferably in the development sector or related fields, such as agriculture/agriculture mechanization.  Experience with a local or international NGO is a plus.
• Experience and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven track record of successfully designing, implementing, and managing MEL frameworks, plans, and strategies for projects or programs.
• Familiarity with technology-based tools and approaches for data collection, analysis, and reporting, particularly those relevant to Sane Konsult's areas of expertise e.g., CommCare, KoboToolbox, ArcGIS, Survey 123, Power BI etc.
• Extensive experience in quantitative and qualitative data collection, analysis, and reporting using various methodologies and tools.
• Demonstrated expertise in supporting project baseline and endline data collection and analysis.
• Excellent report writing, analytical, and communication skills, including oral presentation skills, in English.
• Experience developing and managing learning and adaptation activities, including formulation and regularly updating MEL Plans.
• Experience in capacity-building and training of project staff, partners, and beneficiaries on MEL concepts, tools, and methodologies, particularly in the context of agriculture, rural development, or TVET projects

Personal Experience 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills (in English and the local language of the project).
• Strong attention and orientation to details and results.
• Time management and organizational skills to keep track of deliverables and stay on schedule.
• Professionalism, punctuality, motivation, creativity and flexibility.
• Capability to identify issues and implement practical solutions to address administrative challenges.
• Leadership, efficient work planning and management
• Strong attention and orientation to details, results, and teams
• Professionalism, motivation, creativity, and flexibility
• Good interpersonal and facilitation skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a diverse and dynamic team environment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.