Program/MEL Intern - Signature Programs at Heifer International

Purpose of Signature Programs Department

• The Signature Program Department provides technical support to country program teams across the Africa Region with a focus on quality and evidence-based signature program (SP) design, project execution excellence, adaptive management, impact measurement and reporting. The SP Department also maintains Heifer’s standards of program/project quality, performance management and compliance with donors’ requirements.

Function

• The Signature Programs Intern will support the Signature Program Team with Program Management and MELs deliverables in line with Program Management & MELs Quality Control and Quality Assurance activities. This internship provides an opportunity for the Intern to work in a dynamic, cross-functional team across different time zones and develop key skills in Program/project Management and Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning. The Intern will be located in Abuja, Nigeria.

Responsibilities & Deliverables

Documentation and Operations Support (40%)

• Gather and organize Signature Program files and documents such as reports and ensure they are up-to-date and easily accessible by team members.
• Contribute to smooth operation of the Signature Program Department by supporting organization of program events, including scheduling meetings, preparing and/or organizing team minutes, etc.
• Support in organizing and coordinating field visits for progress monitoring and program quality assurance and ensure proper filing of field trip reports.
• Contribute to compilation of relevant procurement documentation (e.g. Terms of Reference, Request for Proposal, etc) in support of identification of suitable consultants and contract signing.
• Provide general administrative support to the Signature Program team.

Performance Monitoring Support (35%)

• Organise Africa Region’s historical performance data by relevant themes in support of spatial analysis and data visualization using Power BI.
• Support organization and maintenance of Africa-wide program performance data on SharePoint and other platforms, ensuring their accuracy and up-to-date status.
• Support Signature Program (SP) team in tracking progress towards achievement of key milestones and deliverables by reporting period e.g. Fiscal Year (FY).
• Participate in data analysis and assist in the preparation of reports summarizing performance data from monitoring and evaluation activities.
• Tracking completion of shared tasks managed on virtual platforms such as SharePoint and follow up with colleagues accordingly.
• Support in coordinating Progress Reporting across all Country Programs using the desired reporting template or format.

Learning, Adaptation and Capacity Building (20%)

• Participate in evidence-based program review meetings and brainstorming sessions to identify opportunities for program improvement.
• Contribute to the preparation of knowledge and experience sharing events, including periodic Community of Practice sessions.
• Contribute to the team’s preparation for “Pause and Reflect” and documentation for feedback to the leadership and other stakeholders accordingly.
• Manage the Signature Program Department’s learning log and provide summary of lessons at end of every quarter.

Others (5%)

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Signature Program Director.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in statistics, international development, business management, economics or related fields.

Most Critical Proficiencies

• 1-2 years’ experience in development practice, including internships or volunteer work in monitoring and evaluation and/or project delivery or related fields.
• Good organizational skills, ability to make recommendations for improvement and contribute to overall program strategy.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to develop good relationships with a wide range of actors required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently in the field and demonstrate initiative.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work cooperatively with team members.

Key Behavioural Competencies

• Accountability
• Professional Excellence
• Humility
• Customer Orientation
• Empathy
• Innovation