Program Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning Officer - Naija Unlock at Heifer International

Function

• This position will support the development and implementation of Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Systems for projects executed within the country programs.
• A strong emphasis is on data collection and analysis, data integrity, reporting and dissemination to key stakeholders in appropriate formats.
• S/he will provide technical input to design and implementation of Heifer’s Nigeria MEL system and strategies, project reviews and ensuring adherence to quality standards in baseline surveys, living income benchmarking, routine monitoring and evaluation processes that contribute to implementation of the global strategies.

Implement monitoring, evaluation, learning and systems for the project. (30%):

• Support implementation of project/program specific MEL Plans.
• Collect and manage data for tracking the status of key performance indicators
• Work with external evaluators to conduct mid-term and final evaluations
• Conduct and manage baseline assessments, living income benchmarking and validation, tracking of project progress, annual surveys, and special studies.
• Design and manage project specific databases
• Ensure the effective implementation of MELS policies, procedures, and guidelines for the project.
• Ensure proper use of available digital tools and technology for effectively managing MELS activities, including data collection survey using SurveyCTO.
• Support articulation and dissemination of learning insights s from project monitoring, evaluation, and research processes.
• Elevate MELS related challenges to MEL Manager for coordination with Director of Programs, and Country Director to find timely solutions.

Data management, analysis and utilization for learning. (25%):

• Develop data flowchart for all the projects.
• Design data collection tools, plans, and processes for all required information, ensuring high quality and integrity of data.
• Review and adjust M&E plans and targets, tools, and processes periodically as need arises.
• Support development of a MELS budget and staffing plan per each funded project.
• Assist in networking with other development organizations, governments and other line agencies in promoting Heifer’s development model/initiatives, and potential collaborations.

Contribute to program effectiveness: design monitoring, evaluation, learning and systems for the project (20%):

• Support design monitoring and evaluation plan incorporating core standard indicators defined by the project and set targets for indicators.
• Support needs assessment and scoping studies,
• Support design/review of project Theory of Change and results framework target setting, progress tracking and reporting.
• Create indicator reference sheets for all selected indicators.
• Ensure adaptive learning from monitoring and evaluation findings and insights
• Contribute to the designing of monitoring and surveillance systems and analyses of data from them.
• Implement the projects Results Framework & logical framework.
• Design data collection tools, plans, and processes for all required information, ensuring high quality and integrity of data.
• Ensure alignment of M&E plans and procedures with Heifer and donor standards and requirements.
• Track project adaptation in response to monitoring and evaluation findings.

Capacity Development (15%):

• Equip program partners and staff with skills to deliver MELS activities efficiently.
• Orient and build Heifer, Cargill and implementing partners capacity in MELS activities including proper record keeping and data management.
• As needed, supervise, and manage survey enumerators for efficient data collection and compliance with MEL standards and requirements.

EBusiness Development (5%):

• Support the development of concept notes, project proposals, and submission to potential donors.
• Support research and evaluation initiatives in specific counties.

Any Other Assigned Functions (5%):

• Perform other job-related duties as requested. 

Illustrative Key Performance Indicators

• Up-to-date Naija Unlock database in MS Excel or other applications at end of every quarter.
• Summary statistics from each periodic monitoring survey.
• Set of monitoring tools and templates for all the key performance indicators.
• Performance indicator reference sheets (PIRS) for all key performance indicators.
• Data flowchart for all projects and programs.
• Updated indicator performance tracking table at end of each quarter.
• Partners and staff training master sheet updated at end of each quarter.

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree in Project Planning, Monitoring and Management, Economics and/or Statistics, or an equivalent with an academic focus on monitoring and evaluation or another related field.
• Demonstrated experience in coordinating and working with international donors.
• Minimum of three (3) years of direct relevant MELS experience.

Preferred Requirements:

• Five (5) years or more of direct relevant MELS experience.
• Experience performing M&E activities generally and, on a donor-funded project.
• Experience in supporting and monitoring field-based programs.
• Experience in managing databases and coordinating evaluations, surveys, and impact monitoring.

Most Critical Proficiencies:

• Innovative, analytical, and solutions-oriented.
• A good understanding of and sensitivity to issues associated with poverty, hunger, agriculture and the environment, and knowledge of the context in which non-profit organizations operate
• Knowledge of market systems interventions and linkages to poverty alleviation.
• Excellent organizational skills, including strong attention to detail.
• Proven experience in building the capacity of partner institutions to document and disseminate industry information, manage knowledge, measure progress and plan and advocate within the industry.
• Proficient knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, presentation tools, electronic mail (Microsoft Office preferred) and Internet.
• Strong knowledge and skills in data management and analysis using statistical software’s (eg. STATA, SPSS, SAS, Eviews, etc.).
• Demonstrated proficiency in English, both oral and written.
• Experience with ICT.
• Ability to work in a team.

Essential Character Traits

• The ideal candidate should be detail-oriented, self-driven, technically competent in results monitoring and eager to learn new skills and procedures.
• Additional traits include, but are not limited to the following: flexibility, honesty, strong moral and ethical principles, strong communication skill and strong work ethic.

Essential Job Functions and Physical Demands:

• Ability to understand, appreciate and implement Heifer’s Values-Based Holistic Community Development model.
• Demonstrated creativity, ability to think systematically, willingness and ability to incorporate innovative solutions.
• Quantitative and qualitative approaches to evaluation and ability to communicate MEL concepts clearly with leadership, partners, and staff at all levels.
• Willingness and ability to assign and review the work of direct reports and to use participatory management skills with junior and senior staff.
• Proven team leadership and supervisory skills with the ability to train and work cooperatively with a diverse staff, including field staff in various locations.
• Constant face-to-face, telephone and electronic communication with colleagues and the public.
• Working with sensitive information and maintaining confidentiality.
• Ability to manage and execute multiple tasks with little supervision while meeting sometimes inflexible deadlines.
• Willingness and ability to travel.