PROSELL Project MELSA Officer at Oxfam

Job Family: Programs
Level:D1
Duration: 1 Year
Reporting to: Project Manager
Direct reports: None

Job Purpose

• To assume a technical role in implementing, and maintaining effective and appropriate Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Accountability Systems for project activities in Taraba State.
• The position will involve coordination with partners and State Project Teams and in line with Oxfam reporting requirements of Common Approach to Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Social Accountability (CAMSA) guidelines and best practices.
• The position holder will be expected to develop the project’s monitoring and result measurement (MRM) frameworks using strategic MEL for Influencing approaches across project locations.

Major Responsibilities

• Work with the project teams to develop PROSELL’s logical framework and theory of change in close consultation with the Project Manager.
• Lead the development of the PROSELL project’s MELSA Plan and the creation of MRM systems for the project with robust MEL for Influencing considerations. She/He will be provided technical leadership and supports by the Project Manager.
• Implement the systems for capturing and documenting data and relevant information on project activities, beneficiaries, outputs, outcomes, impacts and success stories.
• Create a system for periodic indicator performance tracking that aligns with the project’s logical framework so as to keep closer tabs on project objectives.
• Ensure an effective MEAL data collection and reporting system with all partners through mentorship, on the job training, site visits and other technical support as needed. 
• Lead on periodic data collection exercises, assessment surveys, and collection of evidence from the field. The position holder will be expected to implement sound data collection techniques, data analysis and reporting using appropriate tools and systems.
• Ensure systems are well understood and properly implemented by all partners towards an effective delivery of MELSA responsibilities by the partners.
• Work with partners and state teams to maintain reporting processes to ensure that all required information and data is collected, documented, and collated in an accurate and timely manner. 
• Support the conduct of periodic supervision and Data Quality Assessment visits to state teams, partners, and communities.
• Facilitate the sharing of information obtained with communities, and other stakeholders through a regular feedback mechanism.
• Ensure project implementation is aligned to targets and indicators contained in project proposal.
• Constantly update project partners and State teams on activities progress
• Support the Project manager to implement, monitor expenditure and budget appropriately, ensuring timely disbursement, activities, reporting, and documentation, monitoring variances and troubleshooting as needed.
• Provide on-going support to partners, and communities to maintain MEAL systems; identify skill gaps that can be addressed in subsequent trainings.
• Set up Oxfam’s complaints and feedback mechanisms in project communities and ensure that stakeholders are well sensitized on how to use the mechanisms including the ‘speak-up protocol’ and confidential reporting channels.
• Analyse information about the programme and make recommendations for improvements on regular basis.
• Prepare and submit monthly, quarterly, bi-annually and annual reports with quality, completeness, and timeliness in mind.
• Update project database routinely and as at when required so as to ensure that project indicator data are up-to-date and are well stored.
• Support quarterly project monitoring and review meetings in the States with adequate participation and inclusion of all project stakeholders.
• Any other duties as may be assigned by the Project Manager.

Requirements
Educational Qualification:

• University Degree or equivalent in Economics, Agricultural Economics, Demography/Social Statistics, Rural Development, Development Studies, and other related discipline.
• Post-graduate qualification in similar courses mentioned above with a minimum of three (3) years cognate experience.
• Professional training in data analytics, data modelling, visualization, and MEL for Influencing as well as membership of relevant professional bodies areas will be added advantage.

Experience:

• Substantial training and experience in designing MEAL and result measurement frameworks for projects with livelihoods and influencing mix.
• Project monitoring, organization of review meetings, report writing, and provision of technical supports to partners and team members.
• Questionnaire development or scripting using contemporary techniques like kobo toolbox, experience in the use of digital data collection tools (kobo collect, SurveyCTO collect, Survey Monkey etc.).
• Data analytics and visualization using applications and software like STATA, PowerBi, R, MS Excel and related others.
• Versality in quantitative and qualitative data management, reporting, success stories gathering, and data utilization for quality monitoring and for advocacy campaigns.
• Coordination, mentoring, and supports to multiple levels of staff, partners, and community groups, across multiple geographical areas of operations for the promotion of social accountability and participatory development.
• Previous experience and involvement in projects utilizing grass-roots approaches to address issues of power, diversity, exclusion, participation, and gender.
• Proven ability to prepare timely and accurate reports and well-written narratives presenting key project parameters and indicators for multi-level engagement with stakeholders.
• Training and facilitation skills for various groups at multiple skill levels and ensuring delivery of training objectives using appropriate languages and technical tools.
• Excellent analytical, conceptual and strategic planning skills to aid effective implementation of project MELA and result measurement systems.
• Proven ability to multi-task, engages in long-term planning, meet deadlines, and handle last-minute demands.
• Language Requirements: Proficient levels in written and spoken English and Hausa languages.

Key Attributes:

• Ability to analyze, interpret and act on complex information from varied and diverse sources.
• Delivery orientation and ability to inspire and work collaboratively and build cohesive relationships with others to achieve desired outcomes.
• Identifying and establishing opportunities for engagement and influencing with various stakeholders with the view to being able to influence an organization’s agenda.
• Well-developed conceptual, critical, and analytical thinking with the ability to convey complex information in a straightforward way and influencing this to a wider audience.
• Strong interpersonal and representation skills including good team work, and experience of working in multi-cultural and virtual teams.
• Personable and professional approach when working with others internally and externally.
• Demonstrable sensitivity to cultural and gender diversity, as well as the commitment to equal opportunities and justice.
• Commitment to Oxfam’s safeguarding policies to ensure all people who come into contact with Oxfam are as safe as possible.

Key Behavioural Competencies:

• Decisiveness: We are comfortable to make transparent decisions and to adapt decision making modes to the context and needs.
• Influencing: We have the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders in a way that leads to increased impact for the organization We spot opportunities to influence effectively and where there are no opportunities, we have the ability to create them in a respectful and impactful manner.
• Humility: We put ‘we’ before ‘me’ and place an emphasis on the power of the collective, nurture the team and play to the strengths of each individual. We are not concerned with hierarchical power, and we engage with, trust and value the knowledge and expertise of others across all levels of the organization.
• Relationship Building: We understand the importance of building relationship, within and outside the organization. We have the ability to engage with traditional and non-traditional stakeholders in ways that lead to increased impact for the organization.
• Listening: We are good listeners who can see where deeper levels of thoughts and tacit assumptions differ. Our messages to others are clear and consider different preferences.
• Mutual Accountability: We can explain our decisions and how we have taken them based on our organizational values.  We are ready to be held to account for what we do and how we behave, as we are also holding others to account in a consistent manner.
• Agility, Complexity, and Ambiguity:  We scan the environment, anticipate changes, are comfortable with lack of clarity and deal with a large number of elements interacting in diverse and unpredictable ways.
• Systems Thinking: We view problems as parts of an overall system and in their relation to the whole system, rather than reacting to a specific part, outcome or event in isolation. We focus on cyclical rather than linear cause and effect. By consistently practicing systems thinking we are aware of and manage well unintended consequences of organizational decisions and actions.
• Strategic Thinking and Judgment: We use judgment, weighing risk against the imperative to act. We make decisions consistent with organizational strategies and values.
• Vision Setting: We have the ability to identify and lead visionary initiatives that are beneficial for our organization and we set high-level direction through a visioning process that engages the organization and diverse external stakeholders.
• Self-Awareness: We are able to develop a high degree of self-awareness around our own strengths and weaknesses and our impact on others. Our self-awareness enables us to moderate and self-regulate our behaviours to control and channel our impulses for good purposes.
• Enabling: We all work to effectively empower and enable others to deliver the organizations goals through creating conditions of success. We passionately invest in others by developing their careers, not only their skills for the job.  We provide freedom; demonstrate belief and trust provide appropriate support.

Organisational Values

• Accountability – Our purpose-driven, results-focused approach means we take responsibility for our actions and hold ourselves accountable. We believe that others should also be held accountable for their actions.
• Empowerment – Our approach means that everyone involved with Oxfam, from our staff and supporters to people living in poverty, should feel they can make change happen.
• Inclusiveness – We are open to everyone and embrace diversity. We believe everyone has a contribution to make, regardless of visible and invisible differences.