Senior MERL Coordinator at LEAP Africa

CORE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Lead the design, development and implementation of MERL functions and ensure organisational effectiveness for LEAP Africa.
• Report to and work closely with the Director of Programmes and the required Committee in the planning and implementation of all LEAP’s MERL goals in line with the organization's vision and mission.
• Design, test, and coordinate the implementation of data collection, analysis, and evaluation of programmes and research projects in line with LEAP’s objectives and ensure quality assurance and control in line with international standards.
• Support the process of curriculum development and ensure adherence to LEAP’s curriculum standards and best practices.  
• Write and disseminate evidence obtained from research work such as; white papers, research and evaluation reports, as well as products, including policy briefs, concept notes, infographics, peer reviews, articles and Op-eds.
• Coordinate and provide holistic supervision in programme management, from programme planning to implementation and closeout, ensuring continuous and up-to-date information on all programme components and adapting and aligning to programme needs and updating PMO at all times. 
• Work with the programmes team and partners in the conceptualisation, design and development of impact measurement frameworks, indicators, monitoring and sustainability plans for projects.
• Prepare project reports on time, in line with stakeholders' expectations and appropriate for non-technical audiences. 
• Identify and engage new strategic partners in getting relevant research tools and resources grants for the organisation.
• Carry out critical and complex data analyses, including visualisation of project data and dashboard designs to display project impact and communicate conclusions clearly with actionable recommendations.
• Conduct learning activities, dissemination of lessons learnt and facilitating Monitoring and Evaluation of learning sessions.
• Support the process of grant writing as well as provide clear, concise and insightful written analyses and recommendations for funding, including drafting and editing proposal summaries.
• Develop systems-level advocacy materials in line with the organisation’s strategic pillars. 
• Conduct a periodical longitudinal analysis of the organisation’s strategy.
• Support in hosting convenings and dissemination of programme findings.
• Manage the budget for assigned projects/programmes and ensure the transparent and efficient use of the organisation’s funds.
• Effectively supervise, coach, nurture, and support a team of MERL coordinators, officers and interns towards achieving the unit goals and their personal development.
• Carry out all other tasks assigned by your supervisor and the leadership of the organisation.

The required candidate should possess the following: 

• Minimum of a university degree; Masters degree in any field is an added advantage.
• 7+ years of robust experience with a minimum of a university degree or 5 years of robust experience with a minimum of a Masters degree; experienced in active monitoring, evaluation, research and learning, and also associated fields at a management level.
• Master's degree in the social sciences or related field (Should be well grounded in research) will be an added advantage.
• Data Analytics skills/certification is an added advantage
• A high level of written and verbal communication, including an ability to write in clear and concise language.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office suite- Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Power BI. 
• Proficiency in the use of data analysis and data presentation tools such as SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences), Power BI, and Stata (general-purpose statistical software package)
• In-depth knowledge of major quantitative & qualitative monitoring methodologies and proven ability to design monitoring instrumentation tools, surveys and evaluations.
• Candidate must show evidence of published works like research papers, articles, white papers, policy briefs, O-peds, etc.
• Strong presentation skills and experience in stakeholder management.
• Experience in fieldwork and data collection with the willingness to travel both locally and internationally.
• Attention to detail is key.
• Entrepreneurial in nature and proactive. 
• Strong work ethic, a self-driven and very creative
• Looking to work in a fast-paced project and organisation. 
• Aligned in thought and actions with LEAP‘s values ( RISE - Respect, Integrity, Synergy and Excellence).

Key technical competencies to succeed in this role:

• Program/Project Management skills 
• Proficiency in the use of Monitoring and Evaluation frameworks
• Data analysis and Presentation skills
• Report and Grant writing skills 
• Communications skills 
• Stakeholder Management skills 
• Strategic Expertise skills
• Strong organisational skills 
• Budget Management skills 
• Training/Facilitation skills
• Change Management skills
• Networking skills
• Resource Mobilization skills
• Talent Development and Supervision skills
• Financial Management skills