Monitoring Evaluation Research and Learning (MERL) Officer

Background

The Health NGOs Network (HENNET) was founded in 2005 and registered in 2007 as an NGO with a goal of coordinating and networking the CSOs in the health sector. This came as a result among the players that a common platform among the CSOs dealing with health-related issues in Kenya was necessary for purposes of collaboration, sharing of experiences and advocacy. HENNET has a membership of over 108 members as of 2023 which comprises of both local and international Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs) and Research Institutions working in all the 47 Counties in Kenya but all focused-on health and health related issues. The various members have diverse health-related interests but all share on the vision of having a healthy Kenyan society.

Vision: A healthy Kenya Society

Mission: To stimulate linkages and strategic partnerships among health NGOs, government and private sector in order to enhance their responses towards health needs of Kenyans.

Overall, Purpose of this role

The MERL officer will be responsible for designing and overseeing the implementation of the project’s MERL system and Collaboration, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) processes in close coordination with technical and programmatic staff. The MERL officer will lead the overall learning agenda of HENNET, working closely with members, partners and other internal and external stakeholders. S/he will oversee research to build the evidence base around identified areas of engagement.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning

• Work closely with all the staff at HENNET alongside their respective managers as well as partners to ensure learning is captured and shared internally and externally.
• Develop and implement a robust monitoring and evaluation system that will ensure tracking of project/ programme results at different levels (outputs, outcomes and impact).
• Incorporate internal and external feedback to ensure the continuous improvement of data management systems.
• Develop M&E plans for all projects and proposals and ensure the same is followed up during implementation;
• Review monthly progress reports and ensure evidence is available to back-up and provide feedback to the respective report consumers/audiences.
• Collate/ prepare periodic monitoring end evaluation reports as per internal and stakeholders’ reporting requirements.
• Offer guidance and/or develop Terms of Reference for external surveys and consultant recruitments/ selection.
• Coordinate the review all survey reports prepared to ensure quality and accurate reporting.
• Build capacity of staff through training to ensure adoption of new data monitoring tools and quality of data collected
• Keep abreast of new approaches and tools on M & E, and provide training to HENNET staff and members as requested and on own initiative. Enable staff and members to monitor and evaluate their own efforts, gather relevant data and produce required progress reports;
• Conduct outcome harvesting to identify, describe, verify and analyse outcomes at all levels through tracking milestones and evaluating the relationship between the achievements and key program outcomes. • Support the program implementation team to engage key stakeholders in periodic program reviews to validate implementation strategies; jointly define a pathway to change; analyze performance trends along the program indicators and articulate necessary course corrections.
• Monitor program context to maintain an updated assessment of risks and assumptions and to support scenario planning for proactive decision-making.
• Provide M&E summaries to the program implementation team to facilitate documentation of best practices and dissemination of lessons learnt, to the key stakeholders and donor
• Ensure that all MERL activities consider a gender and youth sensitive dimensions.
• Provide oversight and coordination of the MERL function of programs.

General

• Work flexibly across teams and programs as may be required from time to time.
• Reflect HENNET’s values in his/her work.
• Represent the organization on various forums as directed by the organization Strategic Plan 2023-2027
• Any other responsibilities as may reasonably be required from time to time

QUALIFICATIONS: SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• A Bachelor’s degree, preference in Biostatistics, Population Studies, Demography, Information technology or any relevant scientific discipline from a recognized institution. A Master’s degree in Public health, is an added advantage.
• Minimum 5 years’ progressive experience in implementing monitoring Evaluation, Research and learning activities for SRHR and Gender Programs.
• Experience coordinating networks, member-based organizations, or other partnership-driven initiatives for at least 5years

Experience in conducting baseline surveys, longitudinal surveys, and largely qualitative analysis

• Strong knowledge of social media and/or interest in mis/disinformation preferred
• Ability to train others in specific skills and support skill development
• Experience in using innovative approaches to deliver findings to communities
• Proven experience working on substantive aspects of multi-pronged, multi-partnered M&E programs, particularly in humanitarian and/or health contexts
• Ability to track various workflows while meeting deadlines and ensuring others meet deadlines
• Knowledge and skill in working with databases and processing and analyzing data from multiple sources
• Data visualization skills
• Ability to write analytical reports, clearly presenting both data and review
• Familiarity with various research methods, both quantitative and qualitative
• Ability to work as part of a cohesive team, bring forward creative solutions to problems and maintain a commitment to excellence and camaraderie
• Excellent written and spoken English

Desirable Skills

• Demonstrated ability to conceptualize, plan and implement strategic initiatives within the context of health sector and/or other related fields.
• Experience in one disease vertical such as RMNCAH+N (Reproductive Maternal Neonatal Child Adolescence Health and Nutrition), HIV/TB and Malaria, PHC and UHC.
• Honesty and strong ethics are required in order to be successful in this position.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated capacity and willingness to learn – open to learning new ways of doing things.
• Firm belief in teamwork, gender equality, participatory approach and sustainable development.
• Planning and management skills.
• Organized with excellent attention to detail
• One who will work with minimal supervision.

Working Relations Internal: Interacts regularly with the Partnerships and Resource mobilization manager with a dotted arrangement to the Programs Director. S/He is peer to program officers and Human Resource Officer

External: Interacts with HENNET members, Ministry of Health both at the county and national levels, parliamentarians, Civil Society Organizations, Private sector, Community Teams, Health Regulatory Bodies and Other likeminded organizations.