We seek someone passionate about evidence-driven social impact for the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Officer role at NRC Ukraine AO North in Kyiv. Ideal candidates are not only curious and self-motivated but also have strong analytical/problem-solving skills, with a keen ability to synthesise and interpret information efficiently. They possess outstanding presentation and writing capabilities, demonstrate meticulous attention to detail, and excel in planning. Overall, the role demands an adaptable all-rounder, adept at juggling various tasks. Does this resonate with you? If you are keen to enhance learning, inform evidence-based programming, and strengthen the efficiency and relevance of data collection, analysis, and reporting systems for improved project monitoring and oversight, we look forward to exploring your application and the unique qualities you bring to our dynamic team!

Background

NRC is an independent humanitarian organisation helping people forced to flee. We provide assistance to meet immediate humanitarian needs, prevent further displacement, and support displaced people as they build a new future. Around 15,000 humanitarians work with the NRC. Most of us are hired locally to work in the field, and a small number are based at our head office in Norway, Oslo. Many of our colleagues were once themselves fleeing their homes. In 2022, we reached almost 10 million people across 40 countries.

NRC in Ukraine

NRC has been present in Ukraine since 2014. We provide life-saving assistance, such as food and basic relief items, to the most vulnerable. We have assisted hundreds of thousands of displaced people with legal aid and information on access to services, and we offer cash to people to repair damaged homes. Furthermore, we support schools to prevent a lost generation, ensuring that learning continues. The Core Competencies (CC) we work in are Shelter & Water; Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH); Education; Information Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA); and Protection. Since the escalation of the war in 2022, we have been continuously scaling up our response across the country.

Critical Interfaces

You’ll be joining a growing Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Team, working closely with an MEL Coordinator, M&E Technical Officer (Information Management), MEL Technical Assistant, and CC Technical Assistants who have an IM function.

At NRC Area Office North you’ll be part of a diverse and highly motivated team in the AO North Office, with around 70 colleagues who are striving to make a positive difference in the vulnerable conflicted communities we work with.

What You Will Do

• Ensure that Programme MEL Work Plans, MEL Matrices and Indicator Tracking Tables are developed and up-to-date.
• Support in developing data collection methodology and tools, and in actual data collection.
• Lead data collection, data management, and data analysis according to the CO MEL SOP and program needs.
• Oversee the coordination and management of data collector/enumerator pool as required.
• Communicate regularly with Area MEL and project staff to ensure that they are aware of what is needed, they have adequate MEL resources (attendance lists, training report template, etc.), and that they are submitted in a timely manner.
• Ensure that project monitoring evaluation and learning tools and CO MEL SoPs are properly used in the field area offices, as well as by partners when relevant, through capacity building and cross and spot checks.
• Support to develop and implement MEL matrixes at the area office level. This includes supporting tools development, data collection, data management, and data analysis according to the CO MEL SoPs
• Contribute to Grant Opening Meetings, Project Review Meetings, and Grant Closure Meetings; contribute to donor reports and support MEL Coordinators in creating project location maps to be used in the proposal submission process.
• Contribute to budget planning for MEL activities and ensure its tracking, including updating and implementation of spending plans.
• Ensure that monitoring data are reported in a timely manner to the relevant reporting systems/tools such as GORS, ITT, etc.
• Deliver training sessions for programme staff on MEL technical aspects and tools in line with responsibilities, as needed.
• Support and facilitate sessions to review/interpret programme MEL data with relevant NRC program staff.
• Reply to general information requests with accurate and timely information.
• Support and contribute to the development and maintenance of complaints and feedback mechanism, as needed.
• Maintain accurate documentation related to the MEL system (e.g. monitoring reports, data collection tools/methodologies, indicator profiles, MEL Matrices/Work Plans, documented calculations of indicators) and ensure its proper filing.
• Support in implementing other MEL activities, as needed.
• Perform any other tasks as requested by the MEL Coordinator.

Generic Professional Competencies You Will Bring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Economic, Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Human Rights, Law, or related fields from an accredited institution with 2-3 years of relevant professional experience.

Essential

• Minimum of 1 year of experience working in a humanitarian/recovery context in the related field (MEL) or 1-2 years of experience with relevant transferable skills
• Experienced in developing and managing MEL systems is desirable
• Previous experience from working in complex and volatile contexts is desirable
• Excellent English language both written and verbal skills
• Previous experiences working across diverse and complex workstreams
• Ability to learn and understand digital interfaces.

Desirable

• Experience in humanitarian sector;
• Experience in data collection, analysis and visualization tools (KOBO, Advanced EXCEL, Power Bi);
• Proficiency in MS Office 365 package;
• Experience in development of training package or provision of training for programme staff
• Strong knowledge of typical MEL activities (Logframe, quantitative and qualitative methodologies, sampling, quantitative and qualitative analytical approaches, etc.)
• Post-graduate certificate(s) in MEL related field such as data collection methodologies, sampling, data analysis are desirable.
• Experience in data collection, data analysis, and visualisation
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication skills.
• Experience in managing analysis, synthesis, documentation and dissemination of lessons learned for a range of stakeholders
• Capacity to evaluate progress and recommend necessary actions to support program progress and improving quality and impact.

Behavioural Competencies You Will Bring:

1. Analytical Mindset: Employ a logical approach to dissect complex issues, analyse data with attention to detail, and synthesise information for evidence-based decision-making.
2. Problem-Solving: Display innovative thinking and ‘out-of-the-box’ problem-solving capabilities while being open to new ideas and different approaches.
3.  Resilience: Thrive in high-stakes environments, managing multiple tasks independently with strong organisational skills and the ability to meet tight deadlines.
4. Communication and Coordination: Articulate ideas clearly and coordinate efforts seamlessly, aligning actions with goals and bringing teams together.
5. Flexibility: Embrace changing circumstances with agility and a positive attitude, adjusting methods and strategies fluidly to meet new challenges.
6. Time Management: Prioritise tasks effectively, demonstrating punctuality and the capacity to deliver results within established timeframes.
7. Self-Motivated: Exhibit a proactive learning attitude, initiating actions without direction, and passionately improving data usability through innovative ideas.
8. Collaborative: Contribute to a supportive team environment, working together towards common goals and celebrating shared successes.
9. Positivity: Be a beacon of positive energy, uplifting colleagues practically and emotionally, while maintaining high ethical standards and professionalism.
10. Growth-Oriented Mindset: Commit to personal and professional growth, seeking and providing honest feedback, and approaching setbacks with a solution-oriented, reflective attitude.

Our Approach to Compensation

While we strive to be competitive, in the spirit of the humanitarian work we do, and given that most of our funding comes from global institutional donors on behalf of taxpayers, we do not offer salaries at the top end of the market. However, NRC salaries are informed by NGO pay market benchmarking and are subject to a yearly review.

At NRC, we believe that total compensation also includes work-life balance and positive well-being:

1. Social Protection: We enrol colleagues in a robust medical insurance program. This includes an opportunity for individual, confidential consultations with professional psychologists.
2. Paid Leave: Enjoy 24 days per year, in addition to public holidays, sick pay, and parental leave.
3. Pensions: Staff are affiliated with a pension scheme in line with local laws and systems.

Life at NRC?

We might not have Silicon Valley perks or a roller coaster in the office, but we offer an opportunity to be part of something meaningful:
Positive Impact: Enough said.
Culture: Our culture is candid, analytical, non-hierarchical, and agile. We strive to create a workplace where everyone can bring their authentic selves to work, feeling valued and respected. We balance the inclusivity of various cultures and experiences with upholding our core values of dedication, innovation, inclusivity, and accountability. We’re still learning, but we support each other and ensure we have fun along the way.
Voice: You can have a real say here. Through democratically elected staff representatives, you can raise concerns or issues to the senior management team, who actively advocate for positive change.
Learning & Development: We prioritise your ongoing development through training, coaching, and targeted learning programs. Our managers are invested in your success, working with you to excel in your current role and prepare for future challenges.

Hiring Process
Once you submit your application, our team will review your application on a rolling basis.

The overall hiring process consists of 3 stages and will take around 6 weeks. We commit to informing all candidates of the outcome of their application within 10 days of the job advertisement closure. For those who reach the video interview stage and/or final stage, written feedback will be provided, regardless of the outcome of their application.

1.Candidates Submit Application (CV & Screening Questions)

Please note that screening questions, – in lieu of a cover letter – will be used to assess applications.

2.Self-Directed Video Interviews (Rolling Basis)

Shortlisted candidates will be sent a link to Recright, a Video Interview Platform to submit their interviews.

Candidates will have 1 week to record/submit their interviews. Further guidance will be shared to shortlisted candidates.

3.Case Study Presentation & Final Interview (~1-1.5 hours)

Finalists will have 10 days to prepare be given an in-person case study that reflects what the job will entail and be invited to the NRC Area North Office to present their case studies, learn more about the work we do, and ask us any questions they may have.