Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Communication Officer- USAID STAWI Mashinani

Introduction

The Millennium Water Alliance (MWA) www.mwawater.orgis a permanent global alliance of leading humanitarian, research, and business organizations that convene a trusted network and serves as a hub for collective impact, accelerates learning and influencespriorities and funding to scale sustained WASH services and resilience globally. MWA and its members collectively serve over 50 million people in over 100 countries and are leading advocates for greater water and sanitation commitments by governments and the private sector.

Purpose

MWA seeks an experienced Monitoring, Evaluation Learning (MEL) and Communications Officer for the USAID funded STAWI Mashinani Activity. The overall purpose of STAWIMashinani(meaning, “STAWI at the Grassroots Level” in Swahili), is to strengthen long-term resilience and capacity of county-level institutions and communities in Kenya to better manage their water resources for domestic and productive use in an efficient, equitable and sustainable manner. The program will contribute to the goal of improving water security in areas of recurrent crisis by strengthening water service, delivery, and management systems across nine arid and semi-arid counties in Northern and Eastern Kenya (namely Garissa, Isiolo, Kitui, Makueni, Marsabit, Samburu, Taita Taveta, Turkana, and Wajir).

Job Summary

The MEL/Communications Officer will report to the USAID STAWI Mashinani MEL Lead and will provide technical support in design, setting up a robust M&E framework, and tracking and documenting project performance. The position holder will lead project communications including developing communication strategies, materials, and knowledge products for learning and publishing. The position holder will also maintain close working relations with the USAID STAWI Contractor to achieve the broader Collaboration, Learning and Adaptation (CLA) agenda. Applicants must have the right to work in Kenya and will be based in Nairobi with travels to Activity sites.

Roles and Responsibilities

The MEL and Communication Officer will provide technical support in monitoring, evaluation, documentation, and communications as detailed below:

• Support in the development of project Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) frameworks and plans.
• Contribute to the development of the project’s annual performance management plan (PMP) with clear project indicators and targets.
• Support monitoring and tracking the progress of activities and identifying opportunities for staff and Implementing Partners (IP) capacity-building opportunities.
• Record, report, and analyze data against set indicators targets and annual work plans.
• Facilitate and support learning agendas, collaboration, learning and adapting, and knowledge management activities; all aimed at facilitating effective collaboration and promoting learning and sharing among stakeholders.
• Support the compilation of the quarterly and annual donor reports ensuring data and information reported is of high quality.
• Closely collaborate with the implementing partners and perform field visits as per need to ensure the quality of the data gathered by the project and to verify the accuracy of the reported data.
• Support to formulation and implementation of internal and external communications and advocacy strategies.
• Preparation and conduct of communications need assessments for the project initiatives.
• Develop internal communication tools and materials for visibility and awareness-raising campaigns, including bulletins, program briefs, press releases, human/impact stories and webinars in coordination with the MEL Lead and senior management.
• Identify and disseminate good practices, lessons, and knowledge, as identified through project implementation, monitoring and evaluation activities.
• Visit project sites and take high-quality photographs and video clips demonstrating project activities, lessons and impact across the four key focus areas.
• Support in organizing special events such as launching, donor engagement/joint monitoring, among other defined types of events.
• Participate in relevant internal and external events and meetings and provide meeting summaries as relevant.
• Any other duty assigned.

Qualifications

• Master’s or bachelor’s degree in communications, ICT, Economics, Monitoring and Evaluation or related areas or related fields.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience in implementing M&E systems and communication.
• Experience in quantitative and/or qualitative analysis.
• Knowledge/experience in at least two databases and/or analysis tools (advanced Excel, SQL, SPSS, STATA etc.).
• Experience in writing reports and storytelling reporting, conducting research (field and desk based) and summarizing information.
• Demonstrable expertise in drafting impactful communication products is required.
• Experience with a USAID-funded program will be an added advantage.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to listen, communicate and work as a team with country office focal persons.
• Ability to work independently and be self-motivated.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail, particularly regarding data collection and input, and in written communication
• Ability to organize and accurately complete multiple tasks by establishing priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook Email.
• Multimedia skills (video, audio clips, still photographs, article write-ups) are a plus.
• Ability to adjust to changing work environments, priorities, and goals.
• Fast learner: We’re looking for someone who thrives on learning new technologies.

Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

This position is open to Kenyan Nationals only.