Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning Manager – Moroto

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now, and for the future.

Program / Department Summary

Mercy Corps implements high quality- analytical work in tough environments. We’ve been operating in Uganda since 2006 and currently manage a range of programs in Acholi, West Nile and Karamoja sub-regions with funding from a host of donors. In October 2017, Mercy Corps was awarded a 6-year USAID/ Food for Peace- funded program working in 5 districts in Karamoja (Amudat, Moroto, Karenga, Kotido and Kaabong), the Apolou Activity. The Activity goal “improved food and nutrition security” has four purposes with cross cutting themes of gender and youth and resilience:

1. Inclusive and effective governance contributes to food and nutrition security
2. Improved health and nutritional status of pregnant and lactating women, children under five, and adolescent girls
3. Improved WASH conditions
4. Adolescent girls, adolescent boys, women and men access diverse and secure livelihoods through improved capacities and strengthened market systems

 

Apolou is implemented by a consortium of actors led by Mercy Corps, including Save the Children, Whave Solutions, four local partners (KAPDA, NARWOA and Riam Riam) and Tufts University’s Feinstein International Centre (FIC).

General Position Summary

The Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Manager will work with the Mercy Corps Apolou Activity team as well as our local partner organizations to oversee and ensure the collection of quality M&E data for the program.  The MEL Manager will be responsible for supporting the MEL Director to oversee the monitoring and data collection of the project, lead regular and annual field-based household and group interviews, analyze data to provide insight to project team, and contribute to report writing. S/he will ensure that performance monitoring and results reporting tools and processes across the entire program are in place, effectively implemented and well synchronized between the Activity sites. The MEL Manager will supervise the MEL officers in the day to day data collection, data analysis, and reporting according to the needs of the Activity. The MEL Manager will be responsible for ensuring data quality of the program. The MEL Manager will be responsible for coordination and support of any external MEL consultants.    

Essential Job Responsibilities

Essential functions

• Work closely with the Apolou team and local partners, to ensure effective monitoring, evaluation and reporting of program activities and results.
• Coordinate reporting with local partners, specifically tracking deadlines, ensuring adherence to formats and requirements, ensuring reporting quality and accuracy, and periodic report writing, editing, and submission.
• Support on MEL workshops and learning events including, TOC Reviews, Quarterly Review meetings, CLA workshops, etc.
• Compile progress against indicators and report back to the team according to the monitoring plan.
• Develop accountability and transparency mechanisms for the program and orient Apolou staff as well as local partners on the same.
• Perform spot checks on the team’s data collected and reports each month. Design and implement internal data quality assurance measures.
• Supervise MEL Officers to ensure that tasks are being completed and support CARM Officer
• Support the MEL Director in coordinating the final evaluation, along with other key research activities.
• Build the capacity of all relevant team members to implement program monitoring tools, accurately enter program data into relevant databases, and enable them to develop excellent reports and other documents.
• Build the capacity of our local partner organizations through ongoing training and support on: monitoring tools, entering program data into databases, the development of reports and other documents.
• Document lessons learned and success stories on the project.
• Ensure adherence to program management minimum standards in carrying out his/her duties, advising and supporting other staff in the same as required.
• Disseminate research learnings and recommendations to team members, participants and other relevant audiences.
• Other duties as assigned.

 

 

Finance & Compliance Management

• Ensure compliance with donor and Mercy Corps regulations related to food security programming.

 

Security

• Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.
• Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.

 

Organizational Learning 

• As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Accountability to Beneficiaries

• Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically
  to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

Supervisory Responsibility: MEL Officers

Reports Directly To:           MEL Director

Works Directly With:          MEL Officers, MEL Assistants, CLA Team, Implementation and Technical Team, Partners

Knowledge and Experience

Minimum Academic Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Programme Management, Project Planning, Statistics, Economics, Social Science, or related field from a reputable Institution of Learning.
• A Post Graduate Diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation obtained from a recognized University/Institution is an added advantage.

Minimum Working Experience:

• Five (5) years of progressive professional experience in Monitoring and Evaluation of Nutrition, Food Security, Agricultural Livelihoods or Value Chain Development Programs.
• A minimum of 2 years Management Experience.
• Good understanding and skills at data management.
• Strong knowledge of mobile data collection tools and best practices. Experience with case management systems preferred.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedure, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members.
• Strong team coordination, listening and consensus building skills
• Superior Analytical and Presentation skills
• Strong computer literacy with a full knowledge of MS Office applications.
• Ability to work under pressure and to work with multiple conflicting priorities
• Fluent in both spoken and written English.
• Able to drive a motorbike safely, with valid riding license, preferred.

Success Factors

The successful MEL Manager will combine exceptional management skills and experience in building and maintaining partner relationships. S/he will have an ability to think creatively about operationalizing and improving the M&E system of the program. S/he will have proven experience with cross-cultural team and capacity building, individual staff development and strong mentoring skills. Multi-tasking, prioritizing, problem solving and simultaneous attention to detail as well as strategic vision are essential. The most successful Mercy Corps staff members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and changing environments and make effective written and verbal communication a priority in all situations. A good sense of humor and the ability to learn from mistakes also goes a long way!

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions

The position is based in (Moroto, Uganda). The region is secure with access to most basic amenities.

Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside work hours. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC’s policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all locations.

Closing date for applications: January 28th 2022