The Regional MEL Officer will be based at the assigned regional office who is responsible for performance monitoring and evaluation activities. These activities include, but are not limited to, survey and sample design; routine and sample survey-based quantitative and qualitative data collection; data entry, cleaning, and management; data quality assessments; analysis and report writing; and internal performance evaluations. S/he supports the monitoring of performance indicators as outlined in the Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) and participates in data collection, entry, validation, analysis, and dissemination of findings. S/he supports the monitoring of grantee performance and milestones
Responsibilities:
Supports the MEL Manager on major survey efforts including the annual performance monitoring survey (APMS), “spot surveys” and regular monitoring activities to validate survey instruments, develop materials, operationalize surveys, and coordinate field activities with Regional MEL Officers and subcontractors.
Collaborates with the National MEL Officer and other project staff to ensure that MEL principles are integrated into relevant activities and data is collected accurately and timely for reporting.
Assist in the identification and documentation of best practices, lessons learned, and success stories.
Ensure that source documents are properly filed and documented, and perform any other relevant duties as requested.
Verify and ensure data quality through internal and partner, including liaising with partners and coordinating field visits.
Manage the activity data management system, this includes data collection, entry, and confirmation of client and stakeholder demographic data, activity participation, technical assistance visits, investments, and other data point.
Assists with data entry and cleaning; ensuring all data has been accurately collected and entered the database.
Reviews data for completeness, uniqueness, validity, and accuracy as required.
Ensure that all client and partner information, including complete demographic information and global position system (GPS) coordinate data, is collected and entered the database.
Train subcontractors and grantees in the region in proper M&E data collection and reporting.
Support and facilitate all survey-based activities in the region, including selecting enumeration areas, developing. sampling frames, reviewing data collection questionnaires, and training enumerators.
Provide direct management and technical guidance during the annual performance monitoring survey (APMS) and other surveys.
Identify and promptly communicate themes for focused studies, data collection field insights, lessons learned success stories and areas of improvement and risk to the regional Area Program Manager and National MEL Officer.
Develop quarterly and annual progress reports for submission to the Activity head office and regional partners.
Collaborate with the regional Area Program Manager and technical staff to ensure that the team's internal work plan is updated and adjusted as necessary.
Initiate and participate in routine check-ins to ensure key deadlines are met.
Work closely with MEL team to maintain a comprehensive summary of key deliverables for all grant-supported partnerships operating within the region, including knowledge and analysis of targets and deadlines.
Ensure a regular flow of information to and from each partner regarding deliverables, and ensure all results are verified for entry as appropriate into the data management system.
Provide training and technical support to regional technical staff in the use of database and other activity M&E systems, including proper methods for data collection, entry, and confirmation.
Provide strategic advisory services for staff and partners to deepen the impact of work plan deliverables backed up with the measurement of tangible results and impact.
Work with the national M&E and communications team to ensure that project learnings are applied, and project activities are adapted for innovative and effective programming.
Communicate and disseminate information obtained through MEL activities to technical staff and partners
Provide any necessary M&E data and information to the regional manager and other activity staff as needed. Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the regional Area Program Manager and The national MEL team, particularly the MEL Specialist and MEL Manager, continues to provide specialized technical support in MEL functions as needed.
Requirements:
Bachelor's Degree and 5 years of experience, Master's degree and 3 years of experience or PhD and 0 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Degree in economics, statistics or other closely related field is preferred.
Minimum of 2 years of experience with US State Department compliance and reporting requirements.
Strong demonstrated skills in planning, MEL and programming adaptation, inclusion, and budgeting.
Proven expertise in quantitative and qualitative methodologies, operations research, governance management information systems, reporting, data quality assessments, data analysis and presentation and setting up and managing MEL systems that track performance as per the objectives.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving capacities – ability to identify issues with contractual implications, ensure consistent donor reporting and support teams in providing appropriate analyses of activities.
Good interpersonal skills and a good team player.
Professional fluency in English (both spoken and written) and strong command of Amharic is required, additional local language is a plus.
