Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls.We believe in the power and potential of every child. But this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination. And it’s girls who are most affected. Working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges facing girls and all vulnerable children. We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood. And we enable children to prepare for – and respond to – crises and adversity. We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge. We have been building powerful partnerships for children for over 85 years, and are now active in more than 75 countries.

Role Purpose

The position holder will be responsible to support the implementation and realization of the PIE’s strategy by developing and leading the PIE Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) WASH thematic area strategy, responding to contextual challenges while ensuring alignment with the regional strategy and global M&E framework, policy and strategy.

This would be demonstrated in undertaking responsibilities which includes strategically providing MERL technical support on WASH thematic area,  review WASH researches/studies and evaluations terms of references and manage outsourced consultancy works,  quality and condensed quarterly and annual reports of the WASH  PIE thematic area projects.

Accountablities

KPI 1: Ensures M&E is integrated in all WASH new project design ensuring that appropriate frameworks are incorporated and MERL planning is integrated across the project life cycle

• Identify performance indicators, develops quality assurance protocol and ensures all program aspects comply with Plan International MERL requirements.
• Establish and identify specific, measurable and relevant indicators for the WASH project activities.
• Engage in proposals preparations and ensure the establishment of logical frameworks, M&E work plans, and targets in WASH projects.  
• Engage and contribute to PIE learning agenda as it relates to the gender transformation in all WASH projects
• Collaborate with WASH project staff to translate project learning and results into accessible technical products for global and country stakeholders.

KPI 2: Engage in the design of quality data collection tools, and ensure that quality data are collected, analysed and used to improve ongoing WASH project implementation.

• Ensure data management system and result-based management in all WASH projects.
• Develop quantitative and qualitative tools and analysis frameworks for each of the programme interventions, including data collection instruments
• Use data to make programmatic recommendations to support Programme Director presentation to the Country Leadership Team.
• Develop routine data collection and validation tools/system that optimize statistical efficiency and quality that ensure the results feed meaningfully into WASH project design and implementation plans.
• Engage on usage and implementation of programmatic data to PMERL through Tarowork -offline mobile data collection, analyse metrics and manage fieldwork in real-time.

KPI 3: Support program quality section in data synthesis and consistently make sure the submission of high-quality evidence results based reports that informs PIE WASH projects performance indicators. 

• Conduct and oversee the analysis of data from day-to-day WASH project monitoring activities.
• Engage in the review of all WASH projects quarterly, bi-annual and annual narrative reports and ensure accuracy and are evidence and result based before submission to the heads for endorsement
• Support WASH projects quality implementation and that they deliver as per action plans and according to high-quality standards.
• Support the implementation of program quality framework and Programme and Influencing Program Quality Policy

KPI 4: Develop and oversee monitoring and evaluation activities to track the outcome and impact of WASH program implementation

• Ensure WASH projects adheres to the annual plan and M&E framework through regular monitoring visits to detect gaps and initiate corrective measures.
• Ensure that WASH project activities have a robust monitoring plan in place and indicator trackers.
• Engage the design and preparation of baseline, midline and endline surveys including preparation of Terms of References and protocol for all PIE WASH projects
• Supporting WASH primary data collection efforts, coding, analysis, and interpretation and cooperation with local consultants or firms

KPI 5: Manage Operational Systems Support and Capacity building programs for program personnel to help update their skills,

• Support in the  capacity assessment of partners to identify strengths and capacity gaps across the and develop capacity development plan
• Explore and provide recommendations for innovative technologies to streamline MERL and other operational functions.
• Coordinate trainings, mentorship and technical assistance support to the project staff of both PIE and partners, in the use of MERL system and accurate data collection, analysis and reporting.
• Maintain positive contact with the WASH project implementing partners and stakeholders and enable all parties to share and access knowledge and information.
• Work with WASH project teams to identify opportunities to streamline data management activities and provide Quality Control support

KPI 6: Engage in the Organizational Strategic Planning, Monitoring and Program quality management

• Ensure that donor and the CLT data queries related to WASH thematic area are addressed in an accurate and timely manner.
• Build an organizational knowledge base through research
• Collaborate with management team to set WASH program milestones and Key Performance Indicators.
• Work closely with WASH Thematic Leads to support the design, management and implementation of MERL systems. 
• Support the WASH project teams to apply results-based monitoring and lessons learned to refine activities and implementation
• Track the execution and application of Country Strategic Plan (CSP) in the WASH program design

KPI 7: Design of quantitative data analysis frameworks for internal evaluations and assessment and digitalizing quantitative data collections tools for PIE WASH thematic area projects.

• Management of data quality through digitalisation of data collection and ensure WASH MERL staff have the capacity of using KOBO
• Ensure the WASH project MERL staff uses data management software such as SPSS, STATA etc. in data analysis and quality interpretation.
• Support the operationalization and usage of the new PMERL System, through monitoring and validation of WASH project quantitative data input in the PMERL system
• Based on WASH thematic demand, develop data dashboards, graphs and visualizations for WASH programmatic quantitative data for programme improvement

KPI 8: Engage with WASH project staff to ensure effective monitoring and evaluation of the thematic focused project,

• Perform duties assigned in relation to WASH thematic area MERL.
• Understand tasks and complete assignments on time, and alerting the MERL Manager if bottleneck expected.
• Ensure understanding and compliance with Program Quality Framework and provide guidance and supporting program   staff.
• Play in team and create a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.
• 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 Safeguarding policies.
• Play and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.

Compliance to Global Polices

• Ensures that Plan International’s global policies for Child Protection (CPP) and Gender Equality and Inclusion (GEIP) are fully embedded in accordance with the principles and requirements of the policy including relevant Implementation Standards and Guidelines as applicable to their area of responsibility. This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring Plan and Partner’s staff and associates are aware of and understand their responsibilities under these policies and Plan International’s Code of Conduct (CoC), their relevance to their area of work, and that concerns are reported and managed in accordance with the appropriate procedures

Technical expertise, skills and knowledge

Qualifications And Experience Requirements

Qualifications/ experience essential:

• Education at BA/BSC/ Master’s Degree level or equivalent in Social science, Development studies, Economics, Statistics and Management
• Minimum 5 years relevant experience working on gender transformative monitoring, evaluation, research and learning.
•  programs/ projects or demonstrated equivalent combination.
• Practical knowledge of monitoring and evaluation methodologies, including log frames, result chains, theories of change, and assessment/evaluations.
• Experience in staff/team management, coaching, mentoring, capacity building, and performance review and appraisal.
• Demonstrated knowledge of strategic planning processes
• Depth and breadth of knowledge of Plan’s global and national strategies and policies.
• Ability to communicate effectively and authoritatively on area of expertise. 
• Ability to develop effective working relationships across a network.

Qualifications/ experience desirable:

• Demonstrated experience of operational and programming processes, systems and principles, and the ability to provide leadership and support to staff working at regional & community level.
• Sound understanding of integrated development issues and critical analysis of child poverty
• Experience in both development and humanitarian contexts.

Languages required

• Fluency in English language is essential
• In addition to Amharic, Knowledge of Local Languages is a desirable 

Source: https://jobs.plan-international.org/job/Addis-Ababa-MERL-specialist-WASH/897859301/