Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) And Program Support Coordinator 61 views

PLAN INTERNATIONAL BACKGROUND

Plan International is an independent non-profit organization that advances children’s well-being and equality for girls. Working in building powerful partnerships for children for over 80 years and present in 70 countries, Plan International strives for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges facing girls and all vulnerable children while working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners.

Role PURPOSE

The overall purpose of this role is to provide technical support to project planning, learning, monitoring, evaluation, and research of Break Free!  and She Leads projects through application and alignment with Plan International Global and Regional MEL and PQP standard, policy and guidelines. The job holder is responsible to strengthen both Break Free! and She Leads projects Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEAL) system to keep the project in track. The position holder she/he will have a responsibility to support both Break Free! and She Leads projects implementation.

He/she ensures that program quality is reflected within the entire project cycle and that all field program implementation is undertaken efficiently and effectively by reflecting that all M&E requirements are in place and that cross-cutting issues of Gender Equality and Inclusions are properly incorporated.

Dimensions of the Role

The job holder will responsible to strengthens the capacity of “Break Free and She Leads” Projects Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEAL) system and ensure quality of program implementation.  This will support to keep the projects in track to comply with the Policy of Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. S/he will be reporting to the Child Protection Lead and also matrix reporting line to respective Program Area Manager in Amhara and Oromia regions and MEAL Lead. S/he will be responsible for providing technical leadership and support in program/project design, planning, information gathering and synthesis, reflection and reporting processes. The position will be based at Amhara Program Area in Bahir dar.

Accountabilities

Overall the position holder will be responsible to provide program support and lead the participatory development and implementation of the Break Free and She Leads project’s MEAL system. A strong understanding of results-based management, understanding in the areas of child protection, Sextual Reproductive Health and technical proficiency in mixed methods, data collection, analysis and presentation is essential.

The job holder will be responsible for the following but not limited to:

Leadership

• Works closely with Country office and Program Area level projects team as per the requirements and establishment of MEAL system in accordance with the requirements of Break Free and She Leads Projects.
• Ensure both projects planning, monitoring and evaluation processes meet and comply with external accountability requirement and standards.
• Will be a member of the Project Management Team (PMT).
• Closely works with the MEAL lead at PIE CO.

Project Designing

·               The job holder is responsible for initiating, development and delivery of a Monitoring, Evaluation and Research Framework.

·               Develop Monitoring and Evaluation framework that clearly outline outcomes, assigning baseline value for respective outcome and target setting .

·               Responsible for the setup of Management Information System, to systematically collect, store and analyse output and activity information.

·               Develop performance indicators and design monitoring systems during the start-up phase of the project.

·               Ensure the MEAL system established is well aligned with the requirements of Plan M & E system as well as donor requirements as stipulated in the contribution agreement document.

·               Ensure equal and fair opportunities and representation of both sexes and persons with disabilities in the program,

Planning

·         S/he provides technical back up and leadership in the development of the Monitoring, Evaluation and Research (MER) Plan.

·         Provide support for program team in the development of the annual and semi-annual activity planning and budgeting process.

·         Provide information on project learning and monitoring data to inform during the preparation of annual work plans (AWPs).

·         Provide information on quality bench mark and related standards to ensure quality of projects planning.

Monitoring

·         Provide leadership on the overall Output and activity monitoring.

·         Assist the database development.

·         Provide quality guidance for project team to put in place quality planning, monitoring and evaluation processes and in materialize the project goal and objectives.

·         Ensure that M&E data from all PAs are collected, analyzed and availed in a way to help decision making, and ready to share both external and internal audiences as required.

·         Identifies gaps in monitoring and evaluation practice and develops targeted solutions alongside the identification and promotion of high-quality evaluation practice.

·         Coordinate and follow up monitoring activities and timely share the findings of the monitoring visits.

·         Closely work with Co MEAL lead and conduct Quality Bench Mark assessments of both projects.

Evaluation

·         Engage and lead the baseline, midterm and end line evaluations of the project in accordance to the performance indicators set for the project.

·         Ensure that the project is implemented as per the quality intended and in accordance with the result-based management principles and tools,

·         Engage in the development of tools to collect outcome level performance indicator disaggregated data through the baseline study,

·         Manage consultants and research partners to ensure that commissioned researches and evaluations are carried out to a high, international standard and successfully completed.

Reporting

·         Contribute to the reporting of activities and present results achieved during the implementation of the project to different stakeholders’ meetings.

·         Prepare donor country level programs’ performance annual and biannual reports along with Break Free and She Leads Project Coordinator and ensure program quality and adhere to the department’s compliance requirements,

·         Review the regular reports of the PAs and provide hands on feedback for improvements and continual learning. The data in the SAP system is updated and in compliance of Plan Guideline

·         The SAP administration reports to all related persons by quarterly.

Learning and Influencing

·         Capture, document and share lessons learned from the project implementation to larger stakeholders and community, including evidence on project stories of change and promising practices

·         Provide information on project learning and monitoring data to integrate lessons learned and ensure learnings are applied in a way to improve project quality delivery

·         Implement some of story of change capturing and documentation tools and apply them to this project,

·         Undertake documentation and a regular track of project progress data base of the respective PAs

·         Identify and respond to information requirements of different stakeholders and make information accessible on timely basis,

·         Support knowledge management and learning by producing specific programme information resources,

·         Proactively seek and promote promising and best practices as part of monitoring, evaluation, program effectiveness practice, and learning,

·         Facilitate and support program team to cascade review meetings and prepare events in collaboration with both projects Co and PA level project team members.

·         Create linkages and networking opportunities to share best practices, to connect with one another, and to strengthen collective agency with other actors particularly CSOs.

·         Identify good practices of both projects and use those for reporting, advocacy and Influencing.

·         Support CSOs in their advocacy and influencing activities.

·         Develop, adapt, and collect gender equality research, publications, IEC materials, communication materials (audio-visual), and other documentation highlighting project best practices from a gender transformative standpoint as well as showcasing how the child protection issues and SRHR issues have been advocated. These materials can be collected from within Plan intervention areas and will be used for internal and public consumption.

Capacity Building

·            Provide capacity development to project team and gov’t stakeholders on monitoring, evaluation, learning and reporting practices.

·            Provide timely feedback on baseline, midterm and end line assessments for staffs of the project to help them have clarity on the areas of intervention and use it for activity planning,

·            Share learning to promote discussion on key issues and innovations among each project and communicate to staffs of Plan as well as partners.

·            Provide ongoing technical support for both projects team how to collect, document and analyze the implementation of the projects.

Internal and External Collaboration

• Works creatively to support Program Area ‘s staff and thematic leaders in the CO in demonstrating effective MEAL system.
• Collaborate with technical programme specialists in the country and with NOs staffs (when required) to develop monitoring and evaluation frameworks for specific programmatic/ thematic areas.
• Closely work, provide technical supports and capacity building for Break Free and She Leads Consortium members
• Ensure Child Centred Community Development (CCCD) principles and strategies are mainstreamed in MER tools and frameworks.
• Collaborate with other functions (finance, Capacity Development, grant compliance and gender) to ensure that Programme Quality standards and processes integrated across functions.
• Contribute to the wider work of the Programme Effectiveness team on a flexible and supportive basis.

·         Mainstream child Protection in the program area as well as observe the Child Protection Policy and be vigilant to report all child protection concerns.

·         Ensures that Plan International’s global policies for Child Protection (CPP) and Gender Equality and Inclusion (GEI) 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 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.

·         Contribute to put in place MEAL system and reporting system among the alliance members of both projects.

Dealing with Problems

This position requires a very high degree of conceptual, analytical and deductive thinking. It requires ability to investigate into and solve complex problems that the organization focuses on.

The position requires an objective, integrated and multidisciplinary approach to programming. The post holder requires a clear understanding of the policies, procedures, strategic direction of the Department and the ability to conceptualize the existing interrelationships, organizational working environment and other prevailing conditions. Working is such a complex project the post holder must be able to cope up with and address all MEAL related problems that may arise during the project implementation and accountable to put in place compliant feedback system at grass root level.

CHILD PROTECTION

·         The position holder ensures the realization of child protection and safe guarding policies of plan international.

·         Ensure that Plan Visitors in their area of responsibility, who are in contact with children through Plan, are provided with and have signed and returned a copy of the Child Safeguarding Policy.

·         Plan Visitors should be informed that they must comply with the policy in all contacts and communications with children during their visit.

·         Ensure that children and families with whom we work are aware of the Safeguarding Policy and applicable local procedures

·         Ensure that contracts for consultants, contractors, suppliers, vendors and corporate agreements include a clause on child protection, non – disclosure and data protection plus the consequences of a breach

Key Relationships

The post holder is required to develop and maintain a range of working relationships with partners, staffs, alliance members, consultants and relevant institutions about MEAL activities.

• Work closely with Break Free and She Leads Co Project Coordinators, Child Protection Lead, Grant Compliance Coordinator, Knowledge Management Specialist, Innovation Specialist, MEAL Lead and PAs project Coordinators in rolling-out and development of MEAL/Programme Quality system.
• Collaborate with other members of Program Quality Team (inclusion specialist and Partnership specialist) at CO on programme effectiveness deliverables.
• Collaborate with the other teams in the Programme Department on the MEAL framework development and practices.
• Work with alliance/consortium members of the projects at national and regional levels
• Work closely with NOs’ MEAL and program staffs to strengthen alignment of national organization requirements with Plan’s corporate systems.

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

·      Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Monitoring and Evaluation, Statistics, Economics, Social Work, Development Studies, Project management, Development Studies and other related field of studies. Additional training at Post-Graduate level in Monitoring and Evaluation, project planning and management or a related field is an asset.

·      A minimum of 5 years substantial experience in managing corporate system for Planning, monitoring, evaluation and Learning activities as well as ample knowledge and understanding in the areas Child Protection and SRHR issues.

·      Demonstrated skills and experience in report writing, donor compliance and budget management

·      Knowledge of current international development trends and thinking on programme effectiveness, learning and in Gender Equality programming.

·      Experience in working with children, adolescents, youth women and local CSOs.

·      Grass-root development management experiences-understanding challenges and opportunities in the communities and field level realities of NGOs are desirable.

·      Excellent English written and verbal skills.

·      Experience in using statistical packages such as SPSS and other data bases

·      Proven computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft software including MS Word processing, Power point presentation, Excel spreadsheets, e-mail and web-based research

Desired Skills

·         Excellent conceptual and strategic thinking skills.

• Strong analytical skills and high attention to detail.
• Negotiation and influencing skills.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Strong team building and motivational skills.
• Skills of Statistical data analysis and reporting.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, and ability to deliver within tight deadlines.
• Working with wider range of community groups and partnership with local partner organization.
• Establishing strong working relationships with colleagues from different functions and cultures.

·         Numeracy and the ability to interpret data.

·         Facilitation and presentation skills.

• Knowledge of compliance requirements of the Department.
• An understanding of and commitment to the aims and values of Plan.

Competencies

·         Able to perform under stress, innovative, build relationships, communicate effectively, coach and mentor, facilitate change, develop teams, initiate action, strategic decision making, planning and organizing and a personal commitment to children’s development and protection.

Values and Behaviors

·      Commitment to Plan Ethiopia Values.

·      Integrity, Unity/Oneness, Accountability.

·      Excellence, Embracing Change, Speed/Agility.

·      Passion for feminist principles, mission driven work and personal values.

·      Creates a strong sense of purpose within the portfolio and with stakeholders.

·      Holds self and others to account to deliver on agreed goals and standards of behaviour

·      Sound judgment and decision-making in complex situations.

·      Commitment to working transparently and with integrity.

·      Ability to work under pressure, prioritize and meet deadlines.

·      A process-oriented working style, with the ability to be flexible and adaptable

·      Ability to work independently and as a team player who demonstrates leadership qualities.

Leadership Attitudes & Behaviors

·         Relates to people in a friendly, open manner and engenders trust from other staff.

·         Creates strong sense of purpose within organisation and with stakeholders.

·         Holds self and others to account to deliver on agreed goals and standards of behavior.

·         Aware of impact on others and adjusting own behaviour accordingly.

·         Humble, supportive, ethical and service oriented.

·         Promotes innovation and learning.

·         Always pleasant and polite attitude; ability to reflect professional standards.

·         Able to work with minimal supervision.

Other Responsibilities

·         Within the scope of the role, there will be additional assignments as needed.

·         Seek and promote innovative ideas, approach to ensure quality of work

Safeguarding Children and Young People (Safeguarding) and Gender Equality and Inclusion (GEI)

·         Understands and puts into practice the responsibilities under Safeguarding and GEI policies and Plan International’s Code of Conduct (CoC), ensuring that concerns are reported and managed in accordance with the appropriate procedures.

·         Ensures that the team members under supervision are properly inducted on and understands their role in upholding Plan International’s safeguarding and GEI policies;

·         Ensures that Plan International’s global policies for Safeguarding Children and Young People and Gender Equality and Inclusion are fully embedded in day-to-day work.

·         Ensures that Plan Ethiopia contributes to Plan International’s global efforts to ensure safeguarding and GEI, including making sure that relevant reporting and data are submitted.

Plan International’s Values in Practice

We Are Open and Accountable

·         Promotes a culture of openness and transparency, including with sponsors and donors.

·         Holds self and others accountable to achieve the highest standards of integrity.

·         Consistent and fair in the treatment of people.

·         Open about mistakes and keen to learn from them.

·         Accountable for ensuring we are a safe organisation for all children, girls & young people.

We Strive for Lasting Impact

·         Articulates a clear purpose for staff and sets high expectations.

·         Creates a climate of continuous improvement, open to challenge and new ideas.

·         Focuses resources to drive change and maximize long-term impact, responsive to changed priorities or crises.

·         Evidence-based and evaluates effectiveness.

We Work Well Together

·         Seeks constructive outcomes, listens to others, willing to compromise when appropriate.

·         Builds constructive relationships across Plan International to support our shared goals.

·         Develops trusting and ‘win-win’ relationships with funders, partners and communities.

·         Engages and works well with others outside the organization to build a better world for girls and all children.

We Are Inclusive and Empowering

·         Seeks constructive outcomes, listens to others, willing to compromise when appropriate.

·         Builds constructive relationships across Plan International to support our shared goals.

·         Develops trusting and ‘win-win’ relationships with funders, partners and communities.

·         Engages and works well with others outside the organization to build a better world for girls and all children.

Physical Environment

The MEAL and Program Support Coordinator is expected to make his/her 30% time for field travel in Oromia region to support She Leads project implementation.

Level of contact with children

 Mid contact: Occasional interaction with children