Somalia: Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Manager

BACKGROUND

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is an independent, non-profit organization (NGO), founded on the basis of humanitarian principles, and human rights based approach, to secure the protection of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), and to promoting long term solutions to the problems of forced displacement. Danish Demining Group (DDG) is a specialized unit within DRC which implements mine action and armed violence reduction (AVR) programmes in fragile states throughout the developing world. DRC/DDG Somalia implements program activities in a number of regions in Somalia and Somaliland.

DRC/DDG Somalia invites applications for the position as Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Manager

PURPOSE

DRC/DDG Somalia and Somaliland is looking for an experienced and dynamic MEL Unit Manager to work as part of the Quality Assurance team with a dedicated team of MEL Technical experts and Officers to implement the MEL agenda in the Country Office. MEL Manager will provide overall country management oversight and strategic guidance in the implementation of MEL activities in the Somalia/Somaliland. Working with programmatic counterparts and the MEL staff at the global, regional and country level, the post holder will engage in - strategic as well as programmatic developments to ensure that DRC/DDG continues its growth in MEL practices. While DRC and DDG share most ME&L systems, requirements and practices, there are a few differences in the programme methods and tools, means that some differences also exist. Therefore the MEL Manager will put in place effective systems and processes to ensure that established organisational MEL practices are fully operationalized.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1.Quality and Effective M&E, Planning and Reporting.

• Put in place appropriate mechanisms, systems and tools that will facilitate structured and systematic participation and inputs by MEL technical staffs in-country.
• Lead and participate in strategy development, proposal development and reporting processes, including the development of log frames/results frameworks.
• Ensure that key elements of DRC/DDG planning processes including Strategic Program Documents, Quarterly Reports, Annual Reviews and Results Contracts are adequately informed by M&E data and information as well as learnings emanating therefrom.
• Work with and support the Country Program teams to institutionalize theory of change thinking as an organising framework for improving programme design, implementation, evaluation and learning processes
• Review and provide technical input into the development review and quality assurance for monitoring and evaluation plans.

2.Take a lead role in implementing DRC Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Minimum Operational Procedures (MELMOPs) and Operationalizing of the Regional MEL Framework and Operational Guidelines by among others;

• Lead in the Development of Country MEL Framework in line with the Global MEL Minimum Operation Procedures as well as the Regional MEL Framework.
• Ensure that DRC/DDG programmes adhere to the DRC MELMOPs as well as M&E Framework and continuously update the compliance self-checks.
• Support the development of plans towards achieving adherence to relevant policies and frameworks where this does not exist.

3.Ensure Full Operationalization and further development of existing information management systems including databases and mobile data collection platforms based on lessons learned and evolving technology solutions

• Ensure scale up and full adoption of the comprehensive M&E Database and utilization of the data and information to support timely program management decision making, monitoring and verification, data quality and validation
• Develop a program/system for regular analysis of database information; coordinate with technical departments/programs to determine information needs and interest.
• Set up simple systems to manage information generated by MEAL activities, such as complaints databases.
• Ensure full implementation of the use of mobile phone technology in data collection throughout the Country Office

4.Provide Strategic leadership and guidance in learning and knowledge management

• Provide technical support to ensure that DRC/DDG is able to articulate and document relevant best practices and assess performance regularly against agreed program objectives and indicators.
• Support adherence to the DRC/DDG Evaluation Policy and the Regional Evaluation Guidelines.
• Along with colleagues produce lessons learned reports and other related documentations capturing key learnings from program/project interventions.
• Institutionalize a system of reflection and learning across all stages of the DRC/DDG Project cycle and ensure that systems to facilitate utilization and reapplication of learnings, both internally and externally, are developed and implemented

5.Provide technical support to in-country based Monitoring and Evaluation and Programme teams with a view to ensure coherence and improve quality in data collection and analysis, including

• Give technical and methodological support to the M&E staff (M&E methods, logframe approach, Quality Assurance, use of software etc.).
• Support the Head Program Development and Quality Assurance and program teams in proposal writing assignments in particular ensuring that indicators are SMART and that log frames are robust.
• Support Needs Assessments, Baseline Studies and impact studies undertaken from time to time or as may be appropriate for purposes of gathering evidence and learning.
• Provide capacity building training, coaching and mentoring to staff, primary stakeholders, and implementing partners in project design, monitoring and evaluation, development of indicators and logframes, development of M&E plans and specific M&E assessments and surveys.

6.Ensure Common Humanitarian Standards are embedded in all DRC/DDG programs and processes including operationalizing the utilization of stakeholder’s feedback to inform programming.

• Provide oversight and guidance in the operationalization of a complaints, response and feedback system across Somalia
• Ensure feedback received from the CRFM is utilized by management to make real time decisions based on the trends and recommendations drawn from the findings in each area and ultimately from the entire country.
• Ensure plan for mainstreaming CHS is in place and updated and that all DRC/DDG staff are inducted and trained on CHS.
• Ensure the progressive implementation of CHS by supporting program areas teams to prepare Accountability Improvement Plans (AIPs), preparing and updating the consolidated country level AIP and monitoring its implementation.
• As a member of the PDQ team, ensure the CHS specialist works with Communications Coordinator to collect stories of significant changes, case studies, videos, pictures as part of enhancing impact monitoring that relates to beneficiary feedback and complaints across DRC/DDG coverage.

7.People Management - Coordination and Management of the Country Programme MEL Unit

• Manage the MEL unit staff, contributing to their capacity and career development through technical support and on-the-job training and coaching, including a thorough induction at the start of their contract.
• Ensure that they have accurate job descriptions and that they fully understand their deliverables by setting SMART objectives.
• Ensure that they are aware of and comply with all of DDG/DRC’s policies and procedures.
• Coordinate activities with the M&E teams of other NGOs, particularly partner NGOs with whom DRC/DDG Somalia works in consortium

Any other duties as assigned by the Head of Program Development and Quality Assurance.

ABOUT YOU

To be successful in this role, we expect you to be an initiative taker, a risk taker and a critical thinker. You are a sound M&EL professional with a proven track record of developing effective ME&L systems, and in guiding and mentoring other staff. You thrive in managing the challenges of working in the field under pressure and often in austere and restricted environments. You are a creative self-starter that is not afraid to take risks and experiment new M&E approaches.

In this position, the candidate is expected to demonstrate each of DRC’ five core competencies:

· Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.

· Collaborating: You are a strong networker and enjoy working with many different types of stakeholders, you involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.

· Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while balancing the role of advisor and taking leadership

· Communicating: You write and speak effectively and honestly and display political and cultural sensitivity, including ability to adapt well to local cultures

· Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with our vision and values.

Qualifications:***

• Minimum 5 years of technical experience in Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning in a senior programmatic capacity in an International Organisation/UN agency.
• Demonstrated understanding & experience with M&E within complex international development context.

• Master’s degree in fields related to organizational development, learning, international development, or M&E.

• Communication Skills: Excellent written and well developed oral communication skills.

• High accuracy and attention to detail.

• Work style: Well planned and organized and has a capacity for initiative and decision making with competent analytical and problem solving skills.

• Ability to work independently and as a team player with demonstrated leadership and participatory manner.

• Knowledge of statistical and data analysis programmes (e.g SPSS, excel, )

• In depth knowledge of Somalia context.

Preferable:

• Resourcefulness, initiative, maturity and the ability to work with minimum direction.
• Resilience/adaptability and flexibility: ability to operate effectively under strict deadlines.
• Familiarity with requirements of key humanitarian and development donors and capacity to work in a multi-donor environment, including DANIDA, EU/ECHO, OFDA, FFP, DFID, CIDA, SIDA, CHF, UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP among others.
• Ability to work rapidly with staff in the field directly and remotely in writing, and through new communication modes such as Skype.
• Knowledge of DRC/DDG policies and procedures, Sphere and the Red Cross/ NGO Code of Conduct.
• Excellent writing and research skills and proficiency in information technology/ computer skills.
• Significant relevant field experience is an added advantage.

Key Internal Contacts: The function shall work in close collaboration with the DRC and DDG program team, PDQ team members, technical managers, area program managers/coordinators and relevant regional staff. As needs dictate, the function shall interact with other suport and operations departments.

Key External Contacts:** MEL departments in INGO partner agencies.

General

Commitments: DRC/DDG has a Humanitarian Accountability Framework, outlining its global accountability committments. All staff are required to contribute to the achievement of this framework into the work of DRC/DDG (http://www.drc.dk/HAF.4265.0.html)

CONDITIONS:

Duty Station: Dollow, Somalia, this is a non-family duty Station.

Contract: 1 year contract dependent on both funding and performance. Salary and conditions in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Global Expatriates (available at www.drc.dk under Vacancies). This position is graded as A13. National staff the terms of employment will be in accordance with DRC terms for National staff

Availability: 1st January 2018

Reporting: Reports to Head of Program Development & Quality Assurance.

Supervises: DRC/DDG Data Management/GIS Specialist, three DRC/DDG Platforms (Solutions, Emergency and Root Causes) MEL Specialists, CHS Specialist and Project MEL Specialists.

Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications and experience are invited to submit updated CV and cover letter explaining their motivation and why they are suited for the post.

We only accept applications sent via our online-application form on www.drc.dk under Vacancies. Applications close on 21^st November 2017

If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please contact job@drc.dk.