Key Responsibilities:

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) System Design and Implementation

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive MERL strategy that aligns with the project’s goals, donor requirements, and organizational policies.
• Design and implement effective M&E frameworks, tools, and processes to track project outputs, outcomes, and impact.
• Ensure the establishment of baseline data and develop performance indicators that are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound).
• Lead the development of detailed monitoring and evaluation plans, including data collection, analysis, and reporting protocols.
• Ensure that M&E systems are fully integrated with program management and provide real-time feedback for program improvement.

Data Collection, Management, and Analysis

• Oversee the collection and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data, ensuring high data quality, integrity, and accuracy.
• Develop and implement data quality assurance processes, including training staff on proper data collection and validation methods.
• Utilize data management systems to track key performance indicators and provide timely updates to project leadership.
• Lead efforts to analyze data for trends, patterns, and outcomes to inform project implementation and decision-making.

Research and Evaluation

• Design and oversee rigorous research and evaluation studies, including impact evaluations, baseline studies, mid-term reviews, and final evaluations.
• Ensure that research initiatives are aligned with the project’s objectives and provide actionable insights for program adaptation.
• Collaborate with academic institutions, research organizations, and partners to conduct research and disseminate findings.
• Use research and evaluation data to contribute to thought leadership, including the development of policy briefs, research reports, and presentations.

Learning and Knowledge Management

• Establish a learning agenda to ensure continuous improvement of project activities and strategies based on evidence and lessons learned.
• Foster a culture of learning and knowledge-sharing within the project team, partners, and stakeholders.
• Organize learning events, workshops, and meetings to disseminate findings and promote the application of learning in program implementation.
• Document best practices, success stories, and lessons learned to enhance the project’s visibility and reputation with donors and external stakeholders.

Donor Reporting and Stakeholder Engagement

• Prepare high-quality M&E reports, research briefs, and presentations for internal use and donor submission.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting on project performance, impact, and challenges to the donor, partners, and stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for M&E-related matters with the donor, government counterparts, and other key stakeholders.
• Participate in external meetings, donor visits, and stakeholder events to share project results and learning.

Capacity Building and Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and manage the MERL team, including M&E officers, data analysts, and field staff, ensuring high-quality performance and professional growth.
• Provide technical assistance and capacity-building support to project staff, local partners, and government counterparts on M&E practices and standards.

• Ensure that all MERL staff are equipped with the skills and tools required to collect, manage, and analyze data effectively.

Deliverables

• A comprehensive MERL plan, including performance indicators and data collection methodologies..
• High-quality quarterly, semi-annual, and annual M&E reports that meet donor requirements and provide insights into project performance.
• Research studies and evaluation reports that assess project impact and generate recommendations for program improvement.
• Learning briefs, case studies, and success stories that document key achievements, challenges, and lessons learned.

Regular updates to senior leadership on key performance indicators, including presentations and data visualizations.