Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Manager Plan International Zambia

Employment Opportunities

Organization Background

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian non-governmental organization 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 its 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 have been building powerful partnerships for children for 80 years, and are now active in more than 70 countries. Child protection is key in all that we do.

Working in Zambia since 1996, Plan International Zambia’s development and capacity building programmes focus primarily on Education, Health, Water and Sanitation, Economic Security and Youth Empowerment, including Child Protection and Participation. Plan International Zambia has Programme Areas (PAs) in; Central, Luapula, and Eastern Provinces including in Lusaka, where the Country Office is located

We are looking for experienced and vibrant self-starters to fill the following positions:

MONITORING, EVALUATION, RESEARCH AND LEARNING (MERL) MANAGER 

Position Description:

The purpose of the Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Manager is to provide strategic guidance, vision and management for the successful implementation of all MERL activities.  The incumbent will provide technical direction and support and ensures the accurate reporting of results for program activities in line with the Plan International MERL Policy, Standards and Processes.

The position reports to the Head of Programs.

Responsibilities

Programme Design, Development and Implementation

• With the support of the Project Technical Leads, to support in leading rapid and detailed mappings and assessments.
• To ensure regular communication with PMERL Plan regional/global technical teams to integrate appropriate technical input and priorities in MERL
• Work on proposal development (log frame) by providing relevant inputs on indicators and measurement tools in close coordination with the technical unit and project management team.
• Provide monitoring and evaluation training to relevant project staff and government staff engaged in data management and utilization.
• Provides technical support to field teams in project activity monitoring, data organization and utilization and report writing

Monitoring, Implementation and Reporting

• Manage the development of M&E Framework and monitoring & evaluation plan for project activities and indicators and ensure adherence to the plans and systems.
• Support the analysis and reporting on programme and project progress and trends in terms of achieving results, using existing monitoring and evaluation tools and introducing new mechanisms and systems; identify constraints and resource deficiencies, and recommend corrective actions.
• Monitor and facilitate regular update of database for regular reporting and data utilization
• Facilitate timely and regular programme monitoring in collaboration with project M&E team
• Coordinate, prepare, and consolidate all reporting (monthly, quarterly/biannual and annual) activities of the project in collaboration with M&E team, advisors and others as needed.
• Manage the development and implementation of regular, participatory assessments/ feedback and complaint surveys and mechanism with and for affected communities in accordance to Plan international regulations, Child Protection in Emergency Minimum Standards, Core Humanitarian Standards as well as ensuring the alignment with already established systems and policies available;
• Maintain effective and efficient oversight, quality control and reporting systems and processes that ensure regular field monitoring and modifications as required.
• Develop and maintain the accountability mechanism within Plan field location in coordination with partners with the support of the team,

MERL Technical Support

• Ensure MERL initiatives are aligned with planning and budgeting processes.
• Provide technical leadership in operational studies (baseline, mid-term, final evaluations, case studies,) and projects research processes in line with the procedure cycles.
• Deploy digital tools to support data collection, management, analysis and reporting in line with the Principles of Digital Development.
• Ensure data is of sufficient quality through embedding appropriate quality assurance approaches at all stages of the MERL processes.
• Deploy appropriate community feedback mechanisms, ensuring processes are in place for timely and adequate analysis and response.
• Provide technical inputs to the development of networks and clusters (internally and externally) to promote effective program design and quality implementation.
• Ensure all project activities in the organisation utilize the correct and relevant MERL tools and templates.

Educational Qualifications and Experience

• Degree in Demography, Social Sciences, Development, Education, Social Work, Gender studies or similar field.
• Minimum of 5 years relevant work experience in similar environment.
• Experience in working with M&E systems in an NGO/INGO.
• Knowledge and understanding of best practices in M&E including global practices.
• Experience of strategic leadership and planning processes.
• Experience in INGOs sponsorship management systems and financial regulations.

Competencies:

• Previous experience working within a team in a cross-cultural setting;
• Good understanding of gender and ability to engage on gender equality issues.
• Good knowledge and experience in Project Cycle Management.
• Good Experience in utilizing internationals tools such as the INEE Minimum Standards Reference Tool accompanies and the INEE Minimum Standards Handbook.
• Knowledge and experience in research and investigations.
• Experience in developing methods, tools and programs/interventions in collaboration with government agencies, civil society, and private organizations/institutions.
• Experience of conducting assessments in emergency contexts.
• Experience of training on relevant technical areas with a variety of audiences.