Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Lead Hydrangea Enterprises Limited

Hydrangea Enterprises Limited (HYEL) is a private limited company whose business ventures include the provision of bespoke technical and advisory services to development organisations as well as public and private sector entities. HYEL is in the process of recruiting a Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Lead for its Zambia office who, among others, will be required to lead on the tasks below.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide oversight of MEL Processes:

• Develop and design theories of change and M&E frameworks for different projects and opportunities to monitor day-to-day performance of project interventions and track progress towards attainment of planned results;
• Ensure that projects/ programme compliance to the internal and external reporting requirements, including client reports;
• Create and manage monitoring plans for the different program components;
• Co-design monitoring tools, select indicators, and determine field monitoring responsibilities;
• Undertake periodic reviews of the program monitoring framework and update according to findings;
• Design an overarching monitoring framework to monitor day-to-day performance of programme interventions;
• Create and manage monitoring plans for the different program components;
• Co-design monitoring tools, select indicators, and determine field monitoring responsibilities; and,
• Undertake periodic reviews of the program monitoring framework and update according to findings.

Research

• Design and conduct research studies across HYEL projects;
• Develop research protocols and methodologies, including sampling strategies, survey instruments, and interview guides;
• Lead field-based and desk research to collect data relevant to HYEL’s projects and clients;
• Analyse both primary and secondary data using appropriate statistical and qualitative analysis tools;
• Synthesize research findings into actionable insights to inform project strategies, decision-making, and policy recommendations; and,
• Write research reports, briefs, and presentations, summarising key findings and recommendations for internal and external stakeholders.

Data Management and Reporting:

• Develop systems for the timely and efficient collection, management, analysis and reporting of valid and reliable programmatic reporting data. This includes making decisions on software and analytical tools;
• Work with program partners to gather, quality assure and analyse partner-generated data;
• Ensure systems are in place to collect monitoring data and any data required for third-party R&E supplier assessment purposes;
• Oversee data collection ensuring adherence with required quality standards and international best practice and ethical standards;
• Develop high-quality MEL reports that meet client requirements and internal reporting timelines for quarterly and annual reports, while providing concise, data-driven insights through written reports, utilising data visualisations and infographics as necessary;
• Provide support for Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting for HYEL’s clients;
• Lead on production of monitoring reports; and,
• Contribute to project and organisational reports including quarterly and annual reports.

Capacity Strengthening:

• Provide capacity building to the team and subcontractors on adaptive programming;
• Support ongoing analysis of monitoring data;
• Manage monitoring dashboards to enable real-time decision making;
• Convene the programme team and facilitate discussions on adaptive programming in light of emerging data and programmatic challenges and observed positive deviance; and,
• Provide oversight, guidance and support to programme team members and consortium partners on MEL requirements and standards.

Quality Assurance (QA):

• Provide guidance on information systems for QA, as well as best practices for documentation and reporting; and,
• Ensure that the tools selected for assessment are internationally recognised.

Learning and Adaptation:

• Lead, oversee and/or support production and dissemination of any internal evaluation, research or evidence synthesis pieces (in collaboration with wider project/ programme team and/or clients/ cooperating partners);
• Lead on communication of results and evidence to internal and external stakeholders in English as needed;
• Support projects in identifying lessons learned and applying them to enhance ongoing and future activities; and,
• Facilitate learning and adaptation sessions with program team and other stakeholders.

Supporting external evaluations:

Leading project/ programme team interactions with external evaluation teams.

Business Development Support:

• Support the development of proposals and funding applications;
• Collaborate with other team members to identify new opportunities and align M&E and research data with potential client needs;
• Contribute to the drafting of concept notes, proposals, and presentations for business development efforts; and,
• Stay updated on donor requirements and emerging trends in M&E and research to ensure alignment with client expectations and new opportunities. Minimum Qualifications, Experience, and Competencies:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Monitoring & Evaluation, Statistics, Demography, Economics, or related field;
• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in monitoring, evaluation, learning, and data management in development or corporate projects;
• Proven experience in the development of data collection tools and research methodologies;
• Proficiency with relevant software (e.g., Advanced Microsoft Excel, ODK/Kobo, PowerBi, NVivo, Stata, mWater, SPSS, Survey CTO, Atlas);
• Demonstrated expertise in rigorous quantitative and qualitative methods, research, management information systems, reporting, data quality analysis and data analysis;
• Demonstrated experience in ESG reporting or understanding of ESG standards and frameworks;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise reports and presentations;
• Previous direct supervisory experience of professional and/or support staff;
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with attention to detail;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team; and,
• Willingness to travel to project sites and work in rural settings.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in a related field;
• Experience working in sectors related to sustainability or environmental impact;
• Familiarity with market-based approaches and private sector engagement in development projects;
• Knowledge of and experience with USAID, DFID/ FCDO, UN, EU or other cooperating partner monitoring and evaluation regulations/ guidelines; and,
• Must be highly proficient in English and at least three (3) local languages notably Kaonde, Luvale, Tonga, Bemba, and Lozi.

APPLICATION GUIDELINES:

We invite all interested candidates to submit the following documents:

• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV), and a Letter of Motivation outlining how your experience, competencies, professional networks meet the requirements for the role;
• Clearly state your expected remuneration, and advise the notice period that you would need to give your current employers; and,
• The CV, letter of motivation, education qualifications and other documents should be combined into one document when sending.