The MEL specialist will lead the development and implementation of innovative
Monitoring Evaluation and Learning initiatives on RETI program for evidence-based
reporting, adaptive management with measurements. The role provides overall
leadership, management, and strategic direction to the MEL function within the
RETI consortium partners, and the job holder will be a thought leader in program
design, management, and measurement to collaboratively enhance project delivery
and attainment of the intended results. The MEL specialist is required to guide,
mentor and coach the RETI MEL team and partner implementing teams on delivery
of effective M&E systems. He/she will work closely with consortium partners to
ensure that the program’s activities, outputs, outcomes and impact are accurately
captured and reported. This role will have a full reporting line to the Program
Manager- Muni University with a dotted reporting line to the Monitoring, Evaluation,
Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Manager at Finn Church Aid.
Key Responsibilities
1. Planning
a) Lead development and periodic review of the consortium’s MEL plan.
b) Support partners to develop and localize the MEL plans for RETI program.
c) Ensure that the consortium and partner level MEL plans are aligned to the
donor’s guidelines.
2. MEL System Development
a) Lead the design and implement a comprehensive MEL framework, including
indicators, data collection tools, and reporting mechanisms, aligned with RETI
interventions and outcomes.
b) Develop clear guidelines and protocols for data collection, management, and
analysis.
c) Ensure an effective rollout of MEL and reporting systems to all partners through
training, site visits and other forms of technical support as needed.
3. Data Collection, Analysis and Reporting
a) Coordinate planning and execution of all data collection, cleaning, and
management; and related activities in RETI program.
b) compile and review the monthly, quarterly, and annual reports in accordance to
the RETI program reporting requirements.
c) Carry out quality assurance on the program’s reports to ensure that they are
aligned to the reporting requirements.
d) Respond to all data requests from the donor, government, and other stakeholders.
e) Lead preparation and execution of internal assessments, review, and
dissemination of reports.
f) Collaborate with external evaluators, RETI consortium partners, and
stakeholders to ensure rigorous external evaluations.
g) Oversee the role execution by external evaluators engaged to carry assessments,
surveys and reviews.
4. Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning
a) Lead the implementation of monitoring and evaluation activities, including
baseline and end line surveys, mid-term reviews, and impact assessments.
b) Collaborate with external evaluators, consortium partners, and stakeholders to
ensure rigorous evaluations.
5. Accountability and Feedback Mechanisms
a) Support the establishment and management of the feedback and complaint
mechanisms for program participants and partners.
b) Support the leadership team to ensure that feedback is captured, analyzed, and
addressed in a timely and effective manner.
6. Learning and Knowledge Management
a) Facilitate regular learning and reflection sessions with consortium partners to
capture lessons learned, best practices, and challenges.
Lead documentation and sharing of learnings gathered through implementation,
monitoring, assessments and external engagements. Promote a culture of
continuous learning and adaptation within the consortium.
7. Reporting and Communication
a) Orient the implementing team and managers on reporting requirements/tools,
including review of program reports for quality assurance before submission into
the on-line platform (Fluxx).
b) Prepare regular progress reports and contribute to donor reporting requirements,
highlighting key achievements, challenges, and lessons learned.
c) Ensure that information obtained through monitoring and is regularly
disseminated to stakeholders such as communities, local and central
governments, implementing partners and other relevant stakeholders.
8. Capacity Building
a) Provide training and capacity-building support to consortium partners on MEL
methodologies, data collection techniques, and reporting standards.
Key Competencies
1. Strong conceptual and analytical skills and decisive decision maker with ability
to prioritize and communicate to staff key objectives and tactics necessary to
achieve goals
2. Excellent teamwork with demonstrated abilities to coordinate well with diverse
individuals and teams and engages effectively with colleagues and stakeholders
to achieve results;
3. Able to develop and maintain effective relationships with internal and external
stakeholders with passion for lesson learning and adaptation within and without.
4. Dynamic and mature personality, able to oversee multiple tasks, prioritizing and delegating as required.
5. Strong passion for youth voice elevation, gender and inclusion responsiveness, and transformative change at individual, household and communities with humility, integrity, and creativity.
Person Specifications
1. Master’s degree in Monitoring and Evaluation, Development Economics,
Education, Social Sciences, Information Systems, Statistics, Economics,
International Development or related fields.
2. Must hold a post graduate diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation, or Development
Evaluation.
3. Should possess Bachelor’s degree preferably in the field of: Economics, Statistics,
Social Sciences, Education, Development Studies, Social Works and Social
Administration, Science or any related field.
4. Minimum of 5 years of experience at the same level or higher, leading MEL
functions at a national level, designing and implementing MEL systems for
development projects in refugee and host community settings, preferably in the
education, youth empowerment, or livelihoods sector.
5. Extensive knowledge and experience in qualitative and quantitative data
management techniques and skillful use of Microsoft Office package, SPSS,
STATA, EXCEL, Epi-info, Power BI.
6. Strong proficiency in quantitative and qualitative data collection methods,
analysis, and reporting.
7. Familiarity with designing and conducting surveys, evaluations, and
assessments.
8. Strong analytical skills and ability to generate insights from data.
9. Strong leadership and management skills, gained in a complex environment, with
excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
10. Familiarity with participatory approaches to MEL and beneficiary feedback
mechanisms.
11. Experience working in a consortium or multi-stakeholder environment is
advantageous.
12. Proficiency in English, both written and spoken.
13. Flexible, adaptable, and able to execute a range of job duties and changing
priorities.
14. Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and partners.