Job Description

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organization that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We believe in the power and potential of every child. We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood and we enable children to prepare for – and respond to – crises and adversity.
We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge. In Zimbabwe, we have been building powerful partnerships for children for over 31 years. Plan International operates an equal opportunities policy and actively encourages diversity.

Monitoring Evaluation Research and Learning Specialist: SAGE (Supporting Adolescent Girls’ Education) Component of TEACH (Teacher Effective and Equitable Access to all Children)-Harare Country Office

Reporting to the Country MERL Manager with a direct working relationship with the Project Manager, the MERL Specialist is responsible for providing specialist guidance and support on the SAGE component of TEACH project MERL initiatives in line with MERL policy, standards and donor M & E requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities

Accountabilities:

Monitoring

Lead the development and implementation of the project MER frameworks in collaboration with the UK-based MEL Specialist, including development of M & E tools and ensuring regular updates of the frameworks, M & E tools and guidelines.
Lead the implementation and on-going development of monitoring, evaluation, and research initiatives and systems which collect output and outcome level data and include beneficiary accountability mechanisms.
Provide technical oversight and support to the project MER teams and conduct training and capacity building, in line with assessed areas of improvement on MER.
Lead consortium partners in the design and set up of community-based monitoring and reporting systems in line with the project requirements.
Plan and coordinate data quality assurance, including frequent survey auditing and data spot checks.
Lead the management of the project data bases to ensure security, storage and utilization of data effectively.
Lead the design and provide support to the implementation of gender sensitive participatory monitoring tools.
Ensure availability and accessibility of project monitoring data through analysis and triangulation of qualitative and quantitative data.
Assist with gathering and interpreting of program data for decision making.
Ensure all project monitoring, evaluation and research initiatives are conducted in line with Plan’s policies and procedures.

Evaluation and Research

With the UK-based team, manage the overall planning, design and coordination of project base, mid and end line surveys, including reviewing consultant Terms of Reference, supervising consultant contracts, supporting quality implementation of the sampling methodology and data collection and review draft reports to ensure quality analysis.
Review evaluation and research reports and give recommendations regarding approval to program management
Ensure development and dissemination of evaluation findings to donors, partners, key stakeholders and communities and their utilization in learning activities.
Conduct quality analysis of project evaluation reports against criteria defined in the evaluation standards and identify trends in findings for review and follow up by project management.
Provide input and quality control for evaluation and research data collection tools as well as quantitative and qualitative data analysis.

Knowledge Management and Learning

Lead consortium internal MER Working Group.
Ensure that consortium members and other stakeholders have easy access to quality and reliable project information as and when they need it.
Lead in the sharing of knowledge and learning about the project among consortium members and other stakeholders and ensure that this knowledge and lessons are incorporated into project.
Set up and implement knowledge management plan for the project and maintain up-to-date knowledge of good practice and external developments, in monitoring and evaluation of development projects, in line with the project focus.
Facilitate the generation, storage and utilization of program information, including documentation of case studies and best practices.
Lead the in-country information management system in line with data protection guidelines such as GDPR and donor guidance.
Analyze and compile project monitoring information to support management decision making, inform adaptive management approaches and improve quality of program implementation.
Coordinate and lead internal and external inputs required for designing and production of M&E reports and program learning products, ensuring compliance with donor requirements.
Collaborate in wider consortium research pieces and lead specific project research initiatives, as identified.

Qualifications and Experience

Knowledge

A degree in M&E, Statistics and Operations Research, Big Data Analytics, Development studies and any other relevant degree
A post graduate degree in research and or monitoring and evaluation will be an added advantage.
3- 5 years relevant working experience
Knowledgeable on participatory M&E tools and systems

Skills

Proficient in computer skills and use of research applications, like SPSS
Skills in managing qualitative and quantitative data collections
Working experience in community participation in development/programming

Behaviors

Communicates clearly and effectively on MER issues
Develops, motivates and coaches MER Coordinators and other frontline staff.