Mercy Corps Hiring for Senior Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Coordinator at Amman, Jordan Full Time

ABOUT MERCY CORPS:

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action  helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within now, and for the future.

 

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:

Civil society and media are vital to advancing effective and inclusive civic engagement and participation in Jordan, yet they face profound challenges, including shrinking civic spaces, mistrust among constituents and complex new threats to their long-term sustainability. The Strengthening Civil Society System (SAWT) project is a 5-year USAID funded activity that aims at supporting sustained civic engagement in Jordan through civil society and digital media innovations through Good, Trusted Knowledge-Building Resources and Participation & Advocacy. Mercy Corps as a consortium partner with Internews (the consortium Lead Partner), Al Jidara, International Center for Non-Profit Law (ICNL) and the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) (the SAWT team), will be working closely to achieve the project goals but will be specifically responsible to lead the Civil Society Strengthening and Advocacy component, to achieve results on the Civil Society Legitimacy and Performance Activity, Mercy Corps will work with CSOs and other civil society actors to improve their performance and capacity to serve their constituencies, build sustainable networks and lead impactful advocacy and citizen engagement.

 

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

The Senior Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Coordinator will be responsible for providing technical leadership and assistance on information management and monitoring and evaluation activities within the project. S/he will work closely with the Civil Society Team Leader and Component leads on developing indicators and MEL systems and plans to track and report to the project indicators. The MEL Senior Coordinator will also ensure timely and quality implementation of the development and implementation of MEL systems and data collection tools focused on analysis and reporting to ensure quality reporting to the donor and Mercy Corps. S/he will provide support for information management systems development and maintenance, data analysis and reporting, and capacity building of staff. Additionally, s/he will work closely with partner to develop their M&E activities to ensure sustainability of grants activities. 

Additionally, the MEAL Senior Coordinator will take the lead in developing a systematic and realistic monitoring plan, contribute to project design, give guidance and conduct evaluation and monitoring activities during project implementation and close. Moreover, s/he will be responsible for taking the lead on  establishing data collection systems, analysis, and visualization using different software including (but not limited to) ONA/ODK, Power Bi to provide quality MEL results and reports. The MEAL Senior

The MEL Senior Coordinator will report directly to the Civil Society Team Leader with dotted lines to the MERL Director.

 

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

MONITORING, EVALUATION AND LEARNING, INFORMATION AND QUALITY MANAGEMENT

• Lead the design of  monitoring, evaluation, and learning system and implementation for all aspects of the project, including monitoring project progress by developing and applying monitoring tools to inform reports for donors and key stakeholders;
• Develop and update the MEL plan and insure it includes a logic Model and Indicator Plan built which is to be uploaded to TolaData, reflecting sex and age disaggregation (SADD) for relevant indicators. In addition to developing monitoring plans. The MEAL senior coordinator will ensure data quality, data protection in accordance with Responsible Data Policy and evaluations requierments.
• Develop MEL Technology Plan before implementing a technology solution for data collection, storage, protection, analysis, or visualization, and be approved by MEL advisor.
• Ensure having proper MEL documentation, including MEL folders for indicators, with all raw and analytic datasets/ evidence, data collection tools, analysis workbooks, and related documentation.
• Lead the development of the project learning plan and conduct learning the quarterly events in collaboration with the MEL Advisor.
• Plan and conduct  the final internal performance review and align it with quarterly learning review sessions.
• Plan and conduct Data Quality Assessments (DQAs) with support from the MEL advisor
• Work on TolaData software and ensure all indicators must be updated regularly.
• Design SOW for planned MEL-related studies, evaluations, and assessments and be completed at least three months before the scheduled data collection activities start date and approved by the MEL advisor.
• Ensure adherence to participants data protection protocols;
• Ensure monitoring and evaluation systems and tools, data collection, entry, cleaning, and storage are appropriately implemented by the MEL team at MC and CAH.
• Ensure monitoring and evaluation data is analyzed to an appropriate standard and that the results of analysis inform project decision-making.
• Lead the implementation of project impact evaluation and research reports.
• Lead the process of developing data collection tools that are essential in monitoring project progress against set milestones and evaluating the impact of project activities in targeted communities.
• Support in the implementation of surveys, focus group discussions, interviews, and follow-up on monitoring and evaluation exercises for various initiatives in targeted communities.
• Establish MEL and information management systems and beneficiary database systems, taking into consideration the political context and the confidentiality of the data collected
• Ensure compliance with relevant Mercy Corps New MEL policy and donor policies and regulations
• Assist in developing quality management standards to mainstream effective training programming.
• Actively participate in Jordan MEL community of practice and support other MEL teams where needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

DATA COLLECTION 

MONITORING DATA

• Develop data collection tools and instruments – including digitized data collection methods i.e. ODK collect built on XLS forms
• Establish and ensure a comprehensive and updated database for the project, and pay regular review to the database
• Keep up to date with the latest technologies to facilitate data-driven programmatic decision-making and project quality assurance.

EVALUATION DATA

• Lead the development process of developing research questions and methodology to assess community needs and community-based organizations selection and report on key findings.
• Lead the development process of developing research questions and methodology to evaluate the impact and appropriateness of the project towards the end of funding
• Coordinate the implementation of surveys, focus group discussions, interviews, and follow-up on evaluation exercises for various initiatives under the project

 

CAPACITY BUILDING AND MENTORING

• Provide training and mentoring in the development of MEL plans, MEL tools as well as survey design, methodology, data collection, and other skills as required for assessing the impact of the project.
• Lead on conducting basic and advanced MEL training (including data collection methods, capturing success stories, analyzing and interpreting data, and reporting) to build and raise the capacity of project teams and CAH personnel
• Provide continuous support and mentoring to project MEL Officer and assistant to undertake enhanced MEL tasks in the project.
• Provide continuous support and mentoring to MEL officer focal points to lead on advanced MEL activities.

 

REPORTING

• Ensure appropriate internal communication and feedback systems are in place and functioning so that MEL informs project planning and implementation.
• Ensure high quality and timely preparation of MEL data for reports to donors and partners such as the annual, quarterly, and monthly reports (focusing largely on high-level indicators), including:

1. Inception report.
2. Quarterly report (MEL progress Quarterly learning reports and progress on indicators)
3. Annual report (MEL progress and DQAs report and progress on indicators)
4. Final report including (Final Internal Learning review Report, MEL progress report and progress on indicators)

• Ensure that research and assessments conducted are analyzed to expected quality standards and reports compiled timely and disseminated for sharing and learning.
• Present and disseminate monitoring and evaluation findings to management, MC higher management, HQ representatives, and donors.
• Lead on maintaining and reporting on Mercy Corps’ Tola website on Monthly basis.
• Support in developing projects reports by incorporating most updated MEL data.
• Lead the project internal and external progress reports in close coordination with the Civil Society Team Leader
• Contribute to documentation, project data, lessons learned and best practices for internal and external sharing.

 

PROJECT COORDINATION ACTIVITIES

• Create and maintain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.
• Assist the Civil Society Team Leader in all operations related to the project implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and MEL reporting.
• Manage and monitor consultants’ work on a regular basis and review deliverables provided to make sure they’re meeting the minimum standards.
• Assist in facilitating field visits for Mercy Corps staff and donor agency visitors.
• Ensure the integration of team members into relevant decision-making processes.
• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
• Ensure implementation of safeguarding policies and procedures in all interactions with project advocacy regional officers.

 

PEOPLE (TEAM MANAGEMENT)

• Effectively manage CAH personnel implementing MEL functions and coordinate the day-to-day activities including capacity building, planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluating, and reporting.
• Conduct monitoring of CAH personnel engaged in MEL activities, including pre/post assessments, attendance, outreach, and filing.
• Establish and maintain a reporting system (or database) for MEL Focal Points, ensuring that reporting is timely and technically accurate.
• Evaluate the performance of MEL Focal Points and ensure training needs are met in a timely manner.

 

ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING

As part of MC’s commitment to organizational learning and in support of the understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient, and relevant to the communities they serve – all MC team members are expected to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

ACCOUNTABILITY TO BENEFICIARIES

• Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
• Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs, and MC’s policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: MEL officer

ACCOUNTABILITY:

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Civil society team leader with a dotted line to Internews M&E advisor MERL Director. 

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Organizational Capacity Senior Coordinator, Civic Engagement and Community Mobilization Senior Coordinator, Digital Civic Activism Coordinator, MEAL advisor, M&E Manager, procurement team, and finance team.

 

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum BA degree in Sociology, Economics, Statistics, International Development Or other relevant fields
• Minimum 6 years of experience within international development or humanitarian assistance projects.
• Proven experience in leading a team.
• Demonstrated skills in data collection, statistical analysis methods, and database management
• Demonstrated experience in building log-frame, indicators and relevant data collection tools
• Experience developing and delivering training on MEL.
• Very strong writing skills, including reports, best practices, case studies, etc.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Excel and Word
• Proficiency in developing XLS forms and using ODK is required.
• Proficiency in using Power Bi is plus.
• Fluency spoken and written in Arabic and English

SUCCESS FACTORS:

• Deep commitment to humanitarian principles and values 
• Willingness to learn new skills and methodologies
• Ability to work under pressure, independently, and with limited supervision
• Demonstrated organizational skills
• Demonstrated creative problem-solving skills
• Security, political and cultural awareness
• Ability to provide a high quality report in English
• Ability to multi-task while meeting several pressing deadlines
• Mature, responsible, and diplomatic in their interactions with others;
• Pays attention to detail and is meticulous, thorough, and results-oriented

COMPETENCIES:

• Accountability
• Coaching
• Attention to Details/Accuracy
• Focus on Quality 
• Analytical Thinking 
• Planning and Prioritization Skills

 

MERCY CORPS DIVERSITY STATEMENT

Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.

 

SAFEGUARDING & ETHICS

Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, project participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times.