Monitoring Evaluation and Research Specialist (SAGE)

Monitoring Evaluation and Research Specialist (SAGE)

Location: Harare, HA, ZW
Company: Plan International
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.

Job Description -Monitoring Evaluation and Research Specialist (SAGE)
Reporting to the SAGE Project Manager, the Monitoring Evaluation and Research Specialist, will provide specialist guidance and support on the SAGE project monitoring, evaluation and research initiatives of a complex multimillion pound DFID funded girls education project in Zimbabwe. The Monitoring Evaluation and Research (MER) Specialist be responsible for providing capacity building to consortium members on monitoring and evaluation. The MER Specialist will lead the development and implementation of the project MER frameworks and M & E tools including ensuring regular updates of the frameworks, M & E tools and guidelines.

Accountabilities
Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)
• Lead the implementation and on-going development of monitoring, evaluation, and research initiatives and systems.
• Provide technical oversight and support to the project MER team and conduct training and capacity building
• 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 utilisation 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.
• Ensure all project monitoring, evaluation and research initiatives are conducted in line with Plan’s policies and procedures.
• Prepare data dashboards to communicate key performance data required for decision making.

Evaluations
• Lead 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.
• 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 the project research initiatives as identified and collaborate within relevant research institutions.
• 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.
• Analyse and compile project monitoring information to support management decision making, inform adaptive management approaches and improve quality of programme implementation.
• Coordinate and lead internal and external inputs required for designing and production of M&E reports and programme learning products, ensuring compliance with donor requirements.

Technical expertise, skills and knowledge
• A Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Education, Development Studies, or equivalent.
• A post graduate degree in research and or monitoring and evaluation will be an added advantage.
• At least 5 years’ relevant working experience in a similar position
• Knowledge of theories of child-rights programming and child protection (programmatic and safe-guarding)
• Knowledge of development issues, trends, challenges and opportunities and implications to community development
• Knowledgeable on participatory M&E tools and systems
• Demonstrated experience in team management.
• Knowledgeable on participatory and gender sensitive monitoring tools and systems

Leadership behaviours and skills
• Strong strategic thinking and management skills
• Communication skills and ability to package research and M and E data to suit different audiences
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Proficient in computer skills including the use of statistical analysis software such as SPSS, CsPro and STATA
• Skills in managing qualitative and quantitative data collections
• Working experience in community participation in development/programming
• Communicates clearly and effectively on MER issues
• Develops, motivates and coaches MER Coordinators and other frontline staff.
• Demonstrates clear respect to all and especially children and women without discrimination.
• Acts as a team player, willing to get the best outcome overall, adjusting own priorities if necessary
• Remains calm and positive under pressure and in difficult situations
Interested candidates who meet the above requirements are required to submit their curriculum vitae & cover letter outlining their suitability for the position.Plan International takes very seriously the responsibility and duty to ensure that we and anyone who represents us does not in any way harm or place at risk children and young people.In this regard, reference & background checks will be performed including clearances on child related offences in conformity with Plan’s Safeguarding Policy.