MEL Officer -Re Advertise

Job description

The Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Officer will lead the implementation of all MEL activities of the program’s activities in Salah al Din governorate under the direct supervision of the Senior MEL Officer based in Baghdad, and overall leadership of the MEL Manager for the Youth portfolio.  S/he will additionally work with the Sr. Youth Data Officer to ensure an efficient flow of data collection to storage to analysis and usage. More than just measuring results, the MEL Officer will play a leading role in implementing an effective learning system that helps the program team make iterative improvements to implementation over the course of the program. S/he will organize and supervise all technical M&E activities related to MC GAC PLLAY youth protection program in Salah al Din,  improving program quality, monitoring performance and facilitating the transmission of best practices. S/he will responsible for the timely reporting on program results & indicators in program locations and to submit daily updates and weekly reports to the Senior MEL Officer. S/he will contribute to building MC overall M&E capacity, enhancing the overall use of clear program logic, sound data collection and analysis methods. A strong candidate will be able to work independently to solve problems and prioritize tasks in a challenging environment. Tasks will include but are not limited to tools design and translation, conducting daily data collection through quantitative and qualitative research methods, i.e. household-level surveys, Focus Group Discussions and Key Informant Interviews, conducting data entry tasks, Kobo or ONA coding, verifying and analyzing the data and reporting on a regular basis to SMELO, MEL Manager and Programme teams. The MEL Officer will work closely with the program team office and coordinate with other stakeholders for activities related with monitoring and evaluation. The MEL Officer will be the main focal point for coordination and cooperation with MEL focal points of the program’s partner community-based organizations (CBOs).

1. Development of data collection tools and methodologies

• Participate in the process of determining information needs based on indicators, in accordance with programs proposal and objectives and results outlined with the program logframes establishing processes
• Assist the SMELO and MEL Manager in the design of appropriate information collection tools and methodologies for the collection, analysis and usage of data both for the purpose of measuring progress against indicators, program achievements, successes and challenges, and for programmatic learning
• Lead on translation of necessary documents such as data collection tools with support from MC translator;
• Code the questionnaires / digitization using online platforms for ODK use in the field
• Provide feedback on the use of forms to  SMELO and MEL Manager after piloting phases;
• Assist in reviewing the effectiveness of the overall MEL system for youth protection programming, providing feedback to the SMELO on a regular basis;
• Assist in providing training in assessment and monitoring methodologies to relevant staff.

2. Field data collection

• Provide SMELO and MEL Manager with weekly work plans and activities;
• Plan according to priorities set by the SMELO and MEL Manager;
• Work in very close collaboration with Program teams, following the activity schedules and adapting MEL work plan accordingly;
• Ensure transparent, accurate and timely collection of data in the field for monitoring and evaluation purposes;
• Assist in training program staff on data collection methods, tools and techniques as appropriate whenever involved in data collection;
• Facilitate/translate raw data and conduct/translate FGDs / KIIs with communities, NGOs, government and other stakeholders as relevant.

3. Database management

• Work with Sr. Youth Data Officer to ensure consistent and effective flow of data, leading to consistent tracking of indicators that are backed up by evidence.
• Maintain database management systems for beneficiary and indicator tracking, ensuring databases are always cleaned and up-to-date, providing Program teams with relevant information on target progress and achievement;
• Ensure transparent, accurate and timely entry of data into databases as instructed by SMELO and MEL Manager, if paper forms used;
• Up of all data on a daily basis after each field mission if ODK use;
• Take the lead in data verification processes, ensuring that all data reported to SMELO and MEL Manager is accurate, transparent, reliable and logic.
• Support SMELO and MEL Manager in Excel-based data analysis, highlighting key findings and generating appropriate visual representations (graphs, tables, charts);
• Maintain filing systems of MEL tools and databases (hard and soft copies)

4. Reporting

• Monitor indicator performance and contribute to the regular monitoring and performance reports, as directed by the supervisor
• Create memos on transcript of FGDs, KIIs and results of quantitative surveys.
• Feed the Program teams, SMELO and MEL Manager with challenges encountered in the field, lessons learnt and recommendations on best practices to implement.

5. Accountability

• Assist the establishment of community feedback mechanism, ensuring complaints are logged and addressed;
• Ensure maintenance and daily update of Complaints Registration Database is ongoing;
• Ensure appropriate referrals are made to relevant stakeholders based on the nature of the complaint;
• Ensure that complainants are informed about the outcomes of the follow-up investigation;
• Submit monthly reports to SMELO and MEL Manager.
• Ensure a safe working environment for all people involved in project implementation and maintain the highest standards of behavior when working with children and families.
• Adhere to all MC policies and procedures as outlined in MC policies and procedure manuals;
• 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.

Qualifications & Preferred Skills

• At least 2 years of work experience in Monitoring , Evaluation and Learning with international and/or local NGOs or other relevant organizations.
• Experience working on youth/protection issues in vulnerable communities is preferred.
• Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods.
• Strong report writing skills.
• Bachelor’s degree is required, Master’s preferred.
• Fluency in written and spoken English and Arabic is required.
• Strong analytical, multi-tasking, and organizational and prioritization skills are necessary.
• Demonstrated attention to details, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members is required.
• Commitment to working with vulnerable groups regardless of race, religion or gender.
• Excellent communication skills are required, including writing and reporting skills.
• Highly developed computer skills and strong familiarity with Microsoft Office and Excel are mandatory.
• Candidate must be willing to travel and work in difficult conditions.