New Job Opportunity at Afrikids Ghana
POSITION: Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Manager
Summary of Roles
The Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Manager is a senior MEL specialist in Ghana, overseeing the development and implementation of comprehensive MEL systems to greatly increase the organization’s programme efficacy and impact.
This crucial role shapes the MEL strategy, promotes continuous learning, and grounds decision-making in evidence by working closely with the Head of Programmes and the Country Director.
The MEL Manager elevates the organization’s MEL frameworks and manages program design, implementation, MEL system deployment, data collecting, analytical methods, and insightful reporting.
The MEL Manager should also be able to use AI to improve MEL systems and procedures, advancing our organizational goals.
Accountability and Work Relationships
The MEL Manager will report to the Country Director. She/he will supervise at least four Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Managers/Officers and collaborate closely with the Head of Programmes, other Managers, and staff.
Key Responsibilities
Program Design and Implementation
- Assist with the incorporation of MEL concerns into the conception and design phases of all new programs and projects, ensuring that MEL frameworks are central to program proposals and align with the organization’s strategic goals and donor criteria.
- Conduct monitoring visits to projects, including grant initiatives.
- Lead the MEL component of proposal development, working with programme teams to ensure that MEL plans are strong, practical, and integrated into the narrative and budget of funding proposals.
- Provide technical MEL guidance for grant administration, including the creation of log frames, indicators, and monitoring plans that match donor expectations and allow for effective program implementation and evaluation.
- Support the creation and implementation of baseline studies to influence program design. Develop measurable and relevant indicators for output, outcome, and impact levels, ensuring they are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) and connected with the organization’s strategic objectives.
- Create thorough MEL plans outlining procedures for data collection, analysis, and reporting, ensuring that plans are operationalized and integrated into program management cycles from start to finish.
- Assist in conducting MEL capacity assessments for program teams and partners, identifying gaps and designing activities to develop MEL capabilities, and ensuring teams are prepared to implement MEL plans effectively.
- Engage with key stakeholders during the program design process to better understand their needs and expectations, ensuring that MEL activities are relevant and aligned with the interests of communities, recipients, and donors.
MEL System Development and Management
- Build on and manage the development and ongoing enhancement of a complete MEL framework specific to Ghana’s strategic vision, programmatic areas, and operational requirements.
- Oversee the implementation of MEL systems in all projects and initiatives.
- Create and implement a strong data management plan that protects data integrity, privacy, and security.
- Create and maintain a dynamic performance monitoring system that compares project and programme outcomes to predefined objectives and indicators.
- Initiate and manage evaluative studies, such as baseline, mid-term, and end-of-life evaluations and impact assessments.
- Implement quality assurance methods for all MEL activities, such as periodic data quality audits and methodological reviews, to ensure the reliability and validity of MEL data and findings.
- Create and administer a reporting system that effectively aggregates and synthesizes MEL data to produce meaningful insights and reports for a variety of audiences, including program teams, senior management, donors, and external stakeholders.
Capacity development and leadership
- Conduct detailed evaluations to determine Ghana’s present MEL capacities, skill gaps, and learning needs for staff and implementing partners.
- Create and implement a focused capacity-building strategy based on recognized needs.
- Set a high bar for MEL practices across your organization to demonstrate good leadership.
- Provide ongoing mentoring and coaching to the MEL Officer and other key personnel involved in MEL operations.
- Actively promote team growth by identifying possibilities for team members to advance their careers inside the organization.
- Encourage cross-departmental collaboration by arranging regular meetings between the MEL team and other departments.
- Establish comprehensive feedback systems within the team and throughout the organization to obtain information about the MEL system’s efficacy and opportunities for improvement.
Learning and Knowledge Sharing
- Create and execute a complete knowledge management system to record, organize, and communicate learning from MEL activities throughout the enterprise.
- Organize regular learning forums and seminars to let staff and partners to discuss their MEL-related experiences, difficulties, and triumphs.
- Create strategies for effectively disseminating MEL findings to a broad range of audiences, including internal stakeholders, donors, partners, and the communities served.
- Ensure that the learning from MEL activities is included into strategic planning and decision-making processes.
- Create a community of practice for MEL professionals within and beyond the company.
- Implement feedback mechanisms that allow stakeholders, including community members and recipients, to offer their thoughts on program impacts and areas for improvement.
- Encourage the creation of meaningful tales and case studies that demonstrate the real-world implications of the organization’s work.
- Use technology to aid knowledge sharing, such as online platforms, databases, and social media.
Management responsibility.
- Line manages a number of MEL managers/officers.
- Assist staff in preparing progress reports in compliance with approved donor and reporting forms, ensuring timely submission.
- As the MEL unit’s leader, you are responsible for guiding and growing the team while also cultivating an environment of professionalism, mutual respect, and continual progress.
- Establish a strong performance management approach for the MEL team, including quantifiable objectives, regular performance reviews, and constructive feedback.
- Contribute to the organization’s strategic planning processes by incorporating insights from MEL activities into goals, strategies, and resource allocation.
- Regularly update top management and stakeholders on MEL team activities, progress toward targets, and the impact of MEL on program outcomes.
- Identify and manage risks connected with MEL activities, including as ethical concerns, data privacy, and adherence to national and international regulations.
- Represent the MEL function at internal and external meetings, presenting MEL results and strategies to a wide range of stakeholders, including donors, partners, and beneficiaries.
Others
- Support other evaluative efforts as they occur.
- Represent at external meetings with donors, partners, and others as needed.
- Undertake other responsibilities as required, commensurate with experience.
Required Skill or Experience
- A university degree in development studies, MEL, statistics, or a similar branch of social sciences, with specialized training in MEL methodology.
- A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in a similar MEL function
- An aptitude and experience in integrating cutting-edge technology, such as AI, to revolutionize MEL systems and procedures, so furthering our organization’s aims.
- Proficiency in data analysis software (SPSS, STATA, R, PowerBI, Tableau, etc.) and qualitative analysis tools (NVivo, ATLAS.ti), as well as excellent skills in data visualization and report writing.
- Exceptional leadership and communication abilities, the ability to manage cross-functional teams, and a strong commitment to collaborative work and stakeholder involvement.
- Experience with qualitative and quantitative MEL data gathering and analysis methodologies, including tracking outcome indicators, is advantageous.
- Must be detail-oriented and well-organized.
- Capable of supporting and responding to the demands of project teams in a timely manner to facilitate evidence-based decision making.
- Knowledge of designing and managing MEL systems.
- Writing reports, doing research, and evaluating outcomes.
- Excellent report writing and communication skills.
How to Apply for this New Job Opportunity at Afrikids Ghana
To apply, send a cover letter and curriculum vitae to hrgh@afrikids.org by May 7th, 2024.
Applications will be evaluated and shortlisted on an ongoing basis, with only shortlisted individuals being contacted for interviews.
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