Program / Department Summary

General Position Summary

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Set up and oversee the timely implementation of MEL systems, including developing and updating the Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan (AMELP), including review of its results framework, indicators, baseline and periodic data collection strategies and methodologies, data flow chart, data protection plan, M&E Technology Plan, and Learning Plan.
• Ensure all MEL policy related deliverables are met, including monitoring activities, evaluations, learning events and initiatives, quarterly/ annual reviews, Data Quality Assessments (DQAs), and all reporting requirements.
• Ensure an Indicator Plan built in or uploaded to TolaData, reflecting sex and age disaggregation (SADD) for relevant indicators, and all results for all indicators are updated regularly in TolaData to fulfill the program’s monitoring, evaluation, and learning needs, as outlined in the M&E, Learning, and Technology Plans.
• Design & lead Collaboration, Learning and Adaptation (CLA) efforts, strategy and approaches, including pause and reflect sessions, by working closely with the COP and technical team on using evidence to verify the program design and inform decision making.
• Oversee the quarterly program review sessions using an up-to-date Indicator Performance Tracking Table (IPTT) from TolaData to understand progress against baselines and stated targets.
• Oversee data collection, analysis, management, visualization, mapping, and reporting on quantitative and qualitative indicators related to the program’s overall operational context, and performance.
• Harmonize the MEL system across consortium partner systems and other external systems, as relevant.
• Maximize the use of participatory methods in MEL data collection
• Ensure the quality of MEL implementation for the Activity, consistently reviewing and adapting the MEL systems and tools to the needs of the changing programmatic context. This includes proposing and monitoring financial and human resources needed to successfully implement the AMELP.
• Ensure that personal protection is included in data collection (direct and remote), storage, and presentation of those data.
• Work across the Activity to promote a culture of learning, adaptation and inclusion.
• Tailor evidence-based learning to diverse audiences, decision-makers, and stakeholders.
• Ensure final, internal performance review (FIPR) is conducted and includes final measurements on all indicators and documentation of lessons learned, and ensure findings are shared with Mercy Corps, local partners, stakeholders, and program participants.

• As part of the Program File, ensure MEL folders for indicators are created and structured to store all raw and analytic datasets / evidence, data collection tools, analysis workbooks, and any other MEL related documentation.
• Ensure all data and information in MEL folders and in TolaData are up-to-date and securely stored.
• Ensure data management processes (collection, cleaning, analysis, storage, reporting, and visualization) are functioning in all Activity locations to provide quality data within deadlines.
• Ensure data quality through routine internal Data Quality Assessments (DQAs) as required by the Mercy Corps MEL Policy, and make adjustments as needed.
• Ensure the Activity adheres to Mercy Corps’ MEL and Program Record Retention and Responsible Data Policies.
• Develop reporting templates that facilitate the acquisition, aggregation, and flow of information and learning within the program as well as externally.
• Maintain a comprehensive reporting and accountability schedule as well as review program reports to ensure reports contain accurate, clear, and high-quality data presented in the proper format.
• Support knowledge management efforts and encourage effective utilization of evidence and learning for adaptive management practices and designing resource mobilization efforts.

• Support country team in adhering to Mercy Corps MEL Policy and donor policies and procedures.
• Contribute to efforts to build a culture of adaptive management, evidence and learning, along with strong MEL capacity and practices.
• Oversee the Activity MEL team and sub-contractors, such as external evaluators and enumerators.
• Collaborate with Regional counterparts to ensure adequate support, training and professional development opportunities available to MEL team members.
• Use competency-based approaches to build the capacity of all relevant Activity and partner team members to develop and maintain a high-quality MEL system, which integrates regular reflection, learning, and adaption through analysis of quantitative and qualitative data and other knowledge gained through implementation of the AMELP.
• Conduct field monitoring visits with technical teams and partners, building their capacity to eventually assume responsibility for producing periodic progress reports.
• Promote staff accountability, communicate expectations, and provide constructive feedback informally and formally via regular one-on-one meetings and performance reviews.
• Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.

• Collaborate with technical leads across the consortium and build processes for regular feedback to ensure effective and adaptive management.
• Present program MEL to external MEL and research stakeholders to influence decision-makers and promote collaboration and shared learning.
• Actively collaborate with regional and global counterparts to promote the use of MEL best practices and lessons learned.
• Participate in the conceptualization and development of standalone Program level MEL evidence products in collaboration with regional and global Evidence and Learning team.

SECURITY

• Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.
• Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.

Supervisory Responsibility

Accountability

Knowledge and Experience

• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience, including proven experience managing MEL staff
• MA/MS in research methods, statistics, economics, monitoring and evaluation, or other relevant field preferred
• Experience managing MEL and activities under USAID-funded programs
• Proven success in designing, implementing, and overseeing program MEL systems from startup to closeout.
• Experience with and commitment to adaptive management and collaborative, learn, adapt (CLA) processes.
• Research skills, including participatory qualitative and quantitative methodologies and techniques, planning and managing surveys, and developing and refining data collection tools.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, and a proven ability to network and maintain effective working relationships with diverse actors.
• Previous experience in Iraq or similar context is essential.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English; fluency in Arabic highly desired.

Success Factors

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions