Job Posting:  Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Specialist (MELS)

Closing Date:   24th May 2021

Organization: Right To Play International

Department/Division:  Program/Country Office

Work location:  Mali – Bamako

BACKGROUND:

Right To Play is a global organisation that protects, educates and empowers children to rise above adversity using play. By harnessing play, one of the most powerful and fundamental forces in a child’s life, we helped 2.3 million children last year to stay in school and out of work, to prevent life-threatening diseases like HIV and malaria and to stay safe from exploitation and abuse. We are the only global development organization focused exclusively on using play to transform the lives of children and youth impacted by poverty, war, disease and inequality.

Established in 2000, Right To Play is headquartered in Toronto, Canada and has operations in 22 countries across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

With a shared passion for our mission, our Culture Code guides how we act and interact based on five core pillars:

• Accept Everyone – Be intentional about inclusion
• Make Things Happen – Seek opportunities to lead and innovate
• Display Courage – Act with integrity
• Demonstrate Care – Look after yourself and one another
• Be Playful – Have fun at work

The Mali Country Office is currently searching for a qualified and self-driven candidate to join a team of professionals in Mali as Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Specialist (MELS). 

JOB SUMMARY

The Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Specialist (MELS) reports directly to the Country Director (CD). The incumbent receives technical advice and supervision from the relevant Global MEL Manager – HQ. The MELS collaborates with staff, not only at the country office level, but also within the region and across the organization, globally. The primary roles and responsibilities of the MELS are to (a) manage and implement Right To Play’s country-level monitoring, evaluation and learning plan, within the scope of the overall Country Strategic Plan, and country-based needs and contexts; (b) coordinate and supervise the monitoring of program activities, and outcomes and support the development of program reports; (c) support program planning at the country level by conducting appropriate assessments and through the provision of technical assistance; (d) manage country specific program evaluations; (e) help the country office utilize the findings in their planning and decision-making; and (f) contribute to the Global MEL Strategy as a member and/or  lead of one or more strategic working groups. The MELS leads the MEL system across the country and plays an active part in the global Right To Play MEL Community of Practice by contributing to the organization’s understanding of its program approaches and outcomes. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

In accordance with Right To Play (RTP) approved policies and procedures, the incumbent:

		Time %
1.	Output and Outcome Monitoring ·     Develops and implements an effective system for output monitoring data management and sharing data from project sites to country office. ·     Ensures that data is collected, cleaned and analyzed for timely submission to the Country Office, Regional Office and HQ as per the task and/or program. In addition, ensures data quality and integrity by periodically conducting spot checks and/or field visits to verify data and/or investigate any data anomalies. ·     Ensures Country Office and field staff have clarity on program-wide metrics (including definitions), processes, and systems. ·     Develops and implements country-specific plans and budgets for outcome assessment activities, ensuring alignment with key program measurement dates. ·     Coordinates the required field preparation prior to all MEL activities related to outcome assessments and implements program outcome assessments once a year. ·     Supports the development and refinement of data collection and data entry instruments required for the program and conducts data audits and checks to ensure accuracy in data collection and entry. ·     Conducts high-level analysis on quantitative and qualitative data collected and leads country-based internal and external assessments for quality control purposes. ·     Ensures data storage is in line with standards and norms and prescribed in the Global MEL Strategy. ·     Coordinates access to, and retrieval of, secondary data and ensures timely and comprehensive responses to donor-based data inquiries as needed. Supports country staff to understand MEL requirements for annual reporting. ·     Identifies innovations and improvements to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of country-based data collection, storage and management.	35%
2.	Evaluations and Studies ·     Coordinates overall process of country specific program evaluations such as needs assessments, baselines, mid-terms, formative and final evaluations. ·     Develops appropriate budget for evaluations, terms of reference (ToRs) and requests for proposals (RFPs). ·     Leads the review and rating of technical proposals for consultant selection, and manages consultants over the evaluation phases. ·     Ensures timely and quality completion of evaluations and submission of evaluation reports. ·     Compiles country-specific summaries of results and findings from evaluations, according to reporting templates and guidelines and submits these, as required. ·     Supports research initiatives as appropriate and provides critical input and feedback throughout the conceptualizing, planning and implementation process. ·     Leads the identification and establishment of suitable academic and research partners at country level.	30%
3.	MEL Capacity Building and Training ·     Trains partner staff and Right To Play staff in output monitoring and outcome assessments procedures, standards and tools. ·     Trains data enumerators such as Field Facilitators and partner staff on data collection tools and processes. ·     Provides workshops as needed on MEL for country staff, partners and stakeholders.	10%
4.	Country Planning Processes support and facilitation ·     Supports Country Office, Regional Office and HQ office in developing logic frameworks for new programs and reviews logic frameworks for existing programs including the identification of appropriate outcomes and SMART indicators. ·     Supports program teams to ensure indicators are linked to appropriate evidence and backup within the database; ·     In collaboration with other staff in the Country Office, Regional Office, and HQ office, identifies program and decision-making implications of MEL findings. ·     Develops summary materials and delivers presentations on MEL findings to staff, partners, beneficiaries, and/or other stakeholders.	10%
5.	Development and Strengthening of Global MEL Strategy ·     Participates in RTP’s Global MEL Strategy Working Groups, MEL workshops, trainings and consultations. ·     Shares MEL good practices, lessons learned and other insights with RTP MEL colleagues through the Global MEL Community of Practice. ·     Maintains regular communications with the Regional MEL Manager, and Director, MEL where applicable. ·     Supports other global MEL initiatives as required and as agreed to by the Country Director.	5%
6.	Dissemination of findings and integration into planning, and decision-making ·     Provides technical support to develop country-specific plans for reviewing, discussing, and sharing the results. ·     Leads the country specific activities (e.g. meetings, workshops) for reviewing, discussing and sharing results and consolidates countrywide results for communication, learning and knowledge management purposes. ·     Works with Communication team to develop appropriate materials such as documents, presentations that outline the results and findings. ·     Identifies key learning questions for discussion related to program implications of findings and recommendations. ·     Implements and leads appropriate mechanisms to ensure effective response and actions taken upon evaluations recommendations.	5%
7.	Performs other duties as assigned.	5%

PLANNING AND ORGANIZING

The incumbent is responsible for planning the MEL activities for the whole program in the country and is responsible for planning his/her own work priorities subject to oversight of the CD. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Must have)

(A) EDUCATION/TRAINING/CERTIFICATION

• Masters’ degree in social sciences, project development or related discipline to MEL and/or significant relevant experience in lieu of education.
• Training in Monitoring and Evaluation such as university courses, workshops, certificates.

(B)  EXPERIENCE

• 5 years of practical experience developing and implementing monitoring evaluation and learning frameworks (developing logic frameworks, outcomes, indicators, targets and data collection plans), including 1 year of practical experience working with social programs and 3 years supporting and/or managing major evaluations (baseline, mid-term, final.)
• Expertise and experience in designing data collection tools both qualitative and quantitative data
• Experience conducting analysis for quantitative data and qualitative data and managing data sets (coordinating data entry, ensuring data quality, managing data confidential storage).
• Experience in monitoring and evaluation processes for NGO programs

 (C) COMPETENCIES / PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Advanced interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills
• Strong analytical and conceptual skills to think and plan strategically and to identify trends.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work appropriately with a variety of populations and stakeholders, including children, youth, parents, teachers and school administrators, government, and other partners.
• Proven knowledge and experience in development of both quantitative and qualitative data collection instruments
• Proven written communication and presentation skills, presenting evaluation findings through a variety of mediums— data visuals (graphs), reports and presentations

(D)   TECHNICAL SKILLS:

• Strong background in program evaluation methodologies
• Understanding of quantitative and qualitative research approaches and best practices, and of child-friendly data collection methods
• Knowledge of SMART indicators
• A strong working knowledge of issues related to development and humanitarian programming (education, health, sport for development, community development, refugee and internally displaced populations, gender equity, inclusion and advocacy)
• Computer literacy in statistical analysis software, MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Internet usage

(E) LANGUAGES:

Fluency in written and spoken English and the local language(s). French is also required in francophone countries.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to work appropriately with a variety of populations and stakeholders, including children, youth, parents, teachers and school administrators and government
• Experience designing and leading evaluation or research studies
• Experience conducting data collection with children
• Expertise and experience in training and capacity building (e.g., developing and delivering workshops, mentoring and supporting colleagues, etc.)
• Experience identifying program implications and recommendations from data findings.

JOB CONTRIBUTIONS/IMPACT 

PROBLEM SOLVING

 The incumbent is expected to follow the work procedures while using analytical skills to solve work related problems. Seeks the CM’s support when required.

FINANCIAL IMPACT

The incumbent is expected to make sure that the implementation of MEL activities are within budget.    

INFORMATION MANAGEMENT 

The incumbent is expected to keep a database of reports, data, and MEL related documents and share information with project team.

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

The incumbent is expected to monitor and evaluate project results and recommend changes where appropriate.

RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

The incumbent is expected to enhance relationships with partners by keeping contact with them and asking for their feedback and their intervention when needed. He/she is also responsible for maintaining good relationships with all staff.

CONTACTS/KEY RELATIONSHIPS 

Internal: The Country Director, Project Team in the respective country, Global MEL Manager – HQ, MEL Community of Practice

External: Stakeholders and partners’ staff

WORKING CONDITIONS

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT AND EFFORT

The incumbent will be splitting his/her time between the field and the office based on the priorities and as required to attend stakeholders’ meetings, conduct field visits, follow up on the project implementation.

SENSORY DEMANDS

The incumbent’s job requires concentration, accuracy and attention to deadlines. The incumbent is expected to conduct monitoring and evaluation training sessions and collect and analyze data with attention to details and accuracy. 

MENTAL DEMANDS

The incumbent’s job requires concentration and attention to deadlines.

 

Compensation: We offer a competitive salary and benefits package

Employment Start Date: Immediately

Contract Duration: Long-term engagement based on performance and availability  of funds 

HOW TO APPLY: 

If you are interested in applying for this position, please send your resume and cover letter to: MaliHR@righttoplay.com  and kindly include “MEL Specialist” and your name in the subject line before 24th May 2021 at 5 pm (Mali time). While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Right To Play is a child-centered organization and Women applications are strongly encouraged.

Our recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to the safety and protection of children in our programs.

For more information, follow @RightToPlayIntl and visit www.righttoplay.com