Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Advisor - Middle East

Tracking Code: 218629-927

Job Location: Beirut, Lebanon

Position Type: Full-Time/Regular

Job Description

PROGRAM/ DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:

As Mercy Corps seeks to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression around the world, we recognize that instances of sudden change within a country or region, like the events currently sweeping across the Middle East and North Africa, are rare moments of opportunity.  Mercy Corps is interested in strengthening presence for immediate as well as longer term programming. It is imperative that Mercy Corps present itself as a key and reliable partner with various donors, INGOs, government authorities and civil society actors, to be part of the process of positive change. Mercy Corps, with her global experience in working in countries undergoing major transitions, will be a key contributor in the process, bringing knowledge, expertise and strong management skills to position the agency as a partner of choice for progressive change.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

The Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Advisor will be a key position and requires specialized skills and attention to detail, in close coordination with relevant program managers and Country Directors across multiple programs and countries.  The purpose of this position is to enhance learning across programs, and to build capacity for rigorous M&E, research and learning into program design and staff development.   The MEL Advisor will work closely with other advisors (WASH, economic development, and conflict) to develop program models that allow for research and evaluation to test specific theories of change and lead to enhanced understanding of what works and how Mercy Corps can have the most positive impact in the midst of tremendous chaos and uncertainty.   S/he will also work closely with the Policy Advisor to ensure the collection and production of accurate, responsible data and stories that can be reliably used for public information and policy advocacy. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Vision, Leadership and Strategy on Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning 

• Provide leadership and expertise in areas of monitoring, evaluation, learning, and research, with a strong emphasis on program design for learning, building a culture of using information and data for critical reflection, learning and improvement.  
• Build strong relationships with key program, country, and other leaders and staff that foster a collaborative network of information and sharing. 
• Develop a strategy for staffing, systems, training, and information sharing of MEL activities and initiatives. 
• Build the capacity of all team members – top to bottom – to demand and to use excellent M&E products, including regular reflection and analysis of program monitoring data and production of evidence-based recommendations and reports.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning Technical Oversight

• Develop a centralized repository of key M&E-related tools and documents, including all logframes, survey tools, assessments, data management systems, reports, monitoring tools, etc., and ensure regular use. This centralization is expected to lead to streamlined and consistent approaches to M&E, quicker implementation and uptake, and more effective use of M&E tasks and processes. 
• Approve logframes for all new proposals, promoting consistency in indicator selection.
• Consult on development and implementation of all program-level M&E plans.
• Lead the institutionalization of learning in program and country structures by supporting program teams to develop feedback loops and systems for frequent and regular learning sessions and periodic activity redesigns, and using a full range of monitoring formats and data input.
• Prepare, write and edit reports, assessments, analyses and stories that capture learning, successes, and contribute to policy advocacy and public relations.
• Play a central role in supporting mid-term and final evaluations (internal or external, and including the recruitment and management of external evaluators).
• Identify opportunities for and lead the design and implementation of additional research opportunities, in consultation with Program Director and other sector specialists.
• Coordinate staff capacity building in critical M&E areas and manage internal and external evaluations for all programs.

Information Management Systems

• Play a central role in coordinating and articulating information needs across all programmatic and operational team functions to ensure that technology is used efficiently and effectively, sharing platforms and approaches when appropriate.
• Ensure that program teams evolve internal monitoring systems that include all critical information needs, and reflect frequently and meaningfully on available data, encourage its use for continuous improvement of ongoing programs, high quality reports, and cross-program and cross-border learning.  
• Encourage and coordinate approach for the use of mobile data collection in assessments, surveys, distributions, monitoring, or any other relevant function (to the extent that such approaches can be shown to improve quality and efficiency of data processing).
• Oversee an information management platform yet to be determined, but that should be an effective means of sharing critical information and promoting the use of technology to improve efficiency in data collection, analysis, and information sharing. 
• Maintain key information and documentation on all aspects of program M&E and Learning initiatives, including assessments, baseline surveys, logframes, monitoring tools, M&E plans, job descriptions, data management systems, reports and analyses, and evaluations. 
• Understand the political sensitivities and requirements of each office, and ensure the appropriateness of M&E and technological systems. 
• Other duties as assigned by the Regional Program Director and Regional Program Advisor.

Organizational Learning 

As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve - we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Accountability to Beneficiaries

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: No direct reports.

ACCOUNTABILITY

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO:  Regional Program Advisor

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH:  M&E Managers and field staff, Country Directors, Program Managers, Advisors

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• An MA or equivalent in social sciences, international relations, development studies or related field.
• At least five years of senior-level M&E management experience, preferably with experience in developing countries.
• Experience in database management, shared information platforms (e.g., Sharepoint), mobile data collection, or other relevant technologies for M&E.
• Strong familiarity with research and evaluation techniques including qualitative, quantitative, and rigorous mixed methods designs.
• Demonstrated skill in training and M&E capacity development of field staff.
• Demonstrated skills in use of relevant software for quantitative and qualitative data analysis.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English, including writing and editing required.
• Regional experience in the Middle East is required.
• Willing to travel frequently and extensively in insecure areas with basic services is required.
• Arabic language skills preferred.

SUCCESS FACTORS:

The successful candidate will have an entrepreneurial spirit that is both creative and flexible.  S/he will combine strong communication skills, creativity, initiative, participatory leadership and tactful decisiveness to assist in the development and implementation of Mercy Corps’ M&E strategy and will be able to build professional relationships and networks across platforms, functions, and organizational structures to advance strategic objectives and vision. The MEL Advisor will have the confidence, and humility, to work effectively with a large variety of people who will be diverse culturally, economically and in social status and will have strong organizational skills.

LIVING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: 

The position will be based in the Middle East in a location to be determined. The location is accompanied. Staff housing is provided and there is access to good medical services. Water and electricity are present with frequent cuts. This position requires (up to 50% of time) travel in some less secure environments and travel to other Middle East Mercy Corps offices.

Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

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