Monitoring Evaluation / Research Specialist

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• The incumbent will be expected to support the Project Manager by taking the lead in Monitoring, Evaluation and Research related activities of the program
• Providing technical oversight to the cross cutting theme of Monitoring, Evaluation and Research across the Technical Support Unit, Program Support Unit, and the Implementation Units
• Working in close coordination with the entire program team to review and revise program base documents, such as the Project Logic Model, the Performance Management Framework, the Key Performance Indicators, Project Gantt Chart, Project Budgeted Workplan, and the Critical Pathway of the project
• Designing, developing, implementing, and revising the Monitoring, Evaluation and Research strategy for the program
• Designing, developing, implementing, and revising (periodically) the overall Monitoring, Evaluation and Research framework, MER Plan, Quality Assurance Protocols, Data Management Controls, and Programmatic Information Requirements
• Designing, developing, implementing, and revising (periodically) the Monitoring, Evaluation and Research Data Collection Toolkit, including various tools and templates to be implemented during the course of the Program Management Cycle
• Designing, developing, implementing and following up on standardized field monitoring trainings/ capacity building of program staff, and as and when required, field teams or public sector partner staff

Monitoring

• Providing technical oversight to day to day field monitoring, ensuring quality, efficiency and effectiveness
• Establishing a system of online remote surveillance of field activities using mobile application in use by the program
• Ensuring monitoring of processes, functions, technical aspects of the program by analyzing routinely collected program data in line with Results Based Management principles
• Conducting Routine Data Quality Assessments
• Being the overall custodian of the program datasets
• Conducting periodic field visits in person and by marshaling M&E officers

Evaluations

• Leading periodic internal control mechanisms of assessments, appraisals, surveys, exit interviews, consumer feedback to ensure project progression across specified timelines, and quality of service delivery
• Ensure adherence to OECD-DAC criteria, BOND Principles, and UNEG guidelines throughout the course of program implementation
• Conducting Data Quality Audits
• Conducting Field validations/ verifications/ back checks
• Generating Periodic Technical Analyses to support programmatic decision making, using: (i) Benchmarking; (ii) SWOT; (iii) Force Field Analysis; (iv) Cost Benefit Analysis; (v) Impact Analysis; and (vi) Pareto Charts
• Facilitate third party reviews/ evaluations, if any

Research

• Identify in close coordination with technical support unit specialists areas of need for generating specific evidence (quantitative and/ or qualitative) through operational research to inform programmatic decision making at a design level or at an operational level
• Coordinate all research studies with academic institutions or specialized research entities, and ensure endorsements of relevant ethics committees, and specialists
• Lead the process of periodic syntheses/ analyses of programmatic data to generate inferential reports on specific programming or management areas; these reports will then be used to inform decision making to further improve the quality of services and effectiveness of interventions
• Identify and develop program success stories, case studies, statistics, and measurements of change 

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent analytical skills and the ability to summarize disparate information in a clear and concise manner.
• Excellent research and data collection methodology skills.
• Ability to create organizational work plans based on higher-level goals.
• Ability to lead and coordinate multiple offices through multiple step processes without being a direct supervisor (although appropriate authority will be given)
• Skills in supporting staff with a variety of levels of knowledge and capabilities.
• Strong organizational skills in order to balance competing priorities.
• Ability to work independently to efficiently meet deadlines. 
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Oral and written communication skills to deal effectively with mid and high level partner contacts, the host government, and the local communities.  
• Ability to apply regulations and procedures to daily work requirements
• Excellent computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheet programs and data base management
• The Specialist is expected to exercise initiative and independent judgment based on his/her comprehensive knowledge of development programs. 
• The Specialist must also exercise competent business judgment in dealing effectively with internal and external clients.  
• He/She exercises initiative and independence in performing standard duties in full compliance with all relevant laws, regulations and procedures.