Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning Officer

1. JOB SUMMARY – PURPOSE

The position is responsible for Basic Needs Basic Rights Kenya’s knowledge generation and management, shared learning and accountability that support internal learning and accountability, and evidence-based advocacy and policy influencing.The primary accountability is the research and evidence process right from concept building, data collection systems and procedures, ensuring highest degree of ethics in data and information generation, handling, processing and storage.
It is also responsible for providing support to implementation of BNBR’s programs, projects and activities in monitoring and measuring their impact; development and implementation of M&E systems and tools ensure the use of technically appropriate monitoring and evaluation models and information systems; and dissemination of results to stakeholders (including documentation and sharing of experiences and lessons).
2. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.

R1. Business Management

T.1 Support the development and implementation of MERL strategies annual operational plans and management plans.

T.2 Development, implementation, and periodic review of systems and frameworks, standards, protocols, policies and procedures for MERL.

T.3 Coordinate the day-to-day operations and manage activity schedules of MERL.

T.4 Support fundraising and resource mobilization initiatives; lead baseline studies/surveys for program design, and provide data and information needed to develop concept papers and proposals.

T.5 Manage MERL budget and ensure prudent use of resources allocated.

R2. Management of Monitoring and Evaluation Systems and Protocols

T.1 Develop and maintain robust M&E frameworks and systems that facilitate effective tracking, capturing, processing, reporting and documentation of programs, projects, and activities.

T.2  Support the development of baseline concepts, research protocols, and ethical clearance, and present and defend these at Ethics Review Committees locally or coordinate with sectorial, local, regional, international and other bodies on a case by case basis.

T.3 Coordinate baseline surveys, studies, external assessments and evaluations, data collection (including development of tools and ensuring adherence to protocols), and quality control exercises for programs, projects and initiatives at field level.

T4 Establish/maintain a comprehensive and accurate M&E database for all programs/projects at the coast region.

T.5 Facilitate structured storage of all data and information and ensure regular back-ups (at least monthly) are carried out.

T.6  Support program teams in analyzing data for management decisions and grant report submissions.

T.7 Monitor program implementation through regular contact and field visits to program/project sites.

T.8 Prepare and disseminate regular updates (at least monthly) for BNBR project management systems, data holding platforms and keeps custody of data and confidential information as per data collection and storage standards and protocols.

T9 Ensure MELR results are consistent with funding agreements and guidelines, and any emerging issues are highlighted and addressed in a timely manner.

T.10 In collaboration with the Communications and Advocacy Lead, support Executive Director, Programs team and Board in policy dialogue and outreaches, and advocacy initiatives, spearheading evidence presentations and profiling in such forums.

T.11 Facilitate documentation and reporting of assessments, program data, case studies, experiences, best practices, and lessons learned.

T.12 Synthesize lessons and experiences from M&E for continuous improvement of programs, projects and activities.

T.13 Prepare and submit regular and ad-hoc MERL reports, as necessary.

R3. Support to Research and Learning

T.1 Train staff and partners in MERL protocols, tools, database, story gathering, and reporting.

T.2 Liaise with MERL lead and program teams to carry out research and studies in specific areas, build case studies, and document best practices for sharing with other stakeholders.

R4.Quality Control and Assurance

T1 Maintain high quality standards in the performance of MERL unit in the organization.

T.2 Schedule and oversee regular monitoring activities of programs and ensure that MERL database is regularly updated and accurate.

T.3 Promote initiatives that promote and enhance service delivery.

T.4 Support other teams to periodically review performance metrics and in employing use of data for decision making that promotes enhanced service delivery to beneficiaries.

R5. Relationship Management

T.1 Maintain and nurture productive and profitable relationships with relevant stakeholders, academia, government departments and agencies, local community, donors, partners, collaborators etc.

T.2 Represent and participate in relevant forums where nominated.

T.3 Maintain a network of peers and professional contacts for exchange of ideas and information.

R6.Undertake any other assignment as may be directed by the Supervisor from time to tim 

3. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

(The knowledge, skills and abilities may be acquired through a combination of formal schooling, self-education, prior experience, or on-the-job training).

a.       Level of Education

•       Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Public Health and/or Post Graduate training in Statistics, Population studies, Demography, epidemiology

•       Additional training in an added advantage

b.       Specialized Training/Professional Qualifications

•       Post-graduate or professional qualification in Monitoring, Evaluation, Research Ethics, Mental Health Research, Research Methods, Project Planning and Management, Statistics, MIS, ICT, related subjects is an added advantage.

•       Experience in community participatory methodologies.

•       Statistical data analysis skills such as SPSS, Epi Info, STATA etc

c.       Competencies/Abilities/Skills

•       Strong management, planning and organizational skills

•       Experience in data collection and management skills.

•       Strong analytical skills and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

•       Strong communication, report writing and presentation skills and fluency in English and Kiswahili.

•       Strong project management and reporting skills.

•       Experience in donor compliance requirements

•       Strong networking, relationship management and negotiation skills.

•       Strong skills in use of modern ICT software that support M&E and proficiency in Microsoft Office programs including Excel, Word, and Outlook.

•       Must have good interpersonal relations and team orientation with ability to capacity build staff and partners.

•       Must be committed to BNBR vision, mission and values.

d.       Job experience:

•       At least three (3) years relevant work experience in a similar position preferably in NGO with practical work experience in development sector supporting population and health research, data management and writings

5.       AUTHORITY/INDEPENDENT ACTION

The job is performed in accordance with standard procedures and guidelines with ability to make independent decision. It involves making recommendation on program implementation and related policies and systems that support MERL to enhance service delivery and ensure the organization meets its goals and objectives, to management, Executive Director and Board for consideration and approval.

6.       RESOURCE MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY
The job provides responsibility for all MERL data, information, documents/documentation, records and reports in the organization. Additional responsibility is for financial and other assets (material resources).

7.       WORKING CONDITIONS

a. Working Environment
The job is conducted in an office setting with regular monthly field visits/work.

b. Occupational HazardsThe work performed presents limited exposure to job related hazards. There are periods which require ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines especially on submission of reports. Regular field trips involve exposure to some difficult situations/environments and harsh terrain and exposure to adverse weather conditions.

8.       ACCEPTANCE/APPROVAL
This job description summarizes the responsibilities assigned to the position; however it does not contain an all-inclusive list of responsibilities. Periodically, employee(s) will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. The job holder is expected to perform in a manner consistent with the values of Basic Needs Basic Rights Kenya (BNBR).

Terms:
1.    All job applications are to be sent via brighter Monday.
2.    Candidates to send an Application letter and a CV as 1 document.
3.    Deadline: 10th March 2024.
4.    Only shortlisted Applicants will be contacted.