Afghanistan: Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Manager

Afghanaid, an international NGO (www.afghanaid.org.uk) registered in England and Wales, has facilitated community-driven processes for emergency assistance, recovery and development to address the fundamental needs of people in some of the most remote areas of Afghanistan for more than three decades. Headquartered in Kabul, with provincial and district offices in Badakhshan (north-eastern region), Samangan (northern region) and Ghor (western region) and a Marketing and Fundraising office in London, Afghanaid employs more than 400 personnel, 98% of whom are Afghans.

Purpose of the Role

The Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Manager is a key position within the organisation under the direct line management of the Director of Programmes. The role is responsible for guiding the overall MEL strategy and the implementation of related activities. In consultation with relevant project staff and under the guidance of project managers, the post holder will be responsible for:

System Development and Implementation

· Design and develop an output, outcome and results-based monitoring system based on the log frame of each active project

· Engage key stakeholders in important external evaluations to ensure an understanding of locally perceived impacts and problems

· Design and undertake and/or commission baseline assessments, mid-term reviews and end-lines

· Design data collection tools, collect baseline data and create matrices based on survey questions

· Provide technical advice for the revision of performance indicators of project-specific log frames as and when required

· Ensure that both monitoring methodology and monitoring systems provide measurable evidence of community empowerment, gender equality and local ownership of project results, based on indicators agreed upon with project staff and communities

· Coordinate the preparation of all project reports, to be generated on a quarterly, bi-annual and annual basis from the MEL system

· Encourage staff to report frankly on fieldwork, highlighting problems and possible solutions plus lessons learned

· Check that monitoring data is discussed in the appropriate fora (e.g. provincial management team, Programmes, Programme Development Knowledge Management (PDKM) Department and the Directorate) and in a timely fashion

· Submit required analytical reports on progress (including indications of planned actions and financial statements) on time and to the relevant bodies, with assistance from programme staff

· Advise project management teams on course correction measures based on findings from project mid-term reviews

· Contribute to the development of the annual budget and work plan by ensuring the inclusion of M&E activities

· Prepare a calendar of M&E activities and a detailed M&E budget

· Facilitate and join (if required) any external supervision and evaluation missions

· Monitor the follow up of evaluation recommendations

Staff Learning and Development

· Develop relevant training modules and train M&E staff in project-specific tools and systems to track and document progress against outputs, outcomes and results

· Provide clarity on M&E team roles and responsibilities

People Management

· Supervise M&E staff across Afghanaid through direct and matrix line management

· Support/lead recruitment, inductions, training, coaching and performance management of M&E staff to ensure they are qualified, trained and motivated to meet the highest professional standards

· Support staff in the attainment of their personal development objectives

· Conduct frequent meetings with all direct and matrix reports; share meeting outcomes with the Director of Programmes

Knowledge Management

· Document, provide feedback on and disseminate lessons learned generated from mid-term reviews, end-of-project evaluations and project end-line surveys

· Support the Director of Programmes with creating a Terms of Reference for consultants being recruited (as per project log frame) for mid-term reviews end-line surveys, end-of- project evaluations, special studies, etc.

· Document, package and disseminate (e.g. through holding a workshop at the provincial and/or national levels) best practices and key lessons learned, preferably on an annual basis or with a project ending

· Facilitate exchange of experiences by supporting and coordinating participation in existing networks of humanitarian and development organisations in Afghanistan

External Representation and Networking

· Proactively engage with donors, other stakeholders and support networks focused on learning and knowledge management

Other duties as assigned

Personal Specification

Essential:

Experience

· 5-7 years of experience working in a leading international NGO designing and managing outcomes and results-based M&E systems to track project impact

· 3-5 years of experience in Project Cycle Management (PCM)

· 2-3 years of experience in developing and managing organisation-wide programme information systems

· Proven track record in leading change, motivating, mentoring, coaching and facilitating learning and development of colleagues

· Previous substantive experience of M&E standards of institutional donors including DFID, USAID, EU, ECHO, UNICEF, UN OCHA, World Bank, etc.

Education

· Postgraduate degree in Development Studies, Project Management or Social Sciences from a reputable university

Skills, Knowledge and Qualities

· Excellent written and spoken English

· Demonstrated ability to write high quality documents and reports for diverse audiences

· Sound understanding and hands-on experience of logical framework approach, project cycle management and result based management.

· Strength in quantitative and qualitative analytical packages such as SPSS and ACCESS

· Proven ability to think and lead strategically, plan effectively, set priorities and meet deadlines

· Personal integrity, initiative and drive to get the things done and achieve results

· Strong organisational and coordination skills, ability to work with significant levels of autonomy, manage personal priorities and meet tight deadlines

· Outgoing and engaging personality with and strong sense of humour

· Proven ability to work in teams and manage relationships with a variety of stakeholders

· Excellent conceptual and analytical skills

· Ability to convey key ideas with clarity and precision

· Cultural and gender sensitivity and ability to live and work in multicultural environments

· Ability to lead and influence others with diplomacy and tact

· Demonstrated ability to deal with difficult, often ambiguous and challenging situations and solve problems creatively

· Willingness to live, travel and work in isolated and possibly insecure locations

· Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

· Ability to represent a respected organisation at a senior level

· Commitment to Afghanaid’s vision and mission

Desirable:

· Minimum of 1-year recent experience working overseas in a conflict-affected country

· Professional degree in M&E

Other Information:

Afghanaid’s core values are creativity, fairness and honesty. Our staff are passionate about and proud of their work. Teamwork is fundamental to our standards and is demonstrated by taking initiative, assisting others and taking on additional responsibilities / tasks if necessary. We are results driven, committed and motivated to achieve targets and take accountability for our own actions.

Our remuneration and benefits package is competitive with other similar organisations.