Research and MEAL Specialist at Save the Children

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY

• Program Research, Monitoring and Evaluation
• Together with the consortium M&E working group, lead in the design, implementation and review of the project MEAL framework.
• Lead the MEAL and information team to support field Programme activities.
• Ensure that quality data is collected and that data quality audits are conducted on a routine basis to identify any challenges with data.
• Review and sign off on all data that is generated by the project before it is shared within consortium and externally with partners/stakeholders and take responsibility for any data issues.
• Take lead together with the consortium partners M&E working group in the design and implementation of all research studies, and assessments as well as evaluations.
• Lead in the dissemination of programme findings and lessons learned through the production of high quality materials and their effective dissemination to key stakeholders.
• Participate in the design of the Collaborate, Learn and Adapt (CLA) methodology of the programme implementation to ensure NAWIRI interventions are working to address persistent acute malnutrition.
• Ensure that all data generated by the project is timely, of a good quality and that it is used for program decision making
•  Knowledge management and Learning
• The MEAL specialist will closely work with field technical advisors in the development of implementation learning strategy, including design and development of data collection tools.
• Responsible for coordinating learning activities during the project implementation
• Take lead in ensuring that learning becomes a core business of the project and that staff are regularly participating in learning and reflection- Institute a learning culture
• Ensure that the project has a learning calendar that is adhered to and that all program staff do contribute to learning and adaptation.
• Support the PDQ team in the establishment and operation of a system that will enable SCI staff to access a centralized data and information and ensure the setting up and maintenance of a resource library
• Develop knowledge management system that facilitates the capturing, storage, dissemination and use of key learning emanating from various internal and external sources. 
• Communicate program learning (through document sharing, presentations, etc.) internally to provide guidance and technical input on strategic direction and program design, and externally with key stakeholders (NGOs, government partners, working groups, etc.).
• Coordinate with sectors' technical coordinators and program staff to ensure that lessons learned are properly documented and are incorporated into program implementation.
• Lead and foster learning based on best practices, lessons and feedback captured from program participants (adults and children) to influence and guide the design and implementation of our programs and regularly produce and report on best practices and case studies.
• Accountability, Reporting and Child safeguarding
• Regularly review and monitor child safeguarding issues. Take corrective action in modifying programme activities and/or report incidents.
• Ensure that accountability to beneficiaries becomes a core element and success indicator for all NAWIRI program activities and engage beneficiaries and stakeholders in evaluations and research activities.
• Ensure participation of beneficiaries and children in monitoring and evaluating of the projects. This includes introduction of context specific and functioning accountability systems.
• Develop a robust system for capturing and reporting against accountability-related indicators and conduct regular trend analysis of complaints and feedback for learning and improvement.
• Design and implement appropriate feedback mechanisms that are contextual, effective, accessible and safe for beneficiaries and that ensure that feedback is recorded, reviewed and acted upon.
• Development and regular sharing of project MEAL monthly reports and complaint/feedback databases with project staff for action and with Head of MEAL for consolidation and sharing with SMT.
•  External Representation and Partnerships Management
• Represent Save the Children in the consortium M&E working group and other MEAL technical forums and initiatives regarding Research, monitoring and evaluation, accountability, and learning
• Lead and manage the NAWIRI project relationship with research institutions and consultants hired to conduct external evaluations
• Ensure close working relationships and regular communication on MEAL issues with project partners at all levels (sub counties, counties and national), including with government and other organizations working in the project areas, to ensure efficient and effective project implementation;
• Take the initiative in documenting lessons learnt, best practice and case studies to shape in-country MEAL strategies and evidence-based program approaches, and contribute to broader MEAL-focused learning.
• Pro-actively identify MEAL opportunities, case studies and research opportunities, which link with wider organizational and programmatic strategic objectives, and turn these into action.
• Contribute to identify the capacity of present and potential partners in quality programming and ensure that MEAL support is provided.

 Capacity building and MEAL staff management:

• Ensure the recruitment and training of NAWIRI MEAL officers as appropriate and ensure availability of appropriate professional development opportunities.
• Develop learning needs assessment, professional development, and capacity-building plans for both NAWIRI SC and partner staff
• Manage the performance of supervisees and provide feedback through: effective use of the Performance Management System including the establishment of clear, measureable objectives, ongoing feedback, periodic reviews and fair and unbiased evaluations; coaching, mentoring and other developmental opportunities; recognition and rewards for outstanding performance; documentation of performance that is less than satisfactory, with appropriate performance improvements/ work plans 
• Support and build the technical capacity of and equip the MEAL and other project team with relevant data collection, management, and analysis tools and skills using the state-of-the-art software (STATA and/or SPSS, ATLAS.ti) to ensure quality and timely analysis of program and MEAL data to inform timely decision-making for learning and quality programming

 Other

• Participate actively in NAWIRI programme meetings, planning and review activities.

 QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Bachelor degree in Population studies, Public health, Social sciences and a master's degree in Monitoring and Evaluation, or other discipline relevant to the job.
• At least 5 years of experience working in Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, Accountability and Learning including a senior management position in an INGO setting , preferably with solid experience in more than one of the Save the Children priority sectors: education, child protection, child rights governance, child poverty, health and nutrition. USAID RFSA programming experience is an added advantage.
• Proven experience of undertaking evaluations/research or leading evaluation/research teams, with outstanding skills in qualitative and quantitative research and data analysis using relevant software such as STATA or SPSS, and ATLAS.ti (to be assessed) and data management Software such Commcare
• Technical expertise in various data analysis software and proven experience using mobile technology for data collection with experience of electronic data collection using tablets or other devices
• Understanding and experience in child rights programming.
• Understanding of Save the Children's vision and mission and commitment to its objectives and values
• Written and verbal fluency in English

 Desirable

• Strong commitment to capacity building of county staff and partners with willingness to adopt participatory and consultative approaches.
• Experience working in arid and semi-arid land (ASAL) settings preferred.
• Strong writing skills, including experience in writing, capacity statements and position papers.
• Good interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate and negotiate clearly and effectively at all levels, taking into account cultural and language difficulties.
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills including influencing, negotiation and coaching.
• Highly developed cultural awareness and ability to work well in an international environment with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Strong results orientation, with the ability to challenge existing mind-sets.
• Experience solving complex issues through analysis, definition of a clear way forward and ensuring buy-in.
• Ability to present complex information in a succinct and compelling manner.
• Ability and willingness to dramatically change work practices and hours, and work with incoming surge teams, in the event of emergencies.