Regional Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning Officer

BACKGROUND: Right To Play is a global organization that uses the transformative power of play to educate and empower children facing adversity. Through playing sports and games, Right To Play helps over one million children learn through play to create better futures, while driving lasting social change in more than 18 countries each week. Founded in 2000 by social entrepreneur and four-time Olympic gold medallist Johann Olav Koss, Right To Play is headquartered in Toronto, Canada and has national fundraising offices in Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Regional offices are in Africa, and Middle East and Asia. Our programs are facilitated by more than 600 international staff and 16,000 local volunteer Coaches. JOB SUMMARY: As a member of the regional leadership team, the ultimate goal of the Regional Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning officer (RMELO) is to lead the M&E system across the region so that monitoring and evaluation ensures that Right To Play contributes to a healthier and safer world through sport and play by facilitating continuous organizational learning, providing credible evidence and improving program effectiveness.  The RMELO will provide technical leadership and support for Regional Office colleagues, the Country Office (CO) Directors and MEL Officers, and region-wide partners towards achieving this goal. S/he reports to the Director – MEA programs. Additionally, the RMELO will be an integral member of the global MEL leadership team, and will also receive support from and regularly communicate with the MEL staff team at Right To Play headquarters and with the broader Right To Play MEL community.  S/he will play a key role in the ongoing development and strengthening of global MEL strategies and approaches at Right To Play.   PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: Job Responsibility #1: MEL CAPACITY BUILDING AND SUPPORT:  (25% of Time): Provides ongoing mentorship and support for MEL officers in Right To Play’s Middle East and Asia countries. Conducts periodic country technical assistance and audit trips to support and oversee the quality of data collection processes and data management systems Leads regional MEL trainings with country program and MEL staff/partners to enhance monitoring, learning and information sharing. Supports MEA Country MEL officers to design and implement trainings with staff and partners at the country level to enhance monitoring, learning and information sharing. Provides technical support to the regional and country offices on log frame development and measurement plans. Contributes to Right To Play’s online MEL portal and other global organizational initiatives to share learning and best practices   Job Responsibility #2: QUALITY MONITORING PROCESS & SYSTEMS: (25% of time): Works in collaboration with the global MEL team to customize and implement the global MEL framework within MEA, including data collection processes, tools and systems. Oversees and supports the semi-annual outcomes monitoring process by: 1) providing technical support on the sampling, data collection, and analysis processes, 2) ensuring quality and accuracy of data, 3) coordinating and reviewing all country outcome reports, 4) developing a regional report that synthesizes key findings across the countries Ensures timely and accurate reporting of outputs by coordinating, analyzing, updating and maintaining the Quarterly Count system; Leads the regional implementation of the MEL database Identifies innovations and improvements to enhance effectiveness of the Right To Play Global MEL framework and systems   Job Responsibility #3: PROGRAM LEARNING, PLANNING AND DESIGN: (25% of time): Oversees the identification and the ongoing review of the key strategic learning questions for each country in MEA and for the region as a whole.  Supports MEA Country MEL Officers in integrating the learning questions into their measurement plans. Develops a regional strategy to ensure that the MEL findings are shared and discussed and are informing programming decision-making (e.g. presenting on the key MEL findings at regional forums, facilitating discussions about the implications stemming from these findings, etc…).   Assists country staff and partners to reflect on and document the findings, including lessons learned and best practices. Provides additional technical support as needed throughout the region during program planning, including log frame development and review, identification of indicators and performance targets, and development of project-specific measurement approaches.  Supports in the development of proposals as needed.    Job Responsibility #4: ASSESSMENTS, EVALUATIONS AND STUDIES: (20% of Time): Serves as principal evaluator for major baseline and needs assessment studies, while supporting country teams in routine needs assessments and baselines. Co-leads internal mid-term evaluations with Right To Play Headquarters, ensuring: strong coordination of planning and logistics, relevant design and data collection techniques, comprehensive analysis, and wide-spread communication of results Supports external evaluations by informing the terms of reference, recruitment decisions, and methodology and draft report reviews Collaborates with the Global MEL staff in the planning and implementation of MEA-based Right To Play Strategic Learning Studies and Operational Research Studies   Performs other duties as assigned (5% of Time)  EXPERIENCE: 3 to 5 years of experience in international development and monitoring & evaluation 3 years of practical experience in designing and leading field-based program/project monitoring, evaluations, and / or research studies Practical experience in humanitarian and/or development work preferably focused on children/youth Experience working with multiple countries/field offices and with headquarters Work experience at national and international levels in programme monitoring and evaluation Experience in data analysis Experience in conducting training and mentorship to others, preferably related to MEL concept and skillsets.  COMPETENCIES / PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with multiple/external stakeholders Detail oriented and analytical strong problem-solving skills Ability to work independently and make sound judgments to complete projects Ability to work in teams and build capacity of project team and partners in the area of monitoring and evaluation Ability to manage multiple projects Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines Willingness and ability to travel even at short notice Legally able to live and work in the region of assignment TECHNICAL SKILLS: Strong knowledge of planning and implementing program monitoring and evaluation methodologies and frameworks Strong knowledge of program design and implementation, including results-based management, use of log frames and key performance indicators, etc.. Strong analysis skills for quantitative and qualitative data A strong working knowledge of issues related to and approaches for development and humanitarian programming (e.g. health, education, community development, refugee and internally displaced populations, gender equality, inclusion, advocacy, etc..) Excellent written and presentation skills in English, particularly related to presenting findings and writing M&E reports   DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Training and certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation systems Experience in supporting / conducting external evaluations Knowledge of SPSS or any other statistical software Knowledge of Sport for Development