Regional Monitoring & Evaluation Officer

JOB SUMMARY: As a member of the regional leadership team, the ultimate goal of the Regional M&E officer 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 RMEO will provide technical leadership and support for Regional Office colleagues, the Country Office (CO) Managers and M&E Officers, and region-wide partners towards achieving this goal. S/he reports to the Regional Program Manager. Additionally, the RMEO will be an integral member of the global M&E leadership team, and will also receive support from and regularly communicate with the M&E staff team at Right To Play headquarters and with the broader Right To Play M&E community.  S/he will play a key role in the ongoing development and strengthening of global M&E strategies and approaches at Right To Play.   RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS   Job Responsibility #1 : M&E CAPACITY BUILDING AND SUPPORT (approximate time: 25%) Provide ongoing mentorship and support for M&E officers in Right To Play’s Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) countries. Conduct periodic country technical assistance and audit trips to support and oversee the quality of data collection processes and data management systems Lead regional M&E trainings with country program and M&E staff/partners to enhance monitoring, learning and information sharing. Support MENA Country M&E officers to design and implement trainings with staff and partners at the country level to enhance monitoring, learning and information sharing. Provide technical support to the regional and country offices on log frame development and measurement plans. Contribute to Right To Play’s online M&E portal and other global organizational initiatives to share learning and best practices.   Job Responsibility #2: QUALITY MONITORING PROCESS & SYSTEMS (approximate time: 30%) Work in collaboration with the global M&E team to customize and implement the global M&E framework within MENA, including data collection processes, tools and systems. Oversee and support 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 Ensure timely and accurate reporting of outputs by coordinating, analyzing, updating and maintaining the Quarterly Count system; Lead the regional implementation of the M&E database Identify innovations and improvements to enhance effectiveness of the Right To Play Global M&E framework and systems   Job Responsibility #3: PROGRAM LEARNING, PLANNING AND DESIGN (approximate time: 25%) Oversee the identification and the ongoing review of the key strategic learning questions for each country in MENA and for the region as a whole.  Support MENA Country M&E Officers in integrating the learning questions into their measurement plans. Develop a regional strategy to ensure that the M&E findings are shared and discussed and are informing programming decision-making (e.g. presenting on the key M&E findings at regional forums, facilitating discussions about the implications stemming from these findings, etc…).   Assist country staff and partners to reflect on and document the findings, including lessons learned and best practices. Provide 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.  Support in the development of proposals as needed.    Job Responsibility #4:  ASSESSMENTS, EVALUATIONS AND STUDIES (approximate time: 20%) Serve as principal evaluator for major baseline and needs assessment studies, while supporting country teams in routine needs assessments and baselines. Co-lead 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 Support external evaluations by informing the terms of reference, recruitment decisions, and methodology and draft report reviews Collaborate with the Global M&E staff in the planning and implementation of MENA-based Right To Play Strategic Learning Studies and Operational Research Studies       EDUCATION / TRAINING / CERTIFICATION Required (must have):       Advanced university degree in social sciences Desired (asset):   Training and certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation systems   EXPERIENCE COMPENTENCIES/PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES Required (must have):       3 to 5 years of experience in international development and  monitoring and evaluation Minimum 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 M&E concepts and skillsets.    Desired (asset): Experience in supporting/conducting external evaluations   COMPETENCIES/PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES Required (must have): 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;   KNOWLEDGE AND TECHNICAL SKILLS: Required (must have): A background in program evaluation methodologies.  Understanding of quantitative and qualitative research approaches and best practices, and of child-friendly data collection methods. Knowledge of S.M.A.R.T. indicators A strong working knowledge of issues related to development and humanitarian programming (sport for development, health, education, community development, refugee and internally displaced populations, gender equity, inclusion and advocacy). Substantial experience and knowledge of monitoring and evaluation processes for NGO programs. Basic computer skills (e.g. typing skills, MS Word, MS Excel, etc…)   Desired (asset): Knowledge of SPSS or any other statistical software A second or third language relevant to the region, particularly Arabic Knowledge of Sport for Development