Senior MEL Coordinator

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY

Working under the direction of the Program Manager, the Senior MEL Coordinator is expected to contribute to the quality assurance of program implementation for Mercy Corps and partners. S/he will contribute to the monitoring and evaluation functions related to tracking program progress and quality, collecting useful, timely and actionable information for managers and decision-makers, and contribute to the frequent review, reflection and key learning process to improve performance. S/he will be responsible for creating tools and systems to track output and outcome level progress against indicators, coaching field teams in using the tools and methods of data collection for both Mercy Corps and partners. S/he will work closely with the field team members as well as Beirut colleagues and partners involved in project implementation in order to ensure a coherent and comprehensive project is implemented, lessons are learned and experiences shared across the various sectors and program teams.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Monitoring and Evaluation

Conduct timely data collection, entry, analysis, quality assurance, sharing of information and learning, etc.;

Develop M&E tools and systems that track: i) capacity building initiatives; ii) public participation in community activities; iii) local government capacity;

Manage program databases to facilitate timely information updates, data quality assurance, sharing of information and learning, etc.;

Update and maintain the project indicator tracker;

Work with the program team to integrate M&E into ongoing program planning and implementation systems and ensure adherence to Mercy Corps M&E minimum standards;

Generate quality evidence on project impact and promote and ensure use of data for decision-making processes;

Coordinate with partner organizations to ensure data is collected on time and entered in a timely manner;

Lead in designing and conducting assessments and evaluations, training program teams to assist;

Support and train Mercy Corps, NGO partners, local community, and government stakeholders in using openly accessible mobile software and the different tools used;

Contribute to understanding of and support for mobile data collection hardware and software;

Develop a monitoring plans and conduct regular monitoring visits to the different project locations and that reports are shared with the program teams for follow-up;

Support in the write up of beneficiary stories from the field;

Document project progress through tracking program work plan, attendance sheets, photos, meeting notes, etc.;

Liaise with other Mercy Corps teams globally to identify best practice and lessons learned to benefit the program;

Gather complaints from the field and follow up based on the Community Accountability Reporting Mechanism (CARM), working in close collaboration with the IM Manager

Coordinate with the IM team on data management systems;

Implement Mercy Corps’ Gender Equity policy and apply Do No Harm approaches.

Data Analysis, Reporting and Evidence Based Advocacy

Support project team in data collection including baseline, annual, and end line surveys, regular monitoring, and analysis, feedback and reporting;

Support partners in reporting;

Liaise with other project teams and M&E staff as required to ensure that the project databases complement and align with one another.  

Coordinate with field staff in order to review indicator updates on a monthly basis.

Develop program operational reporting templates for partners that facilitate the acquisition and aggregation of information in programs;

Review or edit data in reports as requested and required;

Produce analytical summaries: graphs, charts, tables, narratives and appealing visuals, as requested, to fulfill internal and external reporting requirements and advocacy purposes;

Conduct regular field visits to ensure all elements of the data system is being utilized effectively, assessing and identifying breakdowns and areas that require clarifications and improvements;

Coordinate with field-based Project Managers to implement system corrections and adjustments,

solving operational issues and documenting actions taken and next steps.

Contribute to UN tracking systems, updating program achievements on a monthly basis;

Other tasks as required.

Database Management and Innovation

Understand and maintain a database that improves Mercy Corps’ ability to inform program implementation, analyze data, and represent impact to key stakeholders;

Ensure all relevant program staff are able to utilize the database to analyze program information and results;

Design, adapt and maintain the database in conjunction with the MEL team to match strategic program or implementation changes;

Document database contents, protocols and update manuals for smooth functioning of the data management system;

Manage regular synchronizations of data;

Accountability

Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.

Organizational Learning

As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve.  We expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Accountability to Beneficiaries

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: MEL Officer

Reports directly to: Program Manager

Works directly with: Program Manager, Project Manager, Field Officers and Component Leads, and M&E Team.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

BA/S or equivalent in conflict resolution studies, development studies, social work, social sciences, human rights, or other relevant field required, MA preferred;

At least 4 years of experience in Monitoring and Evaluation, and in reporting;

Advanced computer and data management skills;

Experience with qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methodologies required; Statistical analysis experience preferred;

Experience in training and capacity building of staff and implementing partner agencies.

Team player who takes initiative, is a problem-solver and able to multi-task;

Advanced written and oral communication skills in Arabic and English.

Experience working on peacebuilding issues preferred;

Details-oriented and highly organized.

SUCCESS FACTORS:

The post holder will have strong organizational skills and the ability to interact effectively with international and national personnel. S/he will have excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and a demonstrated ability to multi-task and process information into action. The successful candidate will have proven experience working with a cross-cultural team and possess strong capacity building and mentoring skills that promotes a culture of learning. They will demonstrate a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, and make effective communication a priority in all situations, and maintain a sense of humor.