The role
We are currently looking for Senior MEAL Specialist based in Vientiane Capital
Role Purpose
The Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Senior Specialist oversees the MEAL system of the newly awarded five-year, $20 million United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Learn to Read Activity. The focus of USAID Learn to Read is to improve the reading skills of children in pre-primary, grade 1, and grade 2, with a particular focus on children who do not speak Lao at home and children with mild disabilities.
The MEAL Senior Specialist is responsible for ensuring development and operationalization of high-quality MEAL systems and reporting on a large-scale USAID-funded early grade reading project. The MEAL Senior Specialist will strengthen the operationalization of the results framework, develop indicator definitions, and lead monitoring and evaluation planning and execution. This position is responsible for data collection, entry, analysis, quality assurance, and interpretation.
The MEAL Senior Specialist reports directly to the project’s Chief of Party (COP). The MEAL Senior Specialist will also lead the utilization of MEAL data to inform learning, assess performance, and identify required activity adjustments. The MEAL Senior Specialist will also work with the COP to design and execute the Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) strategy.
In the event of a major humanitarian emergency, the role holder will be expected to work outside the normal role profile and be able to vary working hours accordingly.
Key area of accountability
· Oversight and Management of MEAL Activities (50%)
o Develop and Implement MEAL Plan: Develop, revise, ensure USAID approval of, and implement the MEAL Plan. Report on MEAL indicators quarterly and annual donor reports. Manage and ensure success of USAID Data Quality Assessments (DQAs) and other donor reviews. Coordinate and facilitate, with support from the project MEAL team including consultants, the MEAL Coordinator, and MEAL Officers, development of the project’s annual work plans, as well as the preparation of quarterly, semi-annual and annual reports—according to donor and SCI requirements.
o Database Development: Conceptualize the structure/format of a MEAL database for the USAID Learn to Read project. This position will ensure the development of a robust data management system that, in compliance with the USAID’s operational policy (Automated Directives System or ADS) requirements, will meet reporting, accountability, learning and adaptation needs. The data management system will include data capture, processing, reporting and quality check-points. The MEAL Senior Specialist will develop the instruments for data capture and ensure that these instruments work well with the database and the indicators and disaggregations as defined in the approved MEAL plan.
o External Evaluation: Manage and support a rigorous evaluation of project performance, impact, and cost effectiveness conducted by an external organization. The evaluation will include a baseline study (Year 2), rapid cycle evaluation (Year 2), and final evaluation (Year 5).
o Cost Capture and Cost Reporting: MEAL support, quality assurance, and reporting on cost, expenditure, and dosage in coordination with the finance and technical teams and in accordance with USAID’s cost reporting guidance. These data will contribute to an external cost analysis.
o Fidelity of Implementation: Develop and manage tools and system to track fidelity of implementation to support project performance and the external evaluation.
o Performance Management and Accountability: Ensure, in collaboration with the DCOP and COP, MEAL evidence regarding project performance including implementation fidelity and impact are used for management decision-making and continuous performance improvement. Responsible for reporting on progress toward achieving the project targets, translating strategic information into improved programming and delivery of services. Responsible for providing accountability for use of resources, and supporting internal and external capacity for using M&E for education targets.
o MEAL Leadership: Responsible for providing overall leadership, supervision and guidance on MEAL activities, and facilitating MEAL strategy implementation in support of two sub-awardees and SC staff—with assistance from the project MEAL Officers. Work closely with the MEAL/Research Technical Advisor for the project.
o Quality Project Documents: Ensure, with support of the MEAL Officers, that all project MEAL documents, data, and other information required for program strategic planning and reporting are documented, prepared and submitted on time and in compliance with the requirements of USAID.
o Management: Provide oversight, with support and guidance of the project Finance Director and COP, of MEAL budget and ensure effective and timely utilization for the appropriate MEAL activities.
· Staff Management, Mentorship, and Development
o Provide supervision, mentorship and professional development to SC MEAL staff, so that they have the required capacity to undertake their responsibilities.
o Identify training needs and participate in the development and implementation of training materials and courses for partner organizations as related to MEAL.
o Recruit and manage the USAID Learn to Read MEAL team at the national and provincial levels
o Ensure clear succession plans are prepared and implemented
o Manage MEAL team; define expectations, provide leadership and technical support as needed, and evaluate direct reports regularly
o Incorporate staff development strategies and Performance Management Systems into team building process. Establish result based system and follow up.
o Manage the performance of all staff in the Program Implementation work area through:
§ Effective use of the Performance Management System including the establishment of clear, measureable objectives, on-going 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 at standard and above and less than satisfactory, with appropriate performance improvements/ work plans
· Internal and External Engagement
o As part of CLA strategy, coordinate and facilitate learning events and ensure alignment of learning objectives and results to key priorities of government and other key stakeholders.
o Serve as a key expert and primary contact for M&E strategies and implementation for this program.
o Provide advice, guidance, and coordination to SC, the Ministry of Education & Sports (MOES), and other collaborating organizations in the implementation and strengthening of M&E systems for the education program activities supported by USAID.
o Participate and provide input on MEAL issues at technical, policy and strategic planning meetings, including meetings with partners, local government and USAID.
Upholding Child Safeguarding: Conduct themselves in accordance with the rules of the Child Safeguarding Policy, in their personal and professional lives – which includes reporting suspicions of child abuse. Ensure they fully understand the provisions of the Child Safeguarding Policy, the Code of Conduct and Local/Country Procedures.
Qualifications
· Bachelors degree required (masters or doctorate degree preferred) with significant research experience in education, literacy or other related field from an accredited college or university
· Demonstrated success developing and managing MEAL databases for USAID projects
· Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to lead and work effectively in team situations
· Excellent training and facilitation capability;
· Strong analytical and conceptual skills and the ability to think and plan strategically;
· Demonstrated creativity, innovation and initiative;
· Fluent written and spoken English required.
Experience and Skills
· At least five years of experience designing and implementing MEAL programs in complex settings
· Prior experience overseeing and ensuring the success of MEAL systems in USAID education projects including ensuring approval of MEAL plan, reporting on approved indicators, and successfully completing annual data quality assessments (DQAs).
· Prior work experience utilizing statistical analysis software required and prior experience assessing student learning outcomes a plus
· Experience in systems thinking and application of complex adaptive systems methodologies would be an advantage
· Substantial experience with digital data collection systems and platforms (e.g., KoBo, ODK, Tangerine);
· Experience developing and implementing CLA strategies.
Contract length: fixed term
The Organisation
We employ approximately 25,000 people across the globe and work on the ground in over 100 countries to help children affected by crises, or those that need better healthcare, education and child protection. We also campaign and advocate at the highest levels to realise the right of children and to ensure their voices are heard.
We are working towards three breakthroughs in how the world treats children by 2030:
- No child dies from preventable causes before their 5th birthday
- All children learn from a quality basic education and that,
- Violence against children is no longer tolerated
We know that great people make a great organization, and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children. We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive workplace where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued.
Application Information:
Interested candidates please submit a full application using a cover letter and up-to-date CV as a single document including contact details of three professional referees (current and last line managers and HR department). Please also include details of your salary expectations and a copy of your ID card. Please note that we will require a copy of your Criminal Records (ໃບແຈ້ງໂທດ) later.
Apply via Link provided on this page
Closing date for applications is: 20th July, 2020. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Apply here