Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)

Job Description

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a non-governmental, humanitarian organization with 75 years of experience in helping to create a safer and more dignified life for people affected by displacement. NRC Uganda advocates for the rights of displaced populations and offers assistance through its core competencies (CCs): Protection from Violence, Education, Livelihoods and Economic Inclusion, Information Counselling and Legal Assistance, Shelter & Settlement development and Water, Sanitation & Hygiene.

All NRC employees are expected to work in accordance with the organization’s core values: dedication, innovation, inclusivity and accountability. These attitudes and believes shall guide our actions and relationships.

Role and responsibilities
The MEL Officer will support the MEL Coordinator/Manager in strengthening the monitoring, evaluation and learning system and processes across NRC’s area programmes in Uganda. The role of the MEL officer is to implement NRC MEL systems to promote evidence-based decision-making, programme and project performance, and internal management. She/he supports data collection, data management and data validation exercises, and data analysis.

Generic responsibilities
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• Support the development and strengthening of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) systems, including learning and accountability and generation of reliable data for results-based management of the MEL unit and strengthen project implementation.
Support the development of new project proposals, including development of logical frameworks, jointly set realistic and gender-sensitive indicators and targets.
• Develop and regularly update monitoring performance measurement with project staff, such as quality benchmarks and indicator and performance tracking.
• Undertake and oversee regular field monitoring and evaluation visits with field staff and in coordination with MEL Coordinator to ensure technical and operational compliance and timely execution of projects vis-à-vis approved plans and targets.
• Support methodological design and implementation approach for project assessments and surveys as well as monitoring plans.
Support on quantitative data analysis and report production for periodical assessment, surveys and other surveys related specialised studies.
• Support project management with the preparation of timely Donor Reports to ensure compliance with key project indicators and objectives.
• Organize and conduct Monitoring and Evaluation related capacity enhancement activities project personnel as needed.
• Support project staff with after action reviews and documentation of lessons.
• Support the measure of project deliverables and intermediate outcomes.
• Support the development of improved information management systems within the project.
• Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Specific responsibilities
Planning and Maintaining MEL Systems
• Ensure timely and accurate data reporting on NRC Global Output & Outcome (GoR’s), including creating an entry (Data Configuration) for new projects, while ensuring the data is collected ethically.
• Assisting in the design, planning and implementation of MEL activities, desk reviews, research plan, needs assessments, context analyses and case studies, using various quantitative and qualitative method
Lead the design and review of the MEL pack, which includes the Indicator Performance Tracking Table (IPTT), Log Frame, Activity Tracking Table, Theory of Change and MEL Plan. Maintain an updated IPTT and output tracker.
• Contribute to implementation of Safe and Inclusive programming minimum standards, including but not limited to attend relevant SIP capacity building, incorporate SIP in designing tools, data collection and data analysis.
• Support and contribute to the development of a data management system through documentation, implementation and coordination of standardizes information flow of M+E activities and reporting.

Beneficiary Accountability
• In coordination with MEL Officers, and Community Feedback Mechanism (CFM) focal points, travel to project sites to manage helpdesks and awareness sessions with the communities (where applicable).
• Ensure the communication and dissemination of complaints handling procedures, policies and tools are appropriate to beneficiaries, project staff and other stakeholders drawing on multiple communication channels.
Regularly conduct accountability surveys and spot-checks to ensure beneficiary complaints are being addressed.

Programme Support
• Lead the implementation of LKM framework and support a functional LKM system and capacity in the consortium.
• Support in standardizing M+E across projects
• Support in developing data collection methodology and tools, and in actual data collection, as needed.
• Support in data management and development of clear information flow between program and M+E staff, as needed.
• Ensure that monitoring data are reported in a timely manner to relevant program and managerial staff.
• Capacity building and training of program staff on M+E technical and conceptual areas, as needed.

Learning culture and knowledge management
• Collecting challenges and success stories from the field across all programmes on regular basis.
• Supporting the periodical programme review activities and learning/reflection sessions, to evaluate progress towards programme goals and outcomes.
• Collaborate closely with the project team to facilitate generating, storing, and sharing of knowledge (most significant change story, meta-analysis, research/evaluation summary reports, etc.)
• Promote the utilization of learning and knowledge generated in decision-making and project improvement.
• Identify opportunities for research and learning questions in collaboration with the programme staff and MEL Manager
• Provide necessary and accurate MEL data and analysis for internal and external reporting in a timely manner.
• Supporting the documentation and incorporation of lessons learned, best practices and technical innovation in project and MEL planning and design.
• Coordinate regular program review meetings to facilitate dialogue and learning on project/program Implementation.
• Disseminate learnings, reports, publications, and participate in learning sessions, ensuring that the lessons learned are used to inform programming and advocacy.

Communication/Other
Other activities agreed and discussed with the Multi- CC Manager, Coordinators and Area Manager.
Liaise with peer organizations and M+E staff in partner agencies to facilitate lessons learned.
Critical interfaces
• Country Programme Department (CC Specialists, HOP, Grants team, MEL Unit, etc.)
• Project/Programme managers from the different field offices (Area Office)2
• MEL assistants in the field offices

Competencies
Competencies are important for the employee and the organisation to deliver desired results. They are relevant for all staff and are divided into the following two categories:

Professional competencies
These are skills, knowledge and experience that are important for effective performance.
Generic professional competencies for this position:
• Minimum of a university degree in social science, economics, rural development or in other related fields.
• Prior experience with monitoring and evaluation required.
• At least 5 years’ experience in an international NGO preferably in an emergency or post-conflict setting, including MEL capacity, research and systems development.
• Experience with and knowledge of principles and current approaches to monitoring and evaluation in relief and development programs, using both quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Demonstrated ability to transfer knowledge to diverse audiences through training, mentoring and other formal and non-formal methods.
• English language proficiency (speaking, reading, writing)
• Fluency in Swahili and local/refugee’s languages
• Computer skills, including MS Office (Word, Excel)

Context related skills, knowledge and experience (shall be adapted to the specific position):
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong organisational and team working skills.
• Good cultural awareness and sensitivity
• Highly approachable, trustworthy and confidential
• Knowledge of the NGO operations and the dynamics of the humanitarian sector is a plus.
• Good level of proficiency in Windows Excel and quantitative analysis (SPSS preferred)
• Excellent communication skills in English
• Proven presentation, training and facilitation skills
• Ability to work under pressure, independently and with limited supervision.
• Ability to meet deadlines in multiple tasking environments.
• Ability to engage and motivate staff in a challenging program area.
• Good coordination skills

Behavioural competencies
• Strategic thinking
• Planning and delivering results/
• Working with people
• Communicating with impact and respect
• Analysing
• Handling insecure environments