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The Senior Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officer is a key team member of Mercy Corps’ Program Performance and Quality (PaQ) unit. The unit exists to support program design, implementation and utilization of information collected at different stages. The position holder will support the team with technical oversight planning and execution of monitoring and evaluation, ensuring quality in accordance with accepted standards, providing essential feedback for learning, accountability and decision making. S/he will be responsible for providing internal capacity building for program staff on monitoring and evaluation activities as well as reviewing and developing timely and quality reports and the tools necessary to meet Mercy Corps and donor reporting requirements. S/he will coordinate and support data collection and analysis activities facilitated by MEL Assistant and regularly providing technical oversight, problem-solving and support.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Strategy and Design

• Contribute to adapting existing M&E systems to monitor and evaluate project activities and impact, in accordance with existing Mercy Corps DM&E guidelines.
• Ensure regular reporting to the Consortium Coordinator and assist in the coordination of Consortium MEL activities.
• Assist in program strategy design, planning and implementation to ensure adherence to Mercy Corps’ Minimum Standards, including the use of standardized tools and indicators and documentation methodologies.
• Lead and support the design and implementation of assessments and other pre, ex-ante and post-data collection and analysis.
• Support learning-to-action events, reflection session to analyze data for programmatic use and to document and incorporate lessons learned into program design, planning and implementation.

Data Management and Quality Control

• Assist program teams to develop and maintain knowledge and Information management systems to support data collection, reflection, analysis and reporting needs.
• Ensure quality control procedures and accuracy of entered data and comparing it with the existing filing system to make sure all records are consistent and aligned.
• Provide support in the development of MEL Plans, tools, survey design, methodology, data analysis, and other services as may be required for program monitoring and evaluation.
• Oversee data indicator tracking and analysis, linking it with evidence on a regular basis and ensuring that data and metrics in field reports are accurate.
• Remain updated with developments among the Mercy Corps Nigeria MEL community and agency-wide MEL trends and resources, and ensure that the MEL team are applying MC guidance and policies appropriate and in a timely manner.

Technical Support

• Maintain an up-to-date database that reflects progress through TolaData (including disaggregated beneficiary counts) and donor indicators.
• Play a key role in the development and leading in the review of program logical framework, intervention strategies and M&E frameworks and document changes to generate learnings and ideas for programs.
• Work with the program team to identify opportunities to innovate M&E systems (particularly digital enhancement, data visualization, GIS).
• Coordinate assessments, evaluations and monitoring surveys in the area of operation.

Documentation, Reporting and Learning

• Regularly document program data analysis summaries, and evaluations and provide evidence-based information, and other high-quality, results-based documentation.
• Produce quality program reports and support program teams to review and improve on the quality of reporting.
• Visit sites and partners to collect supplementary data, stories and conduct qualitative research both independently and in teams and support partner organizations with proper documentation and report generation.
• Work closely with Learning and Communication officer to identify and document different case stories and communications points and process across programs.

Additional Tasks

• Ensure regular communication, coordination and reporting with the Consortium Coordinator (IOM).
• Maintain professional relationships with local government officials, private sector partners, NGOs, other development organizations, and civil society organizations.
• Maintain an active advisory role with the program and MEL team to help guide them towards robust and relevant data collection.
• Work with MEL and IT staff to maximize the value and utility of technology initiatives for effective MEL for Adamawa.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by his/her supervisor or representatives.

Knowledge and Experience

• BA/Sc. in Monitoring and Evaluation, Statistics, Economics, Development Studies or other similar fields; MA/MS/MBA in similar fields or equivalent is also preferred.
• At least 4 years of experience in development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation or other learning efforts is required.
• Past or current experience with conducting MEL for peacebuilding is preferable.
• Should understand concepts and demonstrate skills in monitoring and evaluation, results frameworks/program logic, and participatory monitoring.
• Experience with both quantitative and qualitative data collection and reporting techniques.
• Ability to design and implement surveys and knowledge of commonly used sampling techniques.
• Experience with facilitation, capacity building, formal and informal knowledge transfer, partnership strengthening, and empowering staff through opportunities for growth and development.
• Experience leading learning extraction, development and sharing as part of the monitoring and evaluation feedback process.
• Familiarity with data visualization and data analytics.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis software such as Tableau, SPSS, EPI Info and mobile data collection platforms preferable.
• Experience with digital or technology platforms for program and MEL-related activities.
• Strong ability to work across teams.
• Communicates well with remote collaborators.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Fluency in English; fluency in Hausa is a plus.

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The MEL Assistants will be responsible for the monitoring of project activities at project sites including data collection, data entry, knowledge management, basic analysis, assessment and routine reporting.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Assist in the timely development of monitoring tools based on work plans and MEL framework, in close coordination with the program officers and MEL Team.
• Conduct regular data collection across program field sites, implementing tools such as pre-and post-tests, surveys, focus group discussions and interviews.
• Assist in the monitoring of program activities, including distributions, trainings, to ensure that intended assistance is delivered to registered beneficiaries as scheduled,
• Provide support to the Sr MEL Officer in the design and upload of forms into digital data collection platforms such as ODK/Ona, Tola.
• Ensure proper filing, handling and movement of project files.
• Assist in data entry into the project databases.
• Participate in program and sector-specific assessments, monitoring, surveys and evaluations. This will entail management of data collectors and facilitating results discussion.
• Assist in data analysis and sharing and documentation on impact and lessons learned.
• Conduct participant verification, ensuring they match agreed criteria and established committee lists.
• Support the MC Natural Resources Management Advisor to conduct assessments and evaluations, including management of enumerators, as requested.
• Ensure adherence to all MC policies and procedures as outlined in MC policies and procedure manuals.
• Ensure all the activities are conducted with full respect to the humanitarian principles and in an organized and dignified way.
• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and not to jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Experience

• Preferably a Bachelor’s degree in a related field: social sciences, development studies, education, etc.
• Experience in community work with previous experience in project monitoring, preferably with an NGO within Taraba State.
• Demonstrated skills in planning, organizing, analyzing and reporting.
• Ability to interact effectively with various community members, conducting him/herself with sensitivity and respect towards others.
• Willingness, ability to perform fieldwork and work under pressure.
• Have a good appreciation of technology in enhancing program and MEL-related activities
• Excellent computer skills – Word and Excel are required;
• Strong interpersonal, intercultural and communication skills.
• Fluency in English and Hausa is a plus.

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The Conflict and Governance Specialist (CGS) will provide technical, operational, and strategic vision to the implementation of the conflict prevention and mitigation component by working with the project staff and national partners to ensure that the program meets performance-based targets on-time and within budget, as per Mercy Corps and donor requirements. S/he will work to address the root causes of conflict between farmers and herders’ communities by supporting conflict prevention and mitigation measures in synergy with the Natural Resources Management (NRM) Advisor. H/she will coordinate conflict management and governance programming through the building of community trust in the areas of intervention.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Programme Quality Oversight

• Provide leadership and strategic vision to Conflict mitigation technical components of COMITAS program, including work plan development, conflict and stakeholder analysis, mediation and peacebuilding training, partnerships selection and management, and overall sector strategy.
• Ensure stakeholder engagement and trust-building activities abide by governance and conflict best practices including Do No Harm and are conflict sensitive in close partnership with the Programme Manager and NMR Advisor Provide direct oversight to COMITAS Learning and Program Monitoring and Quality Technical Unit.
• Encourage systematic opportunities to use data for learning and improvement, and to focus on learning lessons throughout the life of the program.

Technical Leadership

• Provide technical leadership and guidance in the implementation and management of innovative conflict mitigation and governance initiatives aligned to the Program logical framework and project impact goal.
• Provide sector oversight and guidance in the implementation of conflict mitigation and governance activities aligned with the project log frame and budget.
• Recognize opportunities for innovative action and create an environment where alternative viewpoints are welcomed.

Program Implementation

• Work with Consortium Partners and other implementing partners on the conflict mitigation and governance components of the project.
• Conduct periodic field visits to ensure the quality and integrity of project implementation, including adherence to technical guidelines, administrative systems, and established deadlines.
• In collaboration with the NRM Advisor strengthen sustainable management and enhanced collaboration over natural resources between farmers and herders’ communities in the crisis-affected areas in a conflict-sensitive manner.
• Integrate community approaches, conflict and gender sensitivity and capacity building into conflict mitigation and governance activities as appropriate.
• Provide technical and sector inputs to/ during planning, organizing and coordination of project monitoring processes, assessments, surveys, researches and evaluations.
• Support the PM in ensuring that the overall goal and specific objectives align to the conflict mitigation, resolution and prevention components of the project.
• Develop a detailed activity plan identify and implement immediate conflict prevention or mitigation measures and submit to the PM for review and re-alignment with the main work plan within the first month of employment
• Compile and submit in time for review; evidence-based weekly, monthly, quarterly, bi-annual and annual technical reports and activity plans
• Develop and submit weekly and monthly activity plans in time for review and prior to implementation.
• Ensure integration and coordination with other components within the project for the attainment of holistic project impact.

Capacity Building and Learning

• Develop a clear capacity-building plan to build the technical capacity of project staff on Conflict prevention and mitigation skills that are relevant to the project through training and continuous mentoring.
• Provide conflict-sensitive and governance analysis, trainings and technical assistance to team and Consortium partners.
• Contribute to the development and standardization of best practices, in collaboration with Consortium partners.
• Disseminate key findings and lessons learned to internal and external stakeholders, in collaboration with Consortium partners.
• Strengthen linkages with other internal resources, including the LMS, Digital Library, Hub, and Connect, to enhance organizational learning where relevant to M&E.

Team Management

• Sustain a work environment of mutual respect you and other team members strive to achieve excellence.
• Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback via regular performance reviews.
• Provide other team members with information, tools and other resources to improve performance and reach objectives

Finance & Compliance Management

• Ensure compliance with donor and Mercy Corps regulations related to the project implementation.

Influence and Representation

• Identify, build and manage collaborative partnerships with Consortium partners, local governments and other stakeholders.
• Communicate effectively to ensure project implementation targets and technical quality standards are met.
• Participate in coordination meetings and workshops to the project at both Local and State level as delegated.

Security

• Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.

Knowledge and Experience

• Minimum BA/S in relevant field or other similar fields; MA/MS/MBA or equivalent preferred in, International Relations, Research, Development Studies or another relevant field.
• Minimum of 4 years of working experience in a similar context.
• Strong management skills, with good understanding of relevant cross-cultural issues in a highly insecure environment.
• Experience working and supporting research studies and assessments in Taraba and Adamawa state strongly preferred
• Experience in supporting institutional capacity building.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members.
• Excellent writing, editing and analytical skills and ability to formulate well-targeted documents
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced and often demanding environment
• Experience in an NGO (local or international) or research institution.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to develop good relationships with a wide range of actors required.
• Fluency in English; fluency in Hausa is a plus.