Online Volunteer for Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Framework Development

Job Posting Organization:
Enabling Rural Opportunity Network (ERONet) is a nonprofit organization that was formerly known as Agoro Community Development Association (ACDA). It is based in Agoro Sub-County, Lamwo District, Northern Uganda. The organization is dedicated to empowering rural communities by enhancing access to education, health services, and economic opportunities, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, youth, and women. ERONet's mission is to help rural communities overcome structural barriers to opportunity by improving access to quality education, health outcomes, and sustainable livelihoods. The organization focuses on several key objectives, including expanding educational access for vulnerable children, improving community health, strengthening household resilience, promoting child protection, building partnerships for resource mobilization, and supporting locally led development initiatives. ERONet currently implements various community programs across education, health, and livelihoods, with a particular emphasis on supporting vulnerable girls in rural areas to access and remain in secondary education.

Job Overview:
The Online Volunteer position is designed to support a new education initiative developed by ERONet aimed at expanding access to secondary education for vulnerable girls in rural Northern Uganda. This initiative, known as the Agoro Girls Education Pilot Initiative, addresses significant barriers that girls face in accessing education, such as poverty, early marriage, and limited household resources. The volunteer will play a crucial role in establishing a Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) framework that will guide the program in tracking progress, measuring results, and capturing lessons for future development. The MEAL framework will be essential for monitoring student progress, documenting outcomes, and ensuring transparency and accountability to supporters. The volunteer's contributions will help ERONet generate valuable insights from the pilot project and inform the design of future education programs aimed at expanding opportunities for rural girls.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Online Volunteer will be responsible for several key tasks, including:

• Supporting the development of a new MEAL framework specifically for the girls’ education pilot project.
• Defining clear project indicators that will be used to monitor school attendance, retention rates, academic progress, and overall student well-being.
• Designing practical monitoring tools and data collection templates that are suitable for use in rural field settings.
• Advising on the collection of baseline information and establishing monitoring schedules that align with school terms.
• Proposing simple reporting formats that effectively communicate progress to project supporters and partners.
• Recommending learning and accountability mechanisms that will capture lessons learned from the pilot project.
• Providing guidance on how ERONet can scale and apply the MEAL framework to future educational programs. The volunteer will primarily contribute through technical advice, document development, and structured feedback, ensuring that ERONet establishes a robust foundation for monitoring and learning in its education initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for this position should possess a strong background in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) practices, particularly in the context of educational programs. They should have experience in developing MEAL frameworks and systems, as well as a solid understanding of indicators and data collection methods. Additionally, the candidate should demonstrate strong analytical skills, the ability to communicate effectively, and a commitment to supporting vulnerable populations. Familiarity with the challenges faced by rural communities in Uganda, especially regarding girls' education, will be an advantage. The candidate should also be proficient in using digital collaboration tools for remote work.

Educational Background:
Candidates should ideally hold a degree in a relevant field such as education, social sciences, public health, or a related discipline. Advanced degrees or specialized training in Monitoring and Evaluation, program management, or a related area will be considered an asset. Educational qualifications should reflect a strong understanding of the principles and practices of MEAL, particularly in the context of educational initiatives.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have prior experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) roles, preferably within the education sector or in programs targeting vulnerable populations. Experience in developing MEAL frameworks, conducting evaluations, and utilizing data for program improvement is essential. Candidates should also have experience working in rural settings or with organizations focused on community development and empowerment.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as all communication and documentation will be conducted in English. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Northern Uganda would be considered a valuable asset, as it may enhance communication with community members and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is a remote volunteer position, allowing for flexible working hours. The assignment will involve collaboration through document sharing, email communication, and occasional virtual meetings with ERONet’s director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Executive Director. The duration of the assignment is not specified, but the volunteer is expected to contribute significantly to the development of the MEAL framework and support the ongoing education initiative.