Monitoring and Evaluation Lead

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Position Title: Monitoring and Evaluation Lead
Location: Nairobi
Country: Kenya
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is an international non-profit organization founded with the mission to alleviate suffering, poverty, and oppression by helping people build secure, productive, and just communities. The organization operates in over 40 countries worldwide, employing thousands of staff members who work collaboratively with local partners to implement programs that address various humanitarian and development challenges. Mercy Corps is committed to diversity and inclusion, believing that diverse teams lead to better outcomes and long-term impact.

Job Overview:
The Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Lead position is a critical role within the Nawiri program, which is a USAID-funded initiative aimed at reducing acute malnutrition in Turkana and Samburu counties in Kenya. The M&E Lead will provide technical expertise and leadership in generating and analyzing quality evidence and data through monitoring, assessments, and evaluations. This role involves ensuring compliance with BHA regulations and making data available in a timely manner through interactive dashboards. The M&E Lead will work closely with the Program Performance and Learning (PPL) Team and the Nawiri Management Team to foster a culture of evidence-based decision-making and adaptive programming. The position requires a strong focus on data quality, management, and the development of M&E strategies that align with the program's goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The M&E Lead will oversee the implementation of strategic M&E documents, including the M&E Plan and MEL Tech plan, and will develop the MEL strategy to improve systems and training. Responsibilities include managing participant-based surveys, ensuring adherence to USAID policies, and overseeing the Nawiri information management/MEL Data system. The M&E Lead will also be responsible for data quality assurance, reporting, and participating in regional and global Communities of Practice. Additionally, the role involves team management, capacity building, and representing Mercy Corps in M&E forums, ensuring collaboration with partner organizations and conducting due diligence on their M&E systems.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an MA/S or equivalent experience in a quantitative field such as economics, statistics, or applied sociology, with significant training in quantitative methods. A minimum of seven years of relevant experience in leading M&E for multi-year development programs is required, with at least five years based in country programs. Strong conceptual knowledge of theories of change, M&E plans, and data quality assurance is essential, along with demonstrated experience in developing comprehensive Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plans (AMELP).

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree or equivalent experience in a quantitative discipline. Candidates should have substantial training in quantitative methods and a strong understanding of security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security-programming" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security programming and USAID M&E frameworks.

Experience:
The position requires at least seven years of relevant experience in M&E, with a preference for candidates who have ten or more years of experience if they only hold an undergraduate degree. Experience leading an M&E team for a large, integrated program is essential, as well as prior experience in participatory community governance and data management.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, while proficiency in Swahili is preferred. Candidates should possess strong communication skills to effectively convey data and findings to diverse audiences.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Nairobi, with over 50% travel to implementation areas. The living conditions are secure, with individual accommodation provided. Staff have access to health and utility services, but travel may involve challenging conditions in less secure environments. The role is not eligible for hardship or R&R benefits. Mercy Corps emphasizes ongoing learning, allowing team members to dedicate 5% of their time to personal and professional development activities. The organization is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring a respectful and safe work environment for all team members.