MEAL Officer

Oxfam

Mar. 31, 2023

Job Description

To design, coordinate and implement all monitoring and evaluation systems using the various M&E tools in support of programme delivery. The Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) officer will work closely with SAF Cluster PQL to catalyse the growth and development of our programme through improving quality, effectiveness and funding, in line with SAF Cluster Strategic Framework 2021 - 2025, through developing sound MEAL frameworks to enhance our ability to demonstrate the impact of our work. Ensure successful delivery of the projects under just economies working closely with partners and be agile enough to support other programs within Oxfam, humanitarian and gender justice. Working with the PQK Lead, providing support to project teams in order to improve quality and learning across Southern African.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provide technical support on program quality 40%

In consultation with the PQL, Project teams and Responsible Partners, lead in all aspects of the project M&E systems that demonstrate timely and practical feedback to partners and management on recommendations from periodic monitoring and evaluation reports.
Lead the needs assessment and baseline surveys/data collection process prior to the implementation of interventions.
Lead establishment of routine M&E systems to support tracking of Just Economies and other pillars project activities, progress and performance.
Coordinate the development of M & E systems and tools for the project activities that incorporates aspects on the mainstreaming of gender, feminist principles and HIV/AIDS.
Improve programmatic/project monitoring efforts (track and report data on all project indicators) through managing the data collection (mobile-based tools, digitally enumerated satellite images and other innovations to data collection) of project activities in the targeted districts and reporting the data for internal use.
Ensure that the project monitoring systems and tools meet both Oxfam internal standards and donor requirements and other relevant national programme standards.
Participate in the development of project proposals and operational plans contributing to ensuring programme quality and measurability of outputs, outcomes and impact.
Prepare monitoring and evaluation plans, including defining program/project indicators and sources of data, as well as quarterly and annual reports and other project documents.
Design and oversee implementation of the project M&E framework that is linked to the project work plan and theory of change.
Ensure quality, coherence and effective documentation for project visibility through structured assessments, case studies and research.
Writes and contributes to internal reports for Oxfam country management and donor reports whilst ensuring quality reporting.
Conduct periodic visits to project implementation districts and field sites for routine monitoring, program supervision and support production of frequent communication materials
Ensure appropriate skills are developed and maintained with project MEAL staff through focussed trainings for continued maintenance of the established M&E tracking systems. This includes training temporary enumerators on appropriate methods of data collection, entry, reporting and quality
Support work on accountability to beneficiaries around the design and implementation of feedback/ complaints mechanisms ensuring recommendations are taken on board by the project management team.
Under the direction of the PQK lead, analyse program strategies and approaches and facilitate appropriate change to ensure program outcomes are sustainable.
Support program teams make complex technical information accessible and usable by non- specialists within/out the defined program area.
Maintain links across the thematic areas in the SAF cluster and in the broader Confederation in terms of global program development, quality and monitoring initiatives.
Ensure program managers are kept fully informed of changing internal and external ideas and approaches.
Support program staff to create and maximise the links between program work and advocacy and campaigning and influencing strategies and activities.
Support the PQK lead in the development of a comprehensive strategy for the development and management of Knowledge in SAF ensuring joint ownership with partners

Program learning & development 30%

Working very closely with partner staff ensure a well-developed system that promotes the sharing of learning between Oxfam and partners.
Working closely with the PQK Lead, provide guidance and support to program development and learning and quality in Southern Africa.
Support program staff to create and maximise the links and learning between program work and advocacy and campaign strategies and activities
Manage capturing, documentation and communication of innovation and best practices within/out the regional program and share this across programs, staff and partners

Support partner organisations30%

Support and capacity build partner staff on M&E issues in order to strengthen their skills in participatory monitoring and evaluation activities
Support partner monitoring processes by contributing to qualitative and quantitative reporting standards and in close collaboration with relevant program managers.
Support the embedding of participatory approaches, in partner organisations.
Identify and manage capacity building needs of partners and set out a plan for this development, linking with Oxfam operations staff or the private sector as needed.
Coordinate implementation for monitoring and country learning reviews.

Qualifications and Experience

Minimum requirement is a university degree or equivalent in Program development, Monitoring and Evaluation, or International Development or other relevant experience.
Understanding and experience of different aspects of quality programming (for example: partnership, participation, accountability, innovation, gender and monitoring, evaluation and learning) and how these can be incorporated into different interventions.

Skills, Experience and attributes

Experience of improving effectiveness of development programs and demonstrating tangible outcomes for poor and vulnerable women and men
Good understanding of all aspects of program quality, including the practical issues faced by managers.
Good understanding of effective program cycle management in rights-based long-term development, influencing and humanitarian work, with relevant direct field program experience
Ability to develop programme design documents – including theories of change (logic models, log-frames), contextual analyses (e.g. power, gender), budgets, MEAL plans.
Ability and experience in facilitating programme development sessions/workshops.
Demonstrable understanding of programme/project cycle management practices in development programming.
Some experience in research, learning and monitoring and evaluation methods theory and practice; and good critical grasp of latest sector thinking, codes, standards and practice.
Experience of working in, and solid knowledge of the Southern Africa region, as well as relevant network contacts.
Experience of resource mobilisation strategies.
Strong networking, representational, and negotiation skills
Ability to work effectively with others in a team across institutional boundaries and business units.
Ability to adapt and work within a multicultural, multilingual, and multidisciplinary environment.
Good verbal and written communications skills in English with ability to analyse and synthesise complex issues.
English and Portuguese language skills strong asset.
Ability to make effective, timely decisions and take prudent risks.