Job Description

MEL Officer – Liberia Education Systems Strengthening Activity

FHI 360 is a global development organization, with a rigorous, evidence-based approach to human development. Our team of professionals includes experts in health, nutrition, education, economic development, civil society, environment, and research. FHI 360 operates from 70 offices with 4400 employees in the United States and around the world. Our commitment to partnerships at all levels and our multi-disciplinary approach allows us to have a lasting impact on the people, communities and countries we serve by improving the lives of millions of them. We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of MEL Officer for the USAID-funded Liberia Education Systems Strengthening Activity (the Activity). This position will be based in Monrovia.

Project description

The 5-year Liberia Education Systems Strengthening Activity works in partnership with the Ministry of Education (MOE) to address system-wide constraints and increase the MOE’s capacity to provide decentralized and inclusive education, monitor progress, and sustain improved learning outcomes for all children and youth. The activity will support the MOE to improve education data systems, resource management, and accountability across Montserrado, Margibi, Lofa, Nimba, Bong, and Grand Bassa counties. The activity will target education officials and professionals at the central, county, district, and school level with its capacity development interventions with the end goal of improving education outcomes for children and youth.

Job Summary

MEL Officer – co-located in County Education Offices (CEOs)

PDIA Monitoring Responsibilities

The problem driven iterative adaptation approach (PDIA) provides a framework for solving complex problems. It involves identifying the problem, trying different solutions, learning from the results, and changing the solutions as needed. PDIA facilitates a flexible process that adapts to the local context and needs. The MEL Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Support PDIA Task Team to design MOE-led solutions/iterations.
• In collaboration with the PDIA officer:

o Monitor actions taken by PDIA Task Teams.

o Document and communicate progress and lessons learned.

o Share lessons learned to inform the adaptation and iteration of action plans. • Guide and support MOE county-level staff to properly monitor and collect data to evaluate the success of PDIA solutions, including recommendations on indicators and development of tools to capture output and outcome data on the Activity.

Project MEL/EMIS Responsibilities

The Activity MEL/EMIS (Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning/Education Management Information System) team regularly monitors all performance indicators, ensuring that inputs, outputs, and outcomes across intermediate results are being tracked closely. The MEL/EMIS team will conduct these monitoring responsibilities while also supporting MEL capacity development of MOE counterparts and facilitating learning within and across result areas. The MEL Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Support the MEL/EMIS Manager and Director to collect data on the Activity’s performance indicators, assessments such as midline, and endline evaluations, as well as other surveys like FGDs, classroom observation, performance scorecards, and related activities.
• Assist the MEL/EMIS Manager by providing inputs to the quarterly, biannual, and annual reports on projects’ accomplishments.
• Provide training to any County/District MEL/EMIS staff, DEO staff, Principals or other enumerators engaged to support the collection of quality data.
• Conduct data collection and quality verification in the field.
• With guidance from the Activity EMIS Specialist, provide technical assistance to the CEO and DEOs in the use of technology to collect, manage, analyze, and report data.
• Support county-level CLA (Collaborating, Learning and Adapting) activities, including training on the use of dashboards to access and interpret data.
• Provide day-to-day, hands-on capacity development support to CEO EMIS staff. Position Reports to: MEL/EMIS Manager

Job Requirements:

Education: Degree/diploma in education, public administration, statistics, computer science/IT/ orrelated field

Work Experience:

• At least three (3)-years’ experience working in monitoring and evaluation preferred. • Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including high-level government officials.

Demonstrated Technical Skills:

• Demonstrated knowledge and skills in applying PDIA or similar adaptive management approaches.
• Strong data collection, cleaning and analysis skills required.
• Experience in conducting surveys or assessments using quantitative or qualitative methods. • Demonstrated experience with mobile data collection software, such as Open Data Kit (ODK), Kobo Toolbox, Ona, CommCare, etc.
• Experience leading enumerator trainings, or supervision of data collection preferred. • Demonstrated report writing, facilitation and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, think analytically and take initiative in solving problems.

Computer/Other Tech Requirements:

• Full professional competency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

Applicants must be prepared to work in any of the six counties. Indigenes of each of the six counties are encouraged to apply against their counties.

FHI 360 is an employer with equal opportunity and affirmative action. FHI 360 is committed to providing equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or veteran status in policies, programs, or activities.