Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Team Lead at Kenya Community Development Foundation

Job Purpose

The MEL Team Lead, under the supervision of the Executive Director, oversees the effective implementation of the Foundation’s MEL strategy across all programmes and departments. Specifically, s/he will guide and implement effective internal MEL processes; lead the exchange of knowledge and learning from projects and programmes; and lead the management of internal knowledge systems. Cross-team work is integral to this position and the MEL Team Lead will be expected to collaborate closely with colleagues in relevant areas.

The mandate of the MEL Team Lead is to collect, analyse, synthesize and share knowledge and learning to strengthen the Foundation’s impact and effectiveness. The role brings together a range of functions critical to the Foundation’s identity, coherence and visibility including the facility to learn internally; management of information and infrastructure; leadership of the Foundation’s monitoring and evaluation work; and all aspects of KCDF’s impact reporting.

Key Responsibilities

MEL System

• Coordinate development, review, and implementation of the Foundation’s Strategic Plan translating its Theory of Change and results framework into programme and project level monitoring, evaluation and learning.
• Develop criteria to measure the effectiveness of KCDF’s programmes and projects using an outcome-based/results-oriented MEL system.
• Participate in the design and implementation of quality evaluations (studies, needs assessments, situational analysis, baseline, and end line assessments, etc.) by providing technical support and/or identifying resources to undertake such evaluations.
• Working closely with programme teams and leading the development, review and application of MEL tools and processes, including field visits, to help find the most effective ways of communicating the programme’s impact and embedding MEL across the Foundation.
• Support proposal and concept note reviews to develop appropriate MEL Frameworks (Logic Model, Results Framework, Logical Framework), Theory of Change and M&E Plans.

Data and Knowledge Management

• Develop processes for gathering baseline data to establish and manage an annual reporting cycle.
• Regularly undertake data analysis to support results tracking and check the quality and accuracy of data.
• Support colleagues to enhance and/or streamline data management processes.
• Coordinate the development of both internal and external reporting and planning documents.
• Support the collection, analysis, documentation and systems of knowledge and the exchange of learning from projects and programmes.
• Proactively research new methods and systems to improve KCDF’s approach to managing information.
• Develop and manage the Foundation's Management Information System/database.

Partner Support

• Support MEL capacity development for Foundation partners and provide technical expertise in MEL areas.
• Build and maintain relationships with key external (global, regional, national, and local) partners to advance the objectives of the KCDF MEL agenda.

Internal Collaboration and Cooperation

• Be the internal champion for MEL: Work closely with all staff to nurture a strong MEL culture within the Foundation and identify opportunities to maximise synergies toward's the Foundation’s vision and mission.
• Provide leadership, advice and support on MEL tools and approaches and on related reporting.

Capacity Building

• Facilitate orientation and training for new staff on the KCDF Strategic Plan, Implementation Matrix, and MEL Manual as well as provide periodic refresher courses for existing staff.
• Support KCDF program teams in the development of periodic progress donor and institutional reports in relation to the contractual obligations and the strategic plan respectively.

 Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, statistics, economics, and with professional monitoring and evaluation certification. A Master’s degree in relevant areas will be an added advantage.
• At least seven years experience as a MEL specialist working in a development grant-making organization. Experience in working as a MEL specialist in a community foundation will be an added advantage.
• At least three years of experience in qualitative and quantitative social research.
• Proven experience in building and maintaining positive work relationships and partnerships.
• Excellent collaborative and facilitation skills.
• Understanding of European Union (EU) General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Kenya Data Protection Act, 2019.

Essential Skills and Experiences

• A good understanding of the principles in monitoring and evaluation.
• Experience in internal impact monitoring and evaluation in a similar organisation.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills and ability to articulate technical information clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience using a variety of MEL methods, tools, processes, and systems.
• Advanced computer literacy in Word, Excel and PowerPoint as well as data collection, analysis and presentation software/applications (such as SurveyMonkey, Power BI, etc.). data visualization will be an added advantage.
• Experience designing and delivering evaluations of community development programmes.
• Experience delivering training or capacity-building activities to a variety of audiences and capacity levels. Experience writing reports for a variety of audiences including internal teams, diverse Funders and community stakeholders.
• Experience in contributing to project design and institutional funding proposals.
• Experience managing team members of varying levels of experience.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision and self-motivated.

Required Competencies

• Strong oral and written communication.
• Flexibility and adaptability.
• Problem-solving/analytical thinking.
• Innovation/creativity/lateral thinking.