ROLE PURPOSE:

To design and implement a system for gathering, interpreting and managing multiple forms of indicative information and resource documents necessary for learning along with managing the knowledge/evidence base generated necessary for the successful design and implementation of Save the Children programmes. He/she rolls out support for Thematic Areas to meet/exceed the M&E Minimum Operating Standards in evidence and learning including working with the Head of MEAL and DCD PDQ to ensure SEL leadership by thematic sector leaders or their designates.  Also develop and implement minimum requirements related to learning and evidence as part of the overall MEAL strategy and systems, ensuring that such systems are institutionalized at appropriate levels including thematic sectors and geographic areas.  Also, support thematic sectors, the program development unit, and individual or groups of programs with research design and implementation with a focus on baseline and end line evaluations as well as operations research.

SCOPE OF ROLE:

Reports to: Head of MEAL

Dimensions:

Staff directly reporting to this post: Research Fellows/Consultants (to be recruited)

 KEY AREAS OF Learning and Evidence Manager (LEM):

Leadership and Management

·       Provide overall supervision and leadership on the evidence and learning (EL) functions and strategy in the country office

·       Provide leadership and supervision to subordinates on EL and research

·       Provide support and advise the Head of MEAL in leading, design and implementation of comprehensive MEAL system in the CO

·       Provide supervision, mentorship and professional development to staffs on MEAL/EL system

·       Ensure MEAL evidences (IPTT, project performance/action trackers, output tracker, etc) are used for management decision making and continuous performance improvement and be part of the Hub level management team members

·       Provide leadership on the EL system of the country office and MEAL evidences are used for programme improvement

·       Act as a point person for Ethiopia CO in the global Learning and Knowledge Management initiatives and engage as a member of global learning team

·       Coordinate CO community of practices and/or other learning platforms for MEAL and other thematic based community of practices/learning platforms ensuring their functioning

System Design and Roll-Out

·       Working closely with the Head of MEAL, design SCI’s approach to learning and evidence management, setting down the minimum requirements (following SCI MOS) and ensuring that it complements and forms an integral part of the overall MEAL system

·       Ensure that a learning culture is fostered within the organisation and EL is an integral element of programming and staff engagement/development

·       Working with the GIS & Data Management Coordinator, develop the associated tools required to implement the EL minimum requirements to ensure that roll-out is standardized in Addis and in other operational areas where relevant (e.g. databases, maps, action plans)

·       Work closely with PDQ team members to promote understanding of the importance of EL to achieve quality programming

·       Work with the Head of MEAL and DCD PDQ to ensure that the EL strategy is implemented

·       At the Addis level, be a key link between the PDQ and Programme Operations teams, to ensure that EL is promoted as a key tool in programme management and strategy development through the MEAL Managers/Coordinators, support field offices to prioritise EL and identify entry points

System Management

·       Play a leading role in planning and managing research, studies and evaluations of all the programs of the CO

·       Keep track of all project evaluations and, in coordination with technical / project managers, design evaluation TORs, provide technical guidance on inception reports, provide briefings to consultants and provide logistical support to ensure evaluations happen smoothly

·       Ensure high quality and systematic synthetization, dissemination (internal and external) and maintenance of research, studies and evaluation outcomes: evidences and lessons learnt

·       Ensure that learning is accessed and used as an integral part of programme implementation including specifically assisting projects/programs with learning components

·       As required provide trainings to raise awareness on the importance of learning

-  Determine long-term and short-term strategic plans to achieve the objectives of the organization in the area of EL. Provide guidance to subordinates to achieve goals in accordance with established knowledge management policies.

Programme Development

·       With the Head of MEAL and Hub-MEAL Managers, feed into programme and proposal design to ensure that new programme design is based on previous learning

·       Specifically participate in the development of Operations Research strategies for programs that call for it

·       Make sure that technical advisors have easy access to learning documents for reference purpose

Communication and Reporting

- Coordinate, collaborate and oversee best practice consolidation with all thematic sectors, ensure that the knowledge base is configured appropriately for optimum accessibility and widely adopted use.

·       Promote learning in the country office, particularly on issues of programme quality.

·       Ensure effective storage of assessment, surveys and evaluations and/or organizational knowledge on the shared folders and/or other systems (such as the intranet or OneNet), and use this knowledge base to promote learning across the organisation

·       Produce case studies, best practices; and lessons learned for internal and external use

SKILLS AND BEHAVIOURS (our Values in Practice)

Accountability:

·       Holds self-accountable for making decisions, managing resources efficiently, achieving and role modelling Save the Children values

·       Holds the team and partners accountable to deliver on their responsibilities - giving them the freedom to deliver in the best way they see fit, providing the necessary development to improve performance and applying appropriate consequences when results are not achieved

Ambition:

·       Sets ambitious and challenging goals for himself/herself (and his/her team), takes responsibility for his/her own personal development and encourages others to do the same

·       Widely shares his/her personal vision for Save the Children, engages and motivates others

·       Future orientated, thinks strategically

Collaboration:

·       Builds and maintains effective relationships, with his/her team, colleagues, members and external partners and supporters

·       Values diversity, sees it as a source of competitive strength

·       Approachable, good listener, easy to talk to

Creativity:

·       Develops and encourages new and innovative solutions

·       Willing to take disciplined risks

Integrity:

·       Honest, encourages openness and transparency

KEY COMPETENCIES (Save the Children competency framework – to Skilled level)

1.     Leading and inspiring others

2.     Delivering Results

3.     Developing Self and Others

4.     Problem Solving and decision making

5.     Innovating and adapting

6.     Applying Technical & Professional Expertise

7.     Working effectively with others

8.     Communicating with Impact

9.     Networking

In order to be successful you will bring/have:

 QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum BSc/BA; preferably MSc/MA degree in an area of social development or equivalent.
• A minimum of Ten years management experience, including in a senior MEAL, learning or research role, preferably with solid experience in more than one of the Save the Children priority sectors: education, child protection, child rights governance, health and nutrition, livelihoods and resilience, WASH, and emergency response
• Substantial prior experience in knowledge and learning management is mandatory
• Strong technical knowledge and experience in designing and managing researches, studies and evaluations
• Experience of successfully designing and managing knowledge management systems, an awareness of learning methodologies and experience of leading learning events
• Demonstrated commitment to creating a learning culture
• Awareness of international quality standards (Red Cross Code of Conduct, Sphere Standard, CHS) and proven experience of using these standards in practical ways to promote quality and accountable programming
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills including presentation skills and the capacity to effectively work with multiple stakeholders within and outside Ethiopia
• Highly developed cultural awareness and ability to work well in an international environment with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures
• Ability to influence others to challenge existing mind-sets and to meeting defined objectives
• Negotiation skills with external service providers
• Ability to present complex information in a succinct and compelling manner, and to use innovative forms of communication
• Ability and willingness to dramatically change work practices and hours, and work with incoming surge teams, in the event of emergencies or proposal development
• Fluency in national language required
• Fluency in English, both verbal and written essential
• Commitment to Save the Children values

 We offer a competitive package in the context of the sector.  This role is offered on the basis of national terms and conditions only.