Introduction

WaterAid has started its work in Ethiopia since 1983 and established its Country Programme in 1991. It has been engaged in the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector since then with a vision of everyone everywhere has access to clean water, improved sanitation and hygiene. So far, WaterAid Ethiopia has grown to become a nationally recognized actor in the WASH sector. It has been operating in Amhara, Oromia, Benishangul Gumuz, SNNPRS and Harari Regional States and Addis Ababa City Administration. This growth as well as new developments in the Ethiopian WASH sector through various frameworks such as Growth and Transformation Plans and the ONE WASH National Programme (OWNP) with scope to expand Climate Resilient WASH Programmes, the Universal Access Plan (UAP), and Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) and other relevant policies and strategies present opportunity to WaterAid Ethiopia to advance WASH services. WaterAid has put in place a ten years’ Global Strategy (2022 – 2032) that made a bold commitment to “ending the water, sanitation, and hygiene crises together – for everyone, everywhere”. WaterAid Ethiopia (WAE) has also developed a five-years (2023 – 2028) Country Program Strategy that is aligned with the Global Strategy and focuses on 2 Aims: Achieve universal, sustainable and safe WASH services in focused geographic areas to influence wider change; and Strengthen the resilience of WASH to climate change. For effective achievement of these aims, WAE employs System Strengthening as its core approach that also contains five key aspects that cut across the Aims: service delivery and capacity strengthening; influencing; partnership and alliances; gender equality and social inclusion; and evidence, learning and innovation and strategies on promoting sustainable WASH services and behaviour changes. 

Job Purpose 

The Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Specialist is responsible for providing technical expertise in Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting, Programme Accountability and Learning to ensure programme/ projects performance for the realization of WAE strategy and learning are captured for future programming. This is through enhanced organization’s Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting (PMER) systems and Accountability Frameworks in the implementation of programmes/ projects, build capacities of staff and local partners on PMER; and ensure that data quality standards are monitored, met, and reported timely. The MEAL Specialist will undertake monitoring and evaluation of grant implementation. In addition, she/he will provide key advisory and support to the senior management on programme quality monitoring, accountability frameworks, programme learnings, knowledge initiatives and compliance. S/he will lead in identifying PMER technical needs and make appropriate recommendations. She/he is responsible to ensure the programme Accountability Framework is implemented and learning from programmes and projects implementation, monitoring and evaluation are generated, documented, and disseminated. The position also works with local partner organizations and service providers in developing their capacity on M&E to deliver effective and sustainable WASH and behaviour change programmes. S/he will lead in identifying PMER technical needs and make appropriate recommendations.

Main Responsibilities and Duties

Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation: 

• Support full implementation and integration of global PMER requirements and standards across all areas of WAE’s programme and policy influencing work.

• Lead the implementation and management of WA’s PMER Core-Procedure and Result Based Planning system.

• Support programme staff, implementing partners and sector actors in setting performance standards and developing monitoring and evaluation system/ tools, templates, and other support materials to facilitate performance monitoring, planning, research, outcome evaluation for the WASH sector.

• Provide technical and operational guidance/capacity strengthening to partner organizations on field and Woreda officials in the geographical/ WAE operation areas in monitoring and evaluation systems, survey activities and database management in connection with WaterAid supported projects and programmes.

• Ensure that project monitoring arrangements comply with donor/grant agreements and that the provisions of the grant agreement are fully observed.

• Proactively monitor the CP’s Country Strategy and operational plan to promote the review and achievement of the CP strategic objectives. Actively identify and implement improvements to M & E systems and processes.

• Provide technical guidance in conducting assessments in line with established PMER or donor related guidelines and for the implementation of the M&E plan, through training and other on-site support.

• Supervise regular data collection through implementing partners and ensure quality of the data by random verifications and validations.

• Review the quality of existing data sources, the methods of collecting them and the degree to which they will provide good baseline data for mid-term and end of project evaluations; based on this review consult partners to develop approaches to address identified gaps.

• Coordinate all Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation activities with support from other departments and WaterAid UK, in line with WaterAid’s frameworks.

• Prepare Terms of Reference (TOR) for baseline, mid-term, and end-line surveys including methodology preparation, sample selection and staff training if needed, and provide overall technical direction to conduct surveys.

• Lead the periodic Post Implementation Monitoring Surveys (PIMS).

• Update Monitoring and Evaluation plans, consistent with the national M&E framework, in consultation with stakeholders/partners.

• Facilitate reviews of progress on a quarterly basis and ensure problem solving through remedial actions.

• Prepare quarterly and annual programmatic progress updates / reports on projects. Provide evaluation feedback to SMT, Programme Managers, and Project units as directed by   Management.

• Monitor and follow up on implementation of programme audit and evaluation recommendations; ensure the optimal use of evaluation findings by providing guidance in preparation of timely management response to all mandatory evaluations and by developing a communication/dissemination plan.

• Review the management information systems of the CP and agree on required changes or resources to ensure data quality standards are monitored and met.

• Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the area of monitoring and evaluation, focusing on achieving results on: identification and formulation of lessons learned and documentation of best practices from evaluations and studies to be integrated into project reports.

• Participate in external supervision and evaluation missions of the CP by facilitating access to M&E data as required.

• Coordinate the conducting evaluation of all completed programmes and projects to establish key learning and recommendations to inform future programs and projects.

Programme Accountability and Learning: 

• Ensure the programme Accountability Framework is implemented and learning from programmes and projects implementation, monitoring and evaluation are generated, documented, and disseminated.

• Promote and monitor the mainstreaming of gender and inclusion measurement indicators in WAE Country Programmes and projects.

• Develop learning documents from the results of M&E managed evaluations/studies as required.

• Conduct small-scale in-house mix-method studies, develop mobile phone-based data collection tool in mWater platform, analyze data and prepare report.

• Initiate and coordinate studies and evaluations by external consultants related to project baseline/end line and evaluations by supporting the hiring process, overseeing quality and disseminating/sharing results.

• Contributing to effective learning and knowledge management in line with WaterAid’s overall approach.

Capacity Building: 

• Conduct assessment of the CP’s capacity in the field of M&E, and develop, design, and lead the implementation delivery of a capacity of M&E capacity building to staff and personnel of stakeholders, together with implementing partners involved in the implementation of grants.

• Directly support staff and partners in the field for any capacity on using the online platform and using the M&E tools and template for data collection.  

• Regular M&E skill sharing with staff and partners.    

• Support capacity building of partner NGOs across all monitoring and reporting functions including data input, validation and reporting as per WaterAid/donor requirements.

• Strengthen systems and tools, and training materials to train stakeholders and other implementing partners personnel.

   Networking & Co-ordination: 

• Assist the Country Programme in the identification of potential implementation problems and bottlenecks and recommend appropriate strategies to address them, ensuring disparities between planned and actual outputs are addressed.

• Establish, develop, and maintain relationships with the programme field team of WaterAid and partners. 

• Participate in and contribute to CP's efforts to strengthen in-country WASH and networks.

• Participate in preparation of project identification, design, setup, and planning.

• Participate in CP strategy and Business development.

• Lead the development of M& E plans, Result/Logical Framework, Theory of Change, measurements and indicators for programmes and projects.

• Maintain cooperative relationship with all key stakeholders, policy makers and donor partners.

• Review and help maintain data integrity and consistency in multiple systems by programme teams and partners.

Reporting and data management: 

• Coordinate the preparation and submission of all Country Programme reports, the output verification exercise and the impact assessment at the end of the programme cycle. Contribute to other reports as required.

• Provide data support to programmes and other team members in the organization for grant specific donor reporting as per agreements and annual reporting of WaterAid as per PMER cycle.

• Support effective reporting and timely information flow between country, regional and global levels to increase efficiency and reduce ad-hoc information requests.

• Record, manage and preserve monitoring and evaluation data in a safe and accessible way.

• Ensure WaterAid Programme systems have up to date and accurate data for effective decision making.

Safeguarding, Safety, and Security: 

• Understands and puts into practice the responsibilities under Safeguarding, Child Protection and Gender policies and Code of Conduct (CoC).

• Adheres to any local security protocols that have been put in place when working in the office, travelling to the field, or undertaking project / programme activities.

• Immediately reports any health, safety and security incidents or near-misses that occur on WaterAid duty to their line manager, Security Focal Point or CD.

• Behaves and acts in a manner that does not put colleagues or anyone that interacts with WaterAid in immediate danger or harm’s way.

Other:

• Perform any other duty as may be assigned by supervisor or designee from time to time

• Participate and contribute to committees and task forces e.g., Procurement Committee.

Job Requirements

Key Competences, Skills, Experience and Knowledge

Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience

Essential Criteria 

• BSc degree or higher in Economics, Statistics, Development Studies, Computer Science, or other relevant disciplines.

• Minimum relevant experience of 7 years for MSc and 9 years for BSc in planning, monitoring, evaluation, and learning preferably in an NGO setting in the field of WASH. Experience in international research or other development organisation will also be considered.

• Demonstrated track record in programme advisory role, preferably on MEAL.

• Extensive knowledge of monitoring and evaluation methodologies i.e., both quantitative and qualitative data collection, processing, and analysis.

• A strong background in WASH programmes, having managed projects wherein systematic input, output and process data were collected and used to guide programming.

• Good knowledge of project planning cycle and management; and strong hands-on experience in development project designs and management as well as designing research projects to support monitoring, evaluation & learning.

• Skilled in analysis and visual representation. Able to analyse information and make sound conclusions and decisions.

• Strong knowledge in the development and use of software and database applications for programme monitoring & learning. Tools for capturing knowledge and learning; MEAL tools and techniques, and application of computer software (MS Excel, SPSS, GIS, data visualization software) and monitoring is essential. IT skills with advanced knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint and strong Microsoft PowerBi skills.

• Good knowledge of data collection methodologies, tools, and processes. Experience in using quantitative and qualitative tools for carrying out monitoring and evaluation projects.

• Experience in conducting data quality assurance and reviewing indicators for projects.

• Experience in designing and implementing country level M&E trainings;

• Experience in using quantitative and qualitative tools for carrying out monitoring and evaluation projects.

• Proactive approach. Identifies issues and challenges and seeks to resolve these in a timely manner.

• Strong planning and organisational skills, drive to meet deadlines.

• Experience of building the capacity of staff and partners and facilitating learning in relation to planning, monitoring & evaluation.

• Experience working with and maintaining good relations with international, as well as counterparts and beneficiaries (e.g., International and Local NGOs and government representatives).

• Solid experience in management of people and systems and working in high-pressure environment.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Able to communicate complex information clearly to others and produce impactful reports and presentations.

• Experience in programme accountability and documentation and dissemination of programme learning.

Behavioral competencies

• Self-motivated, has driven, meet deadlines and capable to work under extreme pressure.

• Ability to convey technical information/ data in clear and vivid prose. Excellent presentation and public-speaking skills.

• Strong planning and organizational; problem solving skills, prioritization of work.

• Strong interpersonal skills. Able to build relationships with colleagues and stakeholders, negotiate and influence across teams in order to achieve the best outcome.

• Experience of collaborating, managing and motivating others; drive change within a multi discipline team.

• Competency in WaterAid common approaches to work including partnerships, convening, inclusion, systems strengthening, creating behavioral change, and mainstreaming gender and inclusion of youth.

• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, especially matrix and distance management environments.

• Must be a team player with mutual trust and understanding in a mixed team.

• Provides vision, direction, and a problem solver.

• Values driven, demonstrates gender and cultural awareness.

• Promotes high performance, innovation, and learning.

• Behaves consistently in approach to work and decision-making.

Desirable Criteria 

• Knowledge / experience in knowledge management systems 

• Experience in community-based development 

• Experience of M&E in the water, sanitation & hygiene (WASH) sector.

How to Apply

Qualified applicants can send their CV and motivational letter via THIS LINK

WaterAid is an equal opportunities employer regardless of sex, race, disability, age, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. WaterAid Ethiopia does not discriminate on grounds of gender, marital status, race, tribe, religion, culture, disability, age, HIV/AIDS status, or any other factor. WaterAid Ethiopia encourages female candidates to apply. 

WaterAid is committed to ensuring that wherever we work in the world there is no tolerance for the abuse of power, privilege or trust. WaterAid reinforces a culture of zero tolerance towards any form of inappropriate behavior, abuse, harassment, or exploitation of any kind. The safeguarding of our beneficiaries, staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf, is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All staff and volunteers are required to share in this commitment through our Global Code of Conduct. We will conduct the most appropriate pre-employment references and checks to ensure high standards are maintained.