FHI 360 Background:

FHI 360 is a global organization that mobilizes research, resources and relationships so people everywhere can access the opportunities they need to lead full, healthy lives. With collaborations in over 60 countries, we work directly with local leaders to advance social and economic equity, improve health and well-being, respond to humanitarian crises and strengthen community resilience. 

We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of MEL Lead for an upcoming Education Activity: Ethiopia Support for Girls' Education and Improved Learning).  

This position will be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and is contingent upon award.  

Project Description

Ethiopia Support for Girls' Education and Improved Learning (2024 – 2029) is the FCDO’s new bilateral education program in Ethiopia. The programme will provide improved access for marginalised groups, improved retention and transition rates, improved learning outcomes, improved school capacity and capability through:

·       School leadership support

·       Equity support

·       Teacher support

·       English language

Position Description

The MEL Lead will be responsible for all MEL activity required for the programme. This includes co-leading development of the program’s overall MEL strategy, evaluation oversight, support for adaptive programming, design and delivery of ad hoc research requests, leadership, and management of day-to-day monitoring activity, and for managing the relationship with any associated third party third-party Research and Evidence (R&E) suppliers.   

The MEL Lead will provide thought leadership and technical guidance, and lead implementation of MEL activities and systems including development and roll-out of tools and processes. The MEL Lead will be a senior MEL professional with prior experience of leading the MEL function on large-scale and complex education programs. 

Job Summary/Responsibilities 

MEL strategy: 

• Work with R&E supplier to finalize the MEL strategy, involving wider programme team as appropriate. 

• Continue to work closely with the R&E supplier to ensure that the MEL strategy is updated and remains aligned with the program theory of change, log frame and value-for-money monitoring. 

Implementation monitoring: 

• Work closely with colleagues from across the team to: 

• Design an overarching monitoring framework to monitor day-to-day performance of programme interventions. 

• Create and manage monitoring plans for the different program components.

• Co-design monitoring tools, select indicators, and determine field monitoring responsibilities. 

• Undertake periodic reviews of the program monitoring framework and update according to findings. 

Data and reporting: 

• Develop systems for the timely and efficient collection, management, analysis and reporting of valid and reliable programmatic reporting data. This includes making decisions on software and analytical tools. 

• Work with program partners to gather, quality assure and analyze partner-generated data. 

• Ensure systems are in place to collect monitoring data and any data required for third-party R&E supplier assessment purposes. 

• Oversee data collection ensuring adherence with required quality standards and international best practice and FCDO ethical standards. 

• Lead on production of monitoring reports.  

• Contribute to other FCDO reports including quarterly and annual reports. 

Adaptive Programming: 

• Provide capacity building to the team and subcontractors on adaptive programming.

• Support ongoing analysis of monitoring data.

• Manage monitoring dashboards to enable real-time decision making.

• Convene the programme team and facilitate discussions on adaptive programming in light of emerging data and programmatic challenges and observed positive deviance.

• Facilitate learning and adaptation sessions with program team and other stakeholders. 

Capacity strengthening: 

• Provide oversight, guidance and support to programme team members and consortium partners on MEL requirements and standards.  

Quality Assurance (QA): 

• Provide guidance on information systems for QA, as well as best practices for documentation and reporting. 

• Ensure that the tools selected for assessment are internationally recognized. 

Research and evidence: 

• Lead, oversee and/or support production and dissemination of any internal evaluation, research or evidence synthesis pieces (in collaboration with wider programme team and/or the R&E supplier).  

• Lead on communication of results and evidence to internal and external stakeholders in English and Amharic as needed. 

Job Requirements

Required Education Qualifications 

• Master’s degree or equivalent professional experience in evaluation, demography, social science, economics, or other relevant discipline.

Required Work Experience  

• At least 8 years of experience related to monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on education or social-sector programs required; at least 5 years of MEL experience in the education sector. 

• Proficiency with relevant software (e.g., Excel, ODK/Kobo, PowerBi, NVivo, Stata, SAS, SPSS, Epi Info, Atlas). 

• Demonstrated expertise in rigorous quantitative and qualitative methods, research, management information systems, reporting, data quality analysis and data analysis.  

• Experience working with tools including EGRA and EGMA. 

• Experience in design and implementation of MEL systems for FCDO-funded projects. 

• Expertise in education research and/or integrating gender equality and social inclusion into MEL systems. 

• Experience with adaptive programming frameworks and related data utilization strongly preferred. 

• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with stakeholder counterparts, partners and FHI 360 HQ counterparts. 

• Solid report writing, analytical, and communication skills, including oral presentation skills; ability to articulate technical information clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences. 

• Solid facilitation skills for training enumerators, counterparts and project and partner staff; additional experience building the capacity of local partners preferred. 

• Ability to collaborate effectively with program staff and supervise and develop junior staff. 

• Experience in the education sector in Ethiopia or the region strongly preferred. 

• Oral and written fluency required in English. 

• Oral and written fluency preferred in Amharic. 

How to Apply:

FHI 360 has a competitive compensation package and is an equal opportunity employer.  Interested candidates are encouraged to email their CV/resume and cover letter online by using THIS LINK

 Please write the position title that you are applying for in the subject line.

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran with respect to policies, programs, or activities.

Women applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. Kindly note that only shortlisted persons will be contacted.