Design, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (DMEL) Manager at Search for Common Ground (SFCG)

Search for Common Ground (SFCG) is an international non-profit organization that promotes the peaceful resolution of conflict. With headquarters in Washington, DC and Brussels, Belgium, Search’s mission is to transform how individuals, organizations, and governments deal with conflict - away from destructive approaches towards cooperative solutions. With more than 600 staff worldwide, Search implements projects in more than 30 countries across the globe.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Design, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (DMEL) Manager

Location: Abuja
Employment: Type Full-Time

Team Summary 

• The Design Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (DMEL) team plays a key role within the program department to support projects’ adaptation based on evidence that Search’s Global Programs generate in each country.
• DMEL implements best practices in monitoring, research, and evaluation, and contributes to the broader organizational learning across programs; under technical support and in collaboration with the Institutional Learning Team (ILT). DMEL also contributes to business development processes ensuring the quality of program design which integrates lessons learned and evidence collected and alignment with global and conflict geography strategies.
• DMEL is responsible for ensuring the alignment of country programs with global standards, including the Evidence and Learning Protocols and the Global Impact Framework (GIF). The team is led by the Manager/Senior Manager under the leadership of the Director of Programs/Country Director/Manager.
• The team engages at multiple levels of the program structure and with other departments within the country’s structure, such as finance, HR, logistics, etc.

Responsibilities 

• Leader responsible for country MEL strategy, M&E portfolio management, and health & sustainability of the DMEL unit;
• Ensure the upholding of organizational DMEL standards, in close collaboration with ILT;
• Coordinate in a matrixed structure within and across teams at the country level to pursue goals in collaboration with a wider set of teams and departments;
• Define expectations for coordination across departments, within the department, and within teams;
• Lead the process of reflective practice and evidence-based programming through quarterly reflection meetings and other means of sharing innovative M&E methods and approaches
• Set core skills and leadership development goals with direct reports and create opportunities for staff to pursue goals throughout the year; Pursue skills development goals to enhance field leadership annually.

Contributions
Program Execution & Learning:

• Play a lead role in country program development and sub-strategy development, implementation and review, seeking alignment with the organizational strategy.

Planning:

• Lead planning for M&E activities and products within the portfolio, ensuring alignment between resource allocation and deliverables.

Organizational Performance:

• Lead team guidance and action planning to identify and address bottlenecks to performance;
• Ensure objectives for personnel are aligned with organizational performance measures and that team results are pursued in line with organization and department results.

Evidence & Impact:

• Manage M&E deliverables within the portfolio to ensure that they enhance our ability to speak to impact and build evidence for our field in line with Search standards, following expectations for quality;
• Lead the implementation of the M&E strategy for the relevant conflict geography; 
• Produce, review, and approve learning products and deliverables that directly contribute evidence in line with the country’s needs and the organization's learning agenda.

Technical Positioning:

• Develop initiatives that support capacity building for staff to improve our impact and program quality, in line with organizational standards and the Global Impact Framework;
• Collaborate with the ILT department on initiatives that support staff to enter and build skills within networks of technical expertise in the organization;
• Supervise data entry and data management, ensuring the regular update and use of the Grant Management System;
• Serve as a leader within technical networks to channel Search learning back into programming, serve as a focal point of technical expertise with external groups, and position Search as field leader affecting policy and practice at the country level;
• Ensure staff build professional skills within the organization's learning platform and lead the development of relevant training and resources for technical growth.

New Frontiers:

• Engage in the business development process, leading and reviewing drafts, with a focus on feeding evidence and lessons learned back into the programmatic design;
• Participate in and serve as M&E representative at relevant events and initiatives developed with country partners. 
• Develop partnerships with high-quality institutions and stakeholders that demonstrate field leadership at the country level, and organize events and initiatives around future opportunities and trends. 
• Infuses organizational values into all work.
• Other duties that are broadly in line with the above key contributions as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Typically BS / BA with a minimum of 9 years experience.

Competency Behavior Indicators (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities):

• Manages overall strategy and vision. Provides functional and program/project management. Anticipates and plans for needs and takes action accordingly. Provides guidance to direct reports or matrixed team members.
• Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with vendors, organizations, professional associations, partners, funders, and Search’s network of experts critical to the area of purview.
• Modifies a planned course of action in response to new information or new circumstances.
• Responds to changing circumstances and expectations readily.
• Articulates Search/function program/project goals and objectives within and external to Search. Develops program objectives that reflect broader Search strategies and approaches.
• Provides input for standards across functions globally within Shared Services teams and with a view from a multicultural perspective that reflects consideration of other cultures, other viewpoints, and other ways of doing things.
• Overcomes obstacles using ethical practices; formulates and evaluates morally and ethically justified solutions.
• Assesses risks and opportunities to lead decision-makers to a favorable outcome.
• Checks the accuracy of one’s own and others’ work and sets up systematic checks and balances to support content and data integrity.
• Has knowledge of project management tools including technology as resources for efficiency and reduction of stress.
• Works with employees to set and communicate performance standards that are specific and measurable.
• Anticipates the consequences of situations and plans accordingly.
• Analyzes the costs, benefits, risks, and chances for success in making a decision.
• Provides coaching and mentoring to staff.

Type and Nature of Contacts

• Routinely coordinates with colleagues and consultants on-site and in the field and resolves problem situations with tact.
• Represents, as assigned, selected programs or projects and other organizations, including external meetings, conferences, donors, vendors, and international and local partners.
• Interacts with the country office and regional staff.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Usual office environment conditions; ability to travel 30%.

Supervisory and Budget Responsibility

• May supervise one or more staff members.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.