Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning Assistant (SUN) at Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now, and for the future.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning Assistant (SUN)

Location: Marte, Borno
Employment Type: Full Time
Reports Directly To: MEL Officer
Works Directly With: MEL, Programs, Finance, and Operations
Safeguarding Risk Level: 3

Program / Department Summary

• Mercy Corps Nigeria in its bid to deliver a 10-month assistance and early recovery intervention in line with the Borno State Government Strategic Transformational Initiatives-STIs (2020-2030) and 25-Year Development Framework.
• The SUN intervention not only contributes to Pillar Six (Reconstruct, Rehabilitate & Resettle) of the Borno State Government STIs, it also aligns with Mercy Corps vision of building towards a more inclusive, resilient future for the communities we serve through a framework of helping people and communities to cope, adapt and thrive.
• The SUN objective is to Provide safe, locally and climate-sensitive multi-sectoral assistance to vulnerable, conflict-affected individuals (men, women, boys and girls) through integrated, inclusive, accountable and context-responsive programming in Marte, Borno State.
• Mercy Corps (MC) and Mon Club International (MCI) will address acute humanitarian needs of crisis-affected populations in the underserved Marte LGA of Borno State. A cash and vouchers-based program will deliver integrated multi-sectoral assistance (Food security and livelihood, Shelter and WASH sectors) to vulnerable and/or food insecure HHs who have resettled or returned to Marte.

General Position Summary

• The position holder will support the planning and execution of monitoring and evaluation, ensuring quality in accordance with accepted standards, providing essential feedback for learning, accountability, and decision-making for Mercy Corps Nigeria. S/he will be responsible for the following:
• The MEL Assistant will work with the MEL Officer as part of a team to operationalize the MEL system at the field location in Marte for the ECHO SUN Program.
• The MEL Assistant is responsible for supporting Mercy Corps staff and partners including MonClub International to regularly collect, enter, verify, analyze data, and make timely database adjustments to measure the impact of the program.
• The MEL Assistant will work directly with the MEL Officer and will closely coordinate with other program staff to help ensure monitoring and evaluation data is accurately incorporated into all reports and information products.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Understand and maintain MEL systems that improve Mercy Corps’ ability to inform program implementation, analyze data and represent impact to donors, government, partner organizations and communities.
• Ensure all relevant program staff can utilize the database to analyze program information and results.
• Regularly review data entered into the MEL system to locate and fix problems with data entry or integrity.
• Manage regular synchronizations and backups of field data to cloud-based data management system.
• Troubleshoot front and back-end issues with the database, including any synchronization issues of field-level data.
• Ensure field teams always have the most recent version of all MEL tools and documents.
• Assist the team in improving the MEL system by identifying good practices, field-tested lessons learned and creative recommendations; share with and encourage staff to incorporate these in their daily work.
• Review or edit data in reports as requested and required.
• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and not jeopardize its mission.
• Work as part of a team to facilitate and support MEL operations including baseline, end-line surveys, regular monitoring, data collection, analysis and reporting according to the M&E work plan.
• Facilitate data analysis with the program implementation team as requested.
• Conduct regular field visits to ensure all elements of the MEL system are utilized effectively by all stakeholders, assessing, and identifying breakdowns and areas that require clarifications and improvements.
• Carry out any other duties as assigned or required.

Safeguarding Responsibility

• Actively learns about safeguarding and integrates it into their work, including safeguarding risks and mitigations related to their area of work
• Practices the values of Mercy Corps including respecting the dignity and well-being of participants and fellow team members
• Encourages openness and communication in their team; encourages team members to submit reports if they have any concerns using reporting mechanisms e.g., Integrity Hotline and other options.

Security:

• Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.
• Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.

Organizational Learning:

• As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient, and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Accountability to Participants:

• Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our participants and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring, and evaluation of our field projects. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times.

Knowledge and Experience

• Must hold at least a Bachelor's Degree / Higher Diploma, or equivalent in Economics / Agriculture / Demography / Statistics / Business Administration, or a relevant field.
• One year of MEL experience (or similar), preferably in Borno State.
• Attention to detail and patience to double-check data entry is essential.
• Good basic math skills are essential and general knowledge of statistical principles is preferred.
• Prior experience carrying out surveys or conducting qualitative and quantitative data collection.
• Excellent oral and written communication skill in English language is required. Hausa and Kanuri language skill is preferred.
• Intermediate computer skill in MS Office programs, particularly Excel, is required. Skills in other programs, such as Access or statistical packages is also desirable.
• Prior experience with computerized data management systems is desired.

Success Factors:

• The ideal candidate will have a natural curiosity for quantifying and articulating the impact of Mercy Corps’ programs on individuals and in communities.
• S/he will also have an interest in exploring the larger factors that influence the success of programs and the well-being of populations. A successful candidate will have skills and a passion for data collection, and entry.
• The ability to interact effectively with international and national personnel is required. A demonstrated ability to multi-task, meet deadlines, and process information in support of changing program activities is necessary.
• The most successful Mercy Corps staff members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and changing environments and make effective written and verbal communication a priority in all situations.
• Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside work hours. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs, MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times.

Application Closing Date
3rd July, 2024.