Overview
The MERL Manager will provide technical direction and direct oversight for all MERL related systems, processes, analysis, and reporting across North East Syria and will contribute to new business development initiatives as necessary. The Manager will be responsible for developing the MERL Strategy in NES, developing in-house tools and data management systems to track M&E indicators and harmonize the MERL systems. Additionally, the Manager will provide technical support and lead staff training and mentoring in areas of evaluation, data collection and analysis, communication and other project-level M&E-related deliverables. The NES strategy aims for a dataset that is not primarily donor driven, but meets the needs of individual donors. Overall, the dataset over time should be able to report against a series of internal indicators that reflect research questions and contribute to proposal development.
The position reports to the North East Syria Director and is based in Derik, North East Syria (NES). There is a significant level of travel across the region required for this role.
Responsibilities
* Provides technical leadership in monitoring and evaluation systems and processes across the organization
* Develops and/or revises M&E templates as a part of organization-wide effort to improve project reporting capabilities
* Supports in the design, implementation, and management of MERL systems to include the development of PMPs, design and implementation of special surveys and studies, and help develop other indicator tracking tools as required
* Informs and develops MERL approaches and strategies as required in support of new business development
* Uses and evolves the NES MERL strategy to further develop internal indicators contributing to research and proposal development, collecting and maintaining the dataset as required
* Delivers trainings, as necessary, or identifies training opportunities for MERL staff in a variety of monitoring and evaluation, data collection and analysis topics
* Supports the systematic reporting of MERL data across NES programs
* Manage external consultants undertaking assessments, Third Party monitoring, evaluations and assessments on behalf of CHF/Global Communities
* Work closely with team members to devise and lead a research strategy built around NES programs to contribute to proposals, reporting and technical development
* Implement interventions to leverage technology and innovation to improve data collection and information systems.
* Undertake periodic reviews of program and/or country MERL systems, and participate in planning M&E system strengthening actions.
* Contribute to development of program work plans, quarterly reports, financial reports, and other reports and papers summarizing project results and evidence.
* Ensure high quality written contributions to weekly, quarterly and annual reports and be the final review in all reporting to donors.
* Oversee CHF/Global Communities efforts to document success stories.
* All other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
* Experience designing MERL systems, indicators, and monitoring plans
* Prior experience in conflict or post conflict settings
* Proficient in USAID regulations; prior experience working on USAID-funded programs
* Prior experience in the MENA region desirable
* Strong analytical skills and the ability to work with large amounts of data;
* Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines;
* Accuracy, attention to detail with the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team using a solution oriented approach;
* Ability to relate to and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders;
* Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member of a fast-moving team, willingness to contribute at different levels required to achieve success, self-motivated and ability to work independently
* Able to undertake remote management as required
* Advanced computer skills with Microsoft Office;
* Ability to travel regionally as needed.
* Excellent verbal and written communication , working knowledge of Arabic and/or Kurdish desirable but not essential
Qualifications
* A Master’s degree in relevant discipline and/or a minimum of 5 - 8 years of relevant experience or a Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline and/or a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience.
* Experience in designing MERL strategies
* Experience in conflict settings
* Excellent English writing skills
* Experience in capacity development and working with local national staff.
* Experience linking research and program findings to program design and implementation.
