Duty station: Nairobi, Kenya (with frequent traveling to Somalia)

Position title: Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Secialist – NIS Somalia

Reporting to: Country Representative, NIS Somalia

Duration: 12 months with possibility of extension

Contract type: Full time

Background

The Nordic International Support Foundation (NIS) is a Norwegian-registered non-profit organisation engaged in stabilisation and reconciliation initiatives in conflict and post-conflict areas. Its primary areas of intervention are institutional development, basic public service delivery, and stabilisation measures. Headquartered in Oslo, Norway, NIS currently implements projects in Mali, Myanmar, and Somalia where it recruits and deploys fully-fledged teams of both employees (ca. 45 in Somalia) and consultants. NIS currently has three offices in Somalia (Mogadishu, Baidoa and Kismayo). Since 2011, NIS has implemented more than 80 projects in 24 locations throughout the country. Our focus on innovation and in-country presence and capabilities help the Government of Somalia (and international donors) to challenge the status quo and provide the necessary deliverables for building confidence in the government and undermining those in favour of continued instability in the country.

Essential Functions

The Specialist will lead the development, implementation and enhancement of all aspects of NIS Somalia’s MEL system. This role will lead the design and high-quality implementation of project-specific M&E systems. The MEL Specialist will bring to bear international best practice approaches on adaptive management, using MEL information to support strategic and operational adaptations of NIS’ Somalia programme in a dynamic transitional context. These functions will be accomplished through leadership of a MEL team based in Somalia (currently consisting of 1 National Manager and 2 MEL Officers) and close working relationships with NIS Somalia Project Managers, support functions and management. The Specialist will support and actively contribute to a culture of innovation, energy and excellence, and be guided by NIS’ overall principles.

Main Responsibilities

· Lead the implementation of NIS Somalia’s internal MEL systems (including tools and approaches) with a focus on outcome reporting and on bringing in new systems and processes as required.

· Ensure adherence to the best practices, principles and purposes of MEL.

· Lead the design and implementation of all primary data collection and supervise field-based case studies and outcome level research as required.

· Line manage the Mogadishu-based national MEL Specialist, ensuring high quality delivery of key functions including:

o Compilation and quality assurance of basic reporting data

o Day to day engagement with NIS Project Managers on MEL

· Support strategic coherence of the NIS Somalia programme through regular review of theories of change.

· Quality assure and actively participate and contribute to programme and project-level reports, both pre-scheduled and ad-hoc. Ensure all MEL related activities and data are accurately represented in donor reports.

· Deliver monthly inputs to the NIS Information Management System (IMS) reporting as well as reports to other partners.

· Contribute to the elaboration of project proposals, with a special focus on the results framework, theory of change and MEL.

· Manage lessons learned processes for Project Managers and Management.

· Mobilize relevant external M&E technical assistance in a timely manner.

· Lead the design and engagement with project/programme level evaluations.

· Organising learning and sharing events with donors and other stakeholders

· When designated, represent NIS at public events including policy forums.

· Contribute to global NIS MEL processes

· Work closely with the NIS Global MEL Advisor and other NIS HQ staff

All NIS staff must adhere to the NIS code of conduct, policies, guidelines and handbooks.

Desired qualifications

· Minimum of 7 years professional experience related to overseeing the development and operationalisation of MEL and research systems.

· Expertise in developing and reviewing theories of change.

· Expertise in stabilisation debates, including in relation to MEL systems and measures.

· High-level of analytical and writing skills, with evidence of policy influencing.

· Strong communicator, with experience in diverse global settings.

· Experience with design of surveys and other data collection methods and analysis of results.

· Demonstrable commitment to staying abreast of best practice in stabilisation work and M&E.

· Demonstrable understanding and experience in applying international best practice conflict, aid and development principles including GESI, do no harm and conflict sensitivity.

· Experience of engaging with and supporting local, national and international stakeholders.

· Strong collaboration and organisational skills.

· Excellent written and spoken English.

· Thorough understanding of the Somalia context.

Achievement indicators

Job execution will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

· Level of results achieved, according to Country Strategies, Plans of Action, Project Descriptions, Budgets.

· Level of adherence to deadlines, and ensuring that proposals, concept notes and reports are submitted according to established MEL standards, in line with donor requirements and with high quality.

· Level of support to Programme Staff and Management in Somalia.

· Information management and sharing- efficient, timely and updated.

· General contribution: policy development, PESA, programmes development etc.

· Flexibility and ability to adjust to changes and new requirements.

· Level of personal contribution in supporting colleagues, teambuilding and a healthy, positive and creative work environment.