Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning Support Manager

Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) is one of the largest national humanitarian organizations in Kenya. Its mission is to be the leading humanitarian organization in Kenya delivering excellent quality service of preventing and alleviating human suffering.

KRCS, in collaboration with its partners, seeks to help people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are as part of a global voluntary network, responding to conflicts, natural disasters and individual emergencies.

KRCS works in collaboration with other Red Cross Red Crescent partners, including the British Red Cross Society (BRC).  Currently, BRC supports longer term work in five countries in East Africa and contributes financially, and sometimes technically, to disaster response programmes throughout the region. The programme portfolio includes work supported from a variety of funding sources, including institutional donors and public fundraising.

The Society is looking for a qualified person to fill the following position:

Position Title:           Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning Support Manager Reporting to:            BRC Country Manager Job location:            Nairobi, KRCS Headquarters

Position summary

To improve the quality and impact of BRC’s international programming by providing technical support to staff and partners on effective PMER (Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting), accountability and learning.

The Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning Support Manager will provide to advice and support to BRC staff and partners to systematically strengthen the accountability, PMER and learning practices across the work we support in Kenya.

The post holder will manage a portfolio of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning work, initially focused on disaster management and water, sanitation and hygiene.

Applicants must have the right to work in Kenya.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning Support Manager

The British Red Cross (BRC) helps people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. We are part of a global voluntary network, responding to conflicts, natural disasters and individual emergencies.

BRC has a small regional office in East Africa which supports work with several Red Cross/Red Crescent Societies in the region.  Our goal is to improve the ability of vulnerable communities and individuals to prepare for, withstand, respond to and recover from disasters and other crises with the help of an efficient and effective Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

We aim to do that by working towards four outcomes whereby:

1.      The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement provides an effective response to crises, emergencies and disasters around the world, saving lives and protecting livelihoods

2.      Vulnerable communities and individuals around the world are better prepared for and able to withstand crises, recover and rebuild their lives.

3.      Stronger National Societies deliver quality services to vulnerable communities and individuals

4.      A more effective Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement that is able to maximise its global network potential

Currently, BRC supports longer term work in five countries in East Africa and contributes financially, and sometimes technically, to disaster response programmes throughout the region. The programme portfolio includes work which is supported from a variety of funding sources, including DFID, ECHO, trusts and public fundraising.

The BRC office currently comprises a team of four people, with additional technical support provided as needed by colleagues from the UK and from Movement partners in the region.

Purpose

To improve the quality and impact of BRC’s international programming by providing technical support to staff and partners on effective PMER (Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting), accountability and learning.

Role

The Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Support Manager will provide to advice and support to BRC staff and partners to systematically strengthen the accountability, PMER and learning practices across the work we support in Kenya.

The post holder will support a portfolio of MEAL work, initially focused on disaster management and water, sanitation and hygiene.

Main Duties

Advise, support and build capacity on performance and accountability

1.      Work with BRC staff and partners on MEAL issues, e.g. programme planning, developing management tools, designing M&E systems, putting Accountability to Beneficiary (AtB) systems in place and undertaking learning reviews

2.      Coach and train BRC staff and partners on PMER, AtB, and learning in terms of approaches, requirements and tools through one-on-one, small group and large workshop environments.

3.      Provide agreed assistance to partners on MEAL work e.g. analysing data, designing/using monitoring tools, carrying out monitoring visits, developing AtB mechanisms, adapting tools to fit contexts and researching good practice on specific issues. 

4.      Support the development of programme-level M&E, AtB and related resources e.g. tools, templates and guidance.

5.      Ensure all BRC supported programmes have appropriate M&E frameworks.

6.      Review and provide feedback on programme plans, reports and evaluations from a MEAL  perspective.

7.      Work alongside partners and provide agreed assistance to generate high quality and timely reports.

8.      Document and share learning across programmes.

9.      Support programme reviews and evaluations.

Strengthen monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning within BRC and the Movement[1]

10.  Champion organisational and programmatic learning by sharing and promoting learning.

11.  Contribute to BRC thinking on MEAL issues, including quality standards, policies, and learning initiatives.

12.  Work with Finance colleagues to ensure that project management requirements are aligned with financial planning, monitoring and reporting

13.  Work with BRC, the IFRC and other Movement actors to promote good PMER practice.

14.  Work with partners to strengthen relationships within humanitarian MEAL networks

Other

15.  Uphold the Fundamental Principles of the Movement.

16.  Undertake other appropriate duties as assigned

17.  Since the post is new, the duties may evolve over time, therefore the job description will be subject to periodic review.

Person Specification

Education/ Training	Essential ·         Degree level in Humanitarian Assistance, Development Studies, International Relations or other relevant subject ·         Master’s degree in relevant subject
Experience	Essential ·         At least 5 years working experience in a relevant MEAL role ·         Experience in the humanitarian or development sector ·         Practical  experience of programme planning, programme management, M&E and learning ·         Practical experience of designing and rolling out of programme cycle management approaches ·         Substantial practical experience of initiating and implementing MEAL related actions ·         Experience of working with and supporting partner organisations ·         Experience of quantitative data analysis and database management ·         Experience of mentoring others ·         Experience of working with and interacting with communities ·         Experience supporting complex projects with multiple stakeholders Desirable ·         Practical experience in relation to disaster management and/or WASH programming ·         Practical field experience of designing and establishing beneficiary accountability systems ·         Experience of developing and managing budgets ·         Experience working with major donors ·         Experience undertaking programme evaluations ·         Experience of supporting value for money in programmes ·         Experience of the Red Cross / Red Crescent
Knowledge/ Technical Skills	Essential ·         Up-to-date knowledge of good practices in MEAL ·         Strong advisory skills ·         Ability to mentor and coach individuals and groups ·         Confident use of Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint and Excel) Desirable ·         Strong workshop facilitation skills ·         French an advantage
Personal skills	Essential ·         Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English ·         Excellent numerate skills ·         Commitment to values of humanitarian work ·         Cross cultural sensitivity ·         A self-starter, with a systematic approach and positive outlook
Special Circumstances	Essential ·         Able to travel and operate in a physically demanding working environment. ·         Willingness to work out of office hours when necessary ·         Understanding of and commitment to the Fundamental Principles

Application process

Applicants should submit the following:

-          A one page cover letter, explaining how your skills and experience apply to this role.

-          A CV of no more than 3 sides, including the names of three professional references

-          Please do not send copies of testimonials, certificates or any other back-up documentation.

Applications should be sent by email to careers@kenyaredcross.org.  Applications should be submitted by and to be received on or before Sunday 25^th January 2015.   

Note: applications which do not follow the above requirements will not be considered.

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[1] As well as working with programme teams this would involve working closely with BRC's Performance and Accountability Team as well as relevant PMER teams in IFRC and other national societies.