About plan international

Plan International is a global development and humanitarian organization that is active in over 75 countries to advance children's rights and equality for girls. Plan International believes in the power and potential of every child and has put gender equality and inclusion at the heart of our organizational purpose. We believe that adopting a gender transformative approach ensures that our work results in positive changes and sustainable outcomes for girls and young women, and society more broadly. Working together with children, young people, our supporters, and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges facing girls and all vulnerable children.

 Plan International’s work on adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) has been developing for a decade and is underpinned by a gender transformative approach aiming to tackle root causes of gender inequality and shifting unequal power relations that shape the prevailing social and gender norms that control girls’ sexuality. Adolescent SRHR has been prioritized by a high number of Plan International’s country offices in recent years, with exciting work underway in all regions where we work. 

 Our key investment areas for SRHR include:

• Supporting access to comprehensive sexuality education and dialogue enables adolescents to explore values and attitudes and build skills and coping mechanisms regarding sex and sexuality.
• Strengthening quality adolescent- and gender-responsive SRHR services
• Strengthening support for adolescent girls and young women most at risk and fostering an enabling environment for SRHR. 
• ​​​Monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning (MERL) are all vital to the ambition of our Global Strategy​ to support 100 million girls to be able to learn, lead, decide and thrive. MERL underpins Plan International's delivery of effective and accountable gender-transformative programmes and influencing. 

PURPOSE AND DIMENSIONS OF THE ROLE

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) focuses on the processes of the planning, collection, and use of evidence, in all its forms, to track progress towards results, inform programme and/or influence decisions and drive accountability. Specialisms within this field include:

 Evaluation and research: managing original investigations are undertaken to gain knowledge and understanding about issues critical to Plan International, from conceptualization through to use including specific ethics processes.

Quantitative methods: the design, planning, collection, analysis, and use of numerical information that can be transformed into statistics, trends, and insights of behavior, values, norms, and perceptions, and knowledge.

Qualitative methods: the design, planning, collection, analysis, and use of non-numerical data (transcripts, reports, stories, discussions, pictures, recordings, etc.) to explore meaning, perceptions, opinions, and perspectives from individuals or groups, to uncover the deeper meaning and significance of human behavior and experience, including contradictory beliefs, behaviors, and emotions.

 The role of the MEAL Coordinator is to ensure the quality and timely implementation of the MEAL framework of the My Body My Future- 2 project that is funded by Plan International Finland and integrated as part of its Programme Framework (with the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs - MFA). My Body My Future 2 – MBMF2 project is expected to run from 2022-2025*. My Body My Future 2 is a continuation of a previous MFA programme and the impact to be delivered is that children, adolescents, and youth in all their diversity have control over their bodies and futures in a healthy, safe and supportive environment.

 The specific project the MEAL Coordinator will support, aims to realize sexual and reproductive health rights of children, adolescents, and youth in all their diversity and will be implemented in Bahir Dar Zuria and Fagita Lekoma districts in the Amhara region and Kersa district in the Oromia region.

 The MEAL Coordinator will work in close collaboration with the project manager, the SRHR Coordinators, SRHR Lead, and MERL Lead at Country Office as well as other project staff and relevant partner staff working in Amhara and Oromia Program Areas.

 The MEAL Coordinator will be responsible for ensuring high-quality and timely delivery of all MEAL products as defined in the specific MEAL framework of MBMF 2 project and aligned with the MBMF2 program´s MEAL strategy. The incumbent will also support the building of MEAL technical capacities of the project staff and partners, especially considering Results-Based Monitoring perspectives, and contribute to and strengthen evidence-based decision-making processes.

 Therefore, the MEAL Coordinator will lead the planning, collection, analysis, reporting, and use of data processes in the MBMF 2 project, guaranteeing the constant inclusion of gender-transformative, inclusive, and participatory approaches, and the respect of MERL ethics and high-quality standards as stated in Plan International MERL policy. The incumbent will provide technical guidance and support for the effective and quality monitoring of the MBMF2 project activities, including beneficiaries and activity tracking. The MEAL coordinator will be responsible for the measurement of the MBMF2 project´s logical framework indicators, and collection and analysis of all other needed information to respond to any other identified data gap.

Furthermore, the MEAL coordinator will contribute to the implementation of Community Feedback and Response Mechanisms at the MBMF2 project level, supporting the project staff in the definition and use of age-appropriate, gender-sensitive and inclusive channels with participants to strengthen the project´s accountability. The incumbent will also mobilize organizational learning processes to identify lessons learned and good practices throughout the whole MBMF2 project life cycle and engage the project staff and partners for continuous improvement.

 The individual should have prior experience and expertise in applying MEAL strategies from a gender transformative and inclusive approach as noted below (see Section 4. Technical Competencies and Experience Required), including specific alignment to organizational values and positions on SRHR. 

Finally, the incumbent will indirectly contribute to the Global Plan International's MERL Global Network and work closely with Plan International Finland colleagues, including the MEAL Specialist to advance the ambition of the project. The SRHR Coordinator is also expected to participate in the MBMF2 MEAL community of practice with the program´s other MEAL Coordinators and Plan International MEAL Specialist.

 Responsibilities - Key End Results of Position

Responsibilities for this role include:

• Contributing to the construction of the M&E framework and project´s instruments and tools for quantitative and qualitative data collection, monitoring, and evaluation processes, with participatory methodologies that are gender-sensitive and age-appropriate.
• Ensuring the appropriate, high-quality, and timely use of the M&E System of the project and MBMF2 program.
• Performing quantitative and qualitative analysis of the information collected in the project, organizing it into reports for different purposes and different audiences. The analysis needs to be gender-sensitive and inclusive.
• Providing documents, reports, and communications related to monitoring and evaluation for reporting to donors or for the organization internally.
• Providing timely and accurate information on the MEAL processes agreed in the project, to the people related to the areas involved in the project cycle.
• ·Working alongside other Plan project staff and implementing partners working for the project to provide support on monitoring related activities and strengthen their capacities for Results-Based Monitoring.
• Documenting and mobilizing organizational learning processes where good practices and lessons learned are identified and encourage their ownership and implementation in the project.
• Contributing to the deployment of appropriate community feedback mechanisms, ensuring processes are in place for timely and adequate analysis and response.
• Contributing to the measurement processes of the country's strategy.
• Contributing to the creation and follow-up of the project in the PMERL system. 

Job Requirements

Technical competencies and experience required

Key Technical Competencies

 Understanding key issues:

• qualitative and quantitative methodologies to MEAL initiatives for programme and influencing, including data collection and analysis, appropriate for different information needs, respondents, and contexts with a particular focus on those that are participatory, gender and age-sensitive, and inclusive.
• gender and inclusion attitudes and power dynamics, including why they exist, how they change, and how these attitudes and dynamics shape MEAL methods and approaches. 
• sample strategies and frameworks appropriate for a wide range of data needs and MEAL initiatives.
• data visualization principles and approaches for a wide range of data types, and appropriate for different information needs.

Driving programme and project quality:

• Identifying information and knowledge gaps at operational and strategic levels, strategizing for the provision of evidence from MEAL initiatives.
• Promoting and supporting young people, especially girls, to meaningfully participate and contribute to MEAL initiatives.
• Supporting programme and influencing decisions at all levels through the provision of quality and appropriate evidence from ongoing monitoring, targeted research, and/or evaluative initiatives (baselines, midlines, evaluations, and reviews).
• Operationalizing MEAL initiatives with appropriate and aligned planning and budgeting processes. 
• Promoting and supporting application of ethical requirements and principles in MEAL initiatives.
• Deploying digital tools to support data collection, management, analysis, and reporting in line with the Principles of Digital Development.
• Ensuring data is of sufficient quality through embedding appropriate quality assurance approaches at all stages of the MEAL process.  

 Building capability through knowledge sharing, networking, and coaching

• promotes individual and organizational learning through systematic reflection processes, documentation, dissemination, and knowledge management.
• communicating complex technical MERL concepts and terminology in simple language to non-experts.
• explaining data and evidence in a way that is appropriate and actionable for users and decision-makers. 
• supporting, coaching, and training staff and partners for improved MEAL practices in response to needs.

 Experience

• University Degree, at least Bachelor’s degree, in Economics, Statistics, Social Sciences, Humanities/development studies, or related fields. 
• At least 2 years of work experience within the development/humanitarian sector advising or managing M&E processes. Experience in Results-Based Monitoring is an asset.
• Experience in qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. Experience in the use of Digital Data Collection tools or/and of data visualization software solutions is an asset.
• Experience in participatory facilitation and capacity development.
• Experience in working for an international organization and with local partners.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken. In addition to Amharic, knowledge of Afaan Oromo languages is an asset.

 Key Leadership Competencies

• Uses evidence to support decision-making and driving change over time.
• Adopts and promotes constant attention to detail.
• Alerts others to risks, especially concerning safeguarding.
• Works to the highest standards of integrity.
• Communicates, both in speaking and writing, adjusting to the needs and interests of diverse colleagues, partners, and different stakeholders.
• Actively builds and maintains collaborative relationships with colleagues and partners, facilitating and negotiating to reach practical solutions for all parties, often without using positional power.
• Reflective and proactive in developing and applying own technical expertise, keeping up to date with trends in theory and practice, and learning from others.
• Has the ability to plan work and meet deadlines when working under pressure on several projects.

 Key Business Management Competencies

 Understanding Plan International in Context                     

• Can succinctly articulate the purpose, values, and aims of the MBMF2 project. Can explain how Plan International will deliver on its objectives through the theory of change. 
• Understand the purpose, lines of accountability, and decision-making capacity for each structural element of the organization.                                                 
• Managing risk                 
• Regularly undertakes and interprets risk assessments and is clear about the ownership and oversight of risks.                              
• Regularly communicates and discusses risk and escalates critical risks using the correct reporting process when necessary.          
• Understands how to manage risk for our core standards: Child and Youth Safeguarding and Protection, Gender equality and inclusion, Counter Fraud, Safety and Security            
• Managing activities and resources
• Managing resources and delivery including resource allocation, monitoring, and reporting.  
• Managing communication         
• Effective communication in speaking and writing for a different audience in line with brand and use of internal/external communication channels and methods.                  

 Location and duration of the contract: 

The position holder will be based at Bahir Dar in Amhara Program Area. Employment terms will be as per local conditions and the post holder must have the right to work in the country. 

This position if fully funded by Plan International Finland as part of My Body My Future 2.

 Level of contact with children

Mid contact: Occasional interaction with children

• Plan International Uganda strives to ensure that children are kept safe in all the areas we operate. The organization further has a Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy that every staff is required to sign. As a result, this position comes with additional responsibilities for safeguarding children and young people. 

Additional Responsibilities:

• Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy (SCYP) Responsibilities (mandatory for all staff)
• Adhere to the Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy, Code of Conduct, and report any Safeguarding issues. 
• Responsible for the implementation of the Safeguarding Children and Young People standards as they apply to the area of responsibility plus the development of actions to address identified gaps and monitor their effectiveness.
• Ensure that all Plan International partners, visitors, and associates in his/her area of responsibility are provided with, are made aware of, and have signed and returned a copy of the Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy. Inform the partners, visitors, and associates that they must comply with the policy in all contacts and communications with children during their visit. 

PLAN INTERNATIONAL’S VALUES IN PRACTICE

 We are open and accountable

• Promotes a culture of openness and transparency, including with sponsors and donors.
• Holds self and others accountable to achieve the highest standards of integrity.
• Consistent and fair in the treatment of people.
• Open about mistakes and keen to learn from them.
• Accountable for ensuring we are a safe organization for all children, girls & young people

 We strive for a lasting impact

• Articulates a clear purpose for staff and sets high expectations.
• Creates a climate of continuous improvement, open to challenge and new ideas.
• Focuses resources to drive change and maximize long-term impact, responsive to changed
• priorities or crises.
• Evidence-based and evaluates effectiveness 

We work well together

• Seeks constructive outcomes, listens to others, willing to compromise when appropriate.
• Builds constructive relationships across Plan International to support our shared goals.
• Develops trusting and ‘win-win’ relationships with funders, partners, and communities.
• Engages and works well with others outside the organization to build a better world for girls and all children.

We are inclusive and empowering

• We empower our staff to give their best and develop their potential
• We respect all people, appreciate differences, and challenge equality in our programs and our workplace
• We support children, girls, and young people to increase their confidence and to change their own lives.

How to Apply

The closing date for the application in Feb 19, 2022. Qualified candidates should submit the application using the link provided below:

CLICK HERE

This position is only open to Ethiopian Nationals, who must be eligible to live and work in Ethiopia. 

More information about Plan International can be found on HERE  

References will be taken and background and anti-terrorism checks will be carried out in conformity with Plans Child Protection Policy. Plan operates an equal opportunities policy and actively encourages diversity, welcoming applications from all persons meeting the skills and experience required.

As an international child centered community development organization, Plan International is fully committed to promoting the realization of children's rights including their right to protection from violence and abuse. That means we have particular responsibilities to children that we come into contact with.

Plan International believes that in a world where children face so many threats of harm, it is our duty to ensure that we as an organization, do everything we can to keep children safe. We must not contribute in any way to harming or placing children at risk.

Female applicants are highly encouraged to apply.