Save the Children Job Opportunity in Zambia: Coordinator-Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning Research
- Company: Save the Children
- Location: Lusaka, Lusaka Province, Zambia
- State: Lusaka
- Job type: Full-Time
- Job category: NGO Jobs in Zambia
TEAM/PROGRAMME: Program Development and Quality
LOCATION: Lusaka
GRADE: 3
POST TYPE: National
CONTRACT LENGTH: 2 years renewable
CHILD SAFEGUARDING:
Level 3 – the responsibilities of the post may require the post holder to have regular contact with or access to children or young people.
ROLE PURPOSE:
The MEAL Coordinator-Research will be expected to support, implement, coordinate and monitor the outputs and outcomes of SCI Zambia’s research portfolio. This includes baseline studies, reviews, evaluations or any other study that supports the learning of SCI Zambia’s program portfolio. The MEAL Coordinator Research will bring a high level of technical competence and experience in order to ensure the studies are delivered with quality and on time. S/he provides constructive feedback and guidance to colleagues and consultants implementing the studies in the field. He/she will be responsible for ensuring adequate planning and execution of the fieldwork, data collection, analysis, reporting and dissemination strategies.
The MEAL Coordinator research will play a central role in the training of field staff in the requirements of different research projects and studies. S/he will be expected to provide regular technical assistance to the program staff through training, mentorship coaching and other methods of capacity building. Other responsibilities will also extend to building partner organizations’ capacity in research (both CSOs and government partners). The MEAL Coordinator Research will productively collaborate with other MEAL functions such as M&E, Accountability and Knowledge Management and Learning. S/he will coordinate the dissemination of the studies in close collaboration with the MEAL Coordinator Knowledge Management and Learning and the Communications and Advocacy department.
SCOPE OF ROLE:
Reports to: TBD
Dimensions: Staff directly reporting to this post: None
KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:
- Develop and monitor implementation plans for all planned studies and research
- Track the implementation of SCI Zambia’s research portfolio and report on progress to supervisor on a bi-monthly basis
- Ensure adequate technical capacity and human resources to implement the studies/researches
- Liaise with partners (CSO, government) and involve them in the research/studies as required
- Liaise with Members in sharing updates and dissemination of the outcomes of the studies/learning
- Support the MEAL team in creating synergies between the research work and other MEAL functions (KM&L, M&E, Accountability)
- Build and oversee a database of consultants/free-lancers that have the required skills, knowledge and experience to implement SCI Zambia’s research work
- Develop and monitor the implementation of the consultants’ Terms of Reference and hold them accountable for agreed deliverables on time and with quality
- Support the design and adapt data collection instruments where required
- Proactively support the recruitment of the research team in the field, including data collectors, qualitative note-takers, and enumerators.
- Encourage a culture of professional excellence in field research teams, and adequately communicate and respond to capacity building requirements.
- Anticipate, identify and resolve all problems related to field implementation in a timely fashion by ensuring adequate contingency planning and, where relevant, escalating problems to the project management.
- Oversee all data collection and ensure adherence to the standard dimensions of data quality.
- Oversee and where necessary undertake appropriate spot-checks and other verification exercises for collected data.
- Oversee data cleaning and processing, including entry to a standard software package.
- Ensure use of adequate data visualization tools to enrich the presentation of research findings.
- Share findings from data analysis at participatory strategy review workshop, and facilitate these workshops
SKILLS AND BEHAVIOURS (our Values in Practice)
Problem-solving and Decision Making:
- Undertakes operations demonstrating technical competence, anticipating challenges, and developing appropriate mitigation measures.
- Responds promptly to emerging problems and takes appropriate decisions.
- Explores and analyses data, deducing trends, as well as their potential impact on strategic choices.
Professional self-development:
- Identifies clear development needs and development plans through regular constructive reviews of their own performance.
- Maintains a close view of capacity and performance, and responds adequately to gaps.
- Gives regular positive and constructive feedback to others.
- Self-learner of new research tools and methods
- Creates space for others to learn and provides challenging and stretching tasks and assignments when people are ready for them.
Analytical ability:
- Ability to assess quality of research and evidence
- Think critically about applicability of evidence in programming from programme improvement and feasibility perspective
- Ability to synthesize research from various academic literature
Accountability:
- Holds self-accountable in making decisions, managing resources efficiently, achieving and role modeling Save the Children values
- Holds the team and partners accountable to deliver on their responsibilities – giving them the freedom to deliver in the best way they see fit, providing the necessary development to improve performance and applying appropriate consequences when results are not achieved.
Ambition:
- Sets ambitious and challenging goals for themselves and their team takes responsibility for their own personal development and encourages their team to do the same
- Widely shares their personal vision for Save the Children, engages and motivates others
- Future orientated, thinks strategically and on a global scale.
Collaboration:
- Builds and maintains effective relationships, with their team, colleagues, Members and external partners and supporters
- Values diversity, sees it as a source of competitive strength
- Approachable, good listener, easy to talk to.
Creativity:
- Develops and encourages new and innovative solutions
- Willing to take disciplined risks.
Integrity
- Honest, encourages openness and transparency; demonstrates highest levels of integrity
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- At least a Bachelor degree in economics, public health, demography, education, development studies or relevant discipline.
- Three years of experience in similar research-focused positions.
- Knowledge and demonstrated experience in designing and managing research studies.
- Proven experience in research methodologies, including qualitative and quantitative methods.
- Computer proficiency in general office software applications (i.e. Word, Excel, Outlook, SPSS) and other Statistical and data management & analysis packages, including online based applications for data capture
- Conversant with data analysis software.
- Conversant with online and mobile data collection techniques
- Demonstrated ability to think critically, strategically and analyze complex information and offer creative, practical and effective solutions
- Fluency (verbal and written) in English and local language is essential.
- Commitment to Save the Children International values.
- Able and willing to work with CO (Lusaka) and Field Offices.
- Ability and willingness to work collaboratively as part of a team.
Location: Lusaka, Zambia
Contract – Full-Time
Closing date: Sunday 14 January 2018
All jobs close at midnight UK time on the date specified