About Food for Education

At Food for Education (F4E), we’re on a mission to make a difference. As an African-led, women-led social enterprise, we leverage technology, smart operations, and logistics to provide affordable, high-quality meals that enhance nutrition and education outcomes for primary school children across Kenya. Since our inception in 2012, we’ve delivered over 45,000,000 meals and are committed to scaling our impact. Our goal? To serve at least 1,000,000 public primary school students in Kenya every day by 2027.

Our Values

At F4E, our values shape everything we do:

Build with excellence and curiosity: We’re not afraid to innovate and iterate to achieve the best results.
Be the change you seek: Continuous improvement is a shared responsibility.
We do what we say; and say what we do: We take ownership and accountability seriously.
Ask why; and commit: We share openly, question respectfully, and fully commit to our goals.

About the Role

As our Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in ensuring the effectiveness of our projects and programs. You’ll oversee the implementation and management of monitoring activities, develop monitoring systems, and provide valuable insights to inform decision-making and enhance program outcomes. We’re looking for someone with strong analytical skills, project management experience, and a solid understanding of monitoring and evaluation methodologies.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Monitoring and Evaluation:

Ensure alignment of monitoring platforms with our impact function.
Collaborate with program teams to harmonize monitoring systems and approaches.
Develop and manage information management systems for monitoring and evaluation, generating periodic reports to guide programming.
Oversee the operationalization of our theory of change and track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Plan and supervise monitoring field activities.
Champion Quality Assurance (QA), Quality Control (QC), and Quality Improvement (QI) measures for all field program interventions.

Data Collection and Analysis:

Promote access and use of data for evidence-based decision-making.
Support the expansion of automation to enhance data collection, analysis, and visualization.
Develop logical frameworks, MEL plans, and digital data collection tools for online data management.

Reporting:

Produce high-quality impact reports and updated dashboards with key findings.
Provide regular updates on project progress, highlighting successes, challenges, and areas for improvement.

Stakeholder Management:

Collaborate with stakeholders to develop KPI measurement frameworks.
Maintain close working relationships with the project team and engage in internal evaluations.
Lead the recruitment, onboarding, and management of field enumerators.
Create technical training materials for the impact team, enumerators, and internal staff.

Desired Candidate Profile

We’re seeking candidates with:

A university degree in Monitoring and Evaluation, Computer/Data Science, Statistics, or related fields.
3-5 years of experience leading M&E functions.
Technical skills in setting up M&E processes and creating logical frameworks.
Proficiency with data collection and analysis tools such as Microsoft Excel, SPSS, and Epi Info.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are committed to diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Career Growth and Development

At F4E, we invest in our people. You’ll have regular check-ins and feedback sessions with your manager, along with opportunities for career development and growth.

Applications

Send your application to workwithus@food4education.org by 15th June 2024. We aim to contact all applicants, but please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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SAMPLE COVER LETTER FOR A Monitoring and Evaluation Manager

[Hiring Manager’s Name]

Food for Education

[Nairobi Address]

Nairobi, Kenya

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the Monitoring and Evaluation Manager position at Food for Education, as advertised. With a strong background in monitoring and evaluation, coupled with a passion for social impact, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your mission of improving nutrition and education outcomes for primary school children in Kenya.

In my previous role as a Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, I led various M&E initiatives, including the development of monitoring systems, data collection, analysis, and reporting. I am adept at leveraging technology to streamline processes and enhance data-driven decision-making. Moreover, my experience collaborating with cross-functional teams and stakeholders has honed my communication and stakeholder management skills, ensuring successful project implementation and alignment with organizational goals.

I am particularly drawn to Food for Education’s commitment to excellence and innovation. Your dedication to leveraging technology and smart operations to scale impact resonates with my professional ethos. I am eager to contribute my expertise to further advance your mission and drive positive change in the communities you serve.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with the needs of Food for Education.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

HOW TO BE A SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT FOR THE MONITORING AND EVALUATION MANAGER ROLE

Tailor your application: Customize your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the job requirements.
Showcase your achievements: Highlight specific examples of successful monitoring and evaluation projects or initiatives you’ve led.
Demonstrate your analytical skills: Provide evidence of your ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data to drive decision-making and improve program outcomes.
Highlight your communication skills: Emphasize your ability to effectively communicate complex information to diverse stakeholders, both orally and in writing.
Stay updated on industry trends: Demonstrate your commitment to professional development by staying informed about emerging trends and best practices in monitoring and evaluation.
Be proactive: Take the initiative to propose innovative solutions or improvements to existing monitoring and evaluation processes.
Showcase your teamwork: Provide examples of successful collaboration with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to achieve common goals.
Prepare for interviews: Familiarize yourself with Food for Education’s mission, values, and programs, and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with the organization’s objectives.
Ask insightful questions: During interviews, ask thoughtful questions about the role, the organization’s culture, and opportunities for professional growth and development.
Follow up: After interviews, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterating your interest in the position.

Possible Monitoring and Evaluation Manager Interview Questions With Answers

Can you walk us through your experience with developing monitoring and evaluation systems?Answer: In my previous role, I led the design and implementation of M&E systems to track program performance and outcomes. This included developing logical frameworks, designing data collection tools, and establishing quality assurance measures to ensure data accuracy and reliability.
How do you ensure data quality and integrity in your monitoring and evaluation processes?Answer: I prioritize data quality through several measures. Firstly, I ensure that data collection tools are designed with clear instructions to minimize errors. Secondly, I implement regular training sessions for field enumerators to maintain data quality standards. Additionally, I conduct regular spot checks and data audits to identify and address any discrepancies promptly.

How do you use data to drive decision-making and program improvements? Answer: I believe in the power of data-driven decision-making. I analyze data trends and patterns to identify areas of success and areas needing improvement. By presenting actionable insights to stakeholders, I facilitate informed decision-making that leads to program enhancements and better outcomes for beneficiaries.
Can you provide an example of a successful M&E initiative you led and the impact it had on program outcomes? Answer: Certainly. In my previous role, I spearheaded a comprehensive M&E initiative to evaluate the effectiveness of a nutrition intervention program. Through rigorous data collection, analysis, and stakeholder engagement, we identified key areas for improvement and implemented targeted interventions. As a result, we observed a significant improvement in nutritional outcomes among program participants.
How do you ensure effective collaboration and communication with cross-functional teams and stakeholders? Answer: Effective collaboration and communication are essential for successful M&E efforts. I maintain open lines of communication with all stakeholders, ensuring that everyone is informed and engaged throughout the process. Additionally, I conduct regular meetings and check-ins to foster collaboration and address any challenges proactively.
How do you stay updated on industry best practices and emerging trends in monitoring and evaluation? Answer: I am committed to continuous learning and professional development. I regularly attend conferences, workshops, and webinars related to monitoring and evaluation. Additionally, I actively engage with professional networks and online communities to stay informed about the latest trends and innovations in the field.
Can you describe a time when you had to adapt your M&E approach to overcome unexpected challenges? Answer: Absolutely. In a previous project, we encountered unexpected logistical challenges that affected data collection timelines. To address this, I quickly reevaluated our M&E plan and proposed alternative data collection methods, such as mobile data collection tools, to expedite the process without compromising data quality. This adaptability allowed us to overcome the challenges and meet our objectives effectively.
How do you ensure that M&E findings are effectively communicated and utilized within the organization? Answer: Effective communication of M&E findings is crucial for organizational learning and improvement. I employ various strategies, such as creating clear and concise reports, conducting presentations, and facilitating discussions with key stakeholders. Additionally, I encourage a culture of learning and knowledge sharing within the organization to ensure that M&E findings are utilized to drive positive change.
Can you discuss your experience with training and mentoring staff in M&E processes and techniques? Answer: I have extensive experience in training and mentoring staff in M&E processes and techniques. I develop comprehensive training materials tailored to the specific needs of each audience and conduct interactive training sessions to ensure comprehension and retention. Additionally, I provide ongoing support and guidance to staff to facilitate their professional development and growth in the field.
How do you prioritize tasks and manage deadlines in a fast-paced environment? Answer: Prioritization and time management are essential skills in M&E roles, especially in fast-paced environments. I utilize tools such as project management software to organize tasks and deadlines effectively. Additionally, I regularly reassess priorities and allocate resources accordingly to ensure timely completion of deliverables.

We wish you the best in your application process. Food for Education is committed to attracting and retaining the best talent from diverse backgrounds. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not charge any application or recruitment fees, whether refundable or not. Don’t see a fit at this time? Don’t worry. Join our Talent Network and get notified about the latest opportunities. Join our Talent Network

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To apply for this job email your details to workwithus@food4education.org