Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Officer Position at Colleges and Institutes Canada – Kenya Office

Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Officer Position at Colleges and Institutes Canada

Are You Ready to Drive Change? Join Us Now!

Location: CICan Kenya Office
Start Date: Immediately
Closing Date: 14th October 2023

About Us:

Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) is at the forefront of a transformative initiative in Kenya called “Young Africa Works-Kenya.” This partnership between the Mastercard Foundation, private sector stakeholders, and the Government of Kenya is dedicated to enhancing employment opportunities across the country. As a pivotal component of Young Africa Works, our program, Young Africa Works in Kenya: Youth Employability through TVET (Young Africa Works in Kenya-TVET), aims to elevate the quality of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions and systems in Kenya.

Young Africa Works in Kenya-TVET is a comprehensive 5-year initiative (2020-2025), executed by Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) in close collaboration with the Ministry of Education, other key Kenyan government agencies, and private sector partners. Our mission is to establish 26 Centres of Excellence (COEs) as model institutions, fostering the participation of young Kenyans, especially women, in skill-oriented training programs. Ultimately, we aim to significantly increase the number of youths engaged in dignified and fulfilling work in the Big Four and digital sectors.

Job Summary:

Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Officer

Key Role: Shaping Success

As the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Officer, your primary responsibility is to champion the MEL framework for Young Africa Works in Kenya-TVET. This role is pivotal in ensuring the effective execution of our approved MEL plan and framework.

General Expectations:

Under the guidance of the MEL Specialist and in close collaboration with the Kenya-based Senior Technical Advisor (STA), you will play a vital role in program development, planning, and implementation. Your responsibilities will extend to coordinating daily activities and liaising with our Canadian-based team, including the Manager of Operations, STA, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Specialist, Senior Program Officer, Program Officers, and Administrative staff. Occasional travel within Kenya may be required.

Your Responsibilities:

1. MEL Framework Implementation: Guide the implementation of the MEL framework for Young Africa Works in Kenya-TVET and make necessary updates to the program’s Theory of Change.
2. Data Systems Development: Support the development and rollout of project data systems.
3. Research and Learning: Contribute to the development of research and learning information systems.
4. Reflect and Adapt: Encourage collaborative learning and adaptation through critical reflections and learning retrospectives to review program strategies.
5. Data Collection: Oversee the use of appropriate quantitative and qualitative instruments and data analysis plans.
6. Data Analysis: Support qualitative and quantitative data collection across the country, perform data entry, and analyze data using necessary software.
7. Quality Assurance: Ensure the consistency and quality of analysis.
8. Reporting: Generate reports from datasets, including data visualization (charts, tables, etc.), and synthesize analyzed data into succinct summaries for inclusion in resulting reports.
9. MEL Reporting: Support MEL reporting for quarterly, mid-year, and annual reports by reviewing partnership narrative reports to synthesize data.
10. Data Quality Assurance: Ensure that collected and analyzed information complies with proposed methodologies and standards.
11. Capacity Building: Support the development and implementation of a system for validating information and reviewing data quality.
12. External Evaluations: Provide support to external evaluation processes.
13. Partnership Support: Assist partners with all aspects related to optimal functioning of monitoring and evaluation systems and procedures.
14. Training: Assist the MEL Specialist in training staff and partners in the use of data gathering tools and strengthening the MEL capacity of implementing partners.
15. Additional Tasks: Perform other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

Qualifications:

• Full fluency in English and Swahili.
• Kenyan citizen or legally permitted to work in Kenya. (CICan will not provide a work permit or sponsor individuals.)
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in MEL, economics, public policy, political science, international development, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of professional experience working on MEL in international development projects, preferably in the education or TVET sector.
• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to collect, organize, analyze, and disseminate significant amounts of information.
• Experience in mobile/digital data technology (Kobo/ODK/ONA preferred) and surveys.
• Proficiency with MEL and statistical analysis software (strong proficiency in PowerBI will be an added advantage).
• Experience conducting research, entering, and synthesizing primary and secondary data.
• Experience in developing performance indicators; conducting routine monitoring of data for donor-funded projects; and conducting participatory or impact evaluations.
• Demonstrated ability to write up statistical analysis, study findings, and other results in clear, concise, and error-free English.
• Experience working with an international team.
• Competence in the planning, implementation, administration, and reporting of donor-funded projects, ideally with experience with Mastercard Foundation.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively on a team.
• Strong writing, computer, and data skills.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and CV with three references as one PDF file not exceeding 8 pages to email address applications@ke.collegesinstitutes.ca with the title on the subject line, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Officer. The deadline for receiving applications is 14th October 2023.

Remember, your application is your first impression. Make it count!

Expert Tips To Be A Successful Applicant:

1. Tailor Your Application: Customize your cover letter and CV to highlight how your qualifications and experiences align with the job requirements. Use specific examples to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
2. Highlight Technical Skills: Emphasize your proficiency in MEL tools and software, such as PowerBI, and showcase your ability to work with data, ensuring accuracy and clarity.
3. Communication is Key: Showcase your strong written and verbal communication skills, as clear and error-free English is essential for this role.
4. Teamwork and Collaboration: Highlight your experience working with diverse teams, emphasizing your ability to collaborate effectively in an international context.
5. Attention to Detail: Stress your commitment to quality and meticulousness in data collection, analysis, and reporting.
6. Donor-Funded Experience: If you have experience with donor-funded projects, especially with organizations like the Mastercard Foundation, make sure to mention it.
7. Cultural Adaptability: If applicable, showcase your ability to work in cross-cultural settings and your fluency in both English and Swahili.

Make sure to present yourself as the ideal candidate for this rewarding role, and remember to meet the application deadline. Best of luck in your application!