Job Summary

The Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning advisor will be a key resource person to design and execute a highly strategic Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Learning system within the E-learning Project. The candidate is expected to thoroughly review the project log frame and re (establish) an appropriate framework, key performance indicators, mechanism to track those indicators, track the progress based on the MEL plan and incorporate the findings and learnings to project implementation logic through a continuous learning approach. S/he will be responsible for institutionalization and capacity building in continuous performance monitoring and learning thinking and practices among the project, ministry of education and participating university teams. The person will closely work with experts from MCF, ASU, Public Universities in Ethiopia. S/he will be a key member of MoE EthERNet directorate team. The position requires key technical and management competencies in the areas of establishing Key Performance Indicators relevant for Project Log Frame and Theory of Change, ability to track, translate and incorporate results  at output,  outcome,  and impact  level.  The  ideal candidate  is the one who demonstrates authoritative understanding of contribution of e-learning programs to the quality, affordability and accessibility of education and it’s the ultimate implication of enhancing the employability and entrepreneurial skills of graduates. S/he should be an active team player among experts with different background and share knowledge with others.

Roles and Responsibilities

System Development (MEL framework development)

• Develop the  MEAL  plan  of  the  project  (for  the  project  cycle  and  cascaded  into  years)  in collaboration with the foundation team, MoE and Universities
• Responsible   for   developing   and   nurturing   continuous   learning   and   result-driven   thinking throughout planning, implementation, and reporting processes of the project.
• Coordinates monitoring and evaluation for the three result areas; prepare detailed MEL plan for the intervention, identify, and manages research and learning in the use of ICT for education; represent the project in knowledge sharing.
• Assist the  project  team  and  partners  to  maintain  focus  on  the  right  outputs,  outcomes  and impacts that ultimately bring the theory of change set in the project logic.
• Responsible for  (re)establishment  of  relevant  Key  Performance  Indicators  (KPIs)  to  track  the results at different level and ensure these are incorporated in the planning, implementation, and reporting processes of the e-learning project.
• Create/oversee development of systems for data management and reporting that meet the donor and partners requirements and incorporate data quality assurance and quality improvement.
• Responsible to devise strategies and mechanisms that enhance continuous learning and scale-up of best practices for efficient and effective realization of project targets.

Monitoring

• Responsible for tracking project progress based on the KPIs and agreed on MEL plan, extract learning and devise strategies to scale-up and/or improve.
• Ensure accurate and timely collection, analysis, and submission of data in reports for internal and external consumption to actively manage performance.
• Act as a key resource person to the Ministry to EthERNet directorate team in systematizing and tracking e-learning across higher education in Ethiopia. Backstop program staff and other stakeholders utilize/leverage best approaches and tools for continuous monitoring of results, data collection, analyses, report writing, and documenting best practices and learning decisions. Responsible for regular visits to the universities to monitor the project activities implementation and track performance in line with the measurement indicators.

Evaluation, Reporting and Learning

• Responsible for initiating and supervising baseline, interim and endline evaluation report in close collaboration with Mastercard Foundation MERL team.
• Accountable for analyses, documentation, report of results achieved and communicating to project partners and other relevant stakeholders to stimulate learning and decision making that enhance project results.
• Play an active role in the entire project reporting (monthly, quarterly and annually) and ensure report captures result indicators beyond activity lines.
• Assist the project team in capturing key results as per established requirements.
• Supports the development and circulation of knowledge products to draw out lessons learned and success stories; compile and share the learning that can be used to inform digital learning policy decisions.

Institutionalization and Capacity Building

• Provide training, coaching and technical support for program staffs, partnering universities and the Ministry of education on integrated use of MERL framework, system, tools and data throughout the planning, implementation, and reporting processes.
• Develop strategies  to  institutionalize  the  performance  monitoring,  evaluation  and  learning system for wider integration of the ministry and university regular work in relation to e-learning management system.
• Undertake series  of  action  research  and  case  writings  to  generate  learning  and  contribute towards  nurturing  a  result  driven  culture  and  practices  of  the  ministry  and higher  education institutes.

Additional Roles

• Actively participate in the development of a national e-learning policy.
• Responsible for  capacity  building  of  the  relevant  MoE  and  university  team  and  ensuring teamwork and integration of project work within the mainstream functions of the ministry and universities.
• Supporting MoE on data collection, processing, analysis, and annual abstract development using the implemented Higher Education Management Information System (HMIS) application.
• Undertake other related roles from MoE as and when needed and ensure complementarity with the new e-learning program.

Competencies

Technical competencies

• Solid understanding of the concepts of the theory of change and project logic with the ability to translate that into KPIs.
• Hands on experience in research methods, applications, and data tools relevant for tracking results for e-learning project.
• Outstanding quantitative  and  qualitative  analytical  skills  with  the  ability  to  synthesize  and generate decision recommendations out of data.
• Hands on experience in devising continuous monitoring and learning oriented ME systems.
• Competent in statistical analysis and interpretation of data for decision making
• Good knowledge of digital education for higher education institution’s
• Solid understanding  of  the  Ethiopian  higher  education  system  (key  policies,  strategies, regulations)

Leadership and Management Competences

• Outstanding analytical, critical reasoning and problem solving.
• Excellent communication skills
• Mastery in demonstrating personal effectiveness and delivering results in teamwork
• Outstanding skills in planning, organizing and reporting
• Value differences and diversities while demonstrating constructive assertiveness in leading people towards the result.
• Proactive mindset; able to identify, communicate and work towards addressing issues.
• Ability to perform under pressure with minimal supervision and able to handle multiple tasks at a time in calm and organized manner.
• Ability to listen and synthesize ideas from wide-ranging perspectives and able to come-up with a consolidated and implementable plan from such process.

Job Requirement

Education, Experience, and language

• Masters  and  above  in  economics,  Business  Management,  Project  Management,  Statistics, Development Economics, Education planning & management and related fields. Certification in M&E is a plus
• At least five years of relevant experience
• Experience in working with statistical and MS application software standard spread sheet, web- based platforms, and database programs.
• Experience in working in establishing and managing project performances in Ethiopian Higher
• Education, the Ministry of Education or other minster offices at national level is an asset
• Proficiency in Spoken and Witten English language is a must.

Benefit and compensation : Highly attractive with possible career development opportunities

Type of employment :  Project (2022 – 2027)

Duration : One Year with possible extension up to five years

Duty station:  Addis Ababa with frequent travel to regions