MEL Officer

Position Overview Based in the coastal town of Fort Dauphin, this post will work in SEED’s newly formed MEL team in the provision of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) support across SEED’s programmes.

The successful candidate will work within a combined national and international staff team to develop and refine MEL processes, use these to aid learning and the development of projects and build staff capacity.

Predominantly office-based in Fort-Dauphin, the MEL Officer will travel occasionally to visit project sites.

This exciting post would suit an early-career MEL Officer with one to three years of experience in an in-country post developing and managing MEL systems.

It is essential that the post holder has this MEL experience and can work in English to a high standard.

French would be an advantage.

Candidates who do not meet these criteria will not be considered.

*Location:*Fort Dauphin, Anosy Region, Madagascar *Contract duration:*2 years, with the possibility of extension *Probationary period:*3 months *Contract:*Local stipend covering reasonable living expenses; contribution to flight; contribution to insurance Primary Responsibilities Coordination and oversight of MEL procedures and strategies to ensure progress toward SEED’s MEL outcomes; completion of reports, papers and other documents analysing data and summarising findings and support on project reporting; capacity-building for SEED staff to ensure high-quality MEL that aligns with international standards and best practice.

Duties and Responsibilities Lead the design and implementation of rigorous MEL procedures and strategies across projects that incorporates stakeholder feedback, adapts to local needs, and supports high-quality implementation in line with ongoing and emerging initiatives.

Develop, adapt and support the usage of MEL tools, such as knowledge, attitude, and practice surveys, and focus group discussion guides to maximise effective data collection.

Lead the adaptation of technical information/evidence/MEL findings into audience appropriate formats, for internal and external dissemination which informs future programming and project development.

Oversee data collection, cleansing, management and analysis of data from a range of sources to determine progress towards results across SEED’s range of Programmes.

Coordinate the development and implementation of MEL tools, particularly using the Kobo toolkit, building capacity across SEED.

Support the MEL Coordinator to formulate future research strategy, ensuring MEL captures data adhering to international development indicators.

Identify technical needs and the resources required for successful MEL and make appropriate recommendations given locational and budgetary limitations.

Support on MEL-related capacity-building for SEED staff and local partners, including providing tailored advice to the Programmes/Implementation team to support MEL procedures, from the development of MEL tools, to analysis and dissemination of findings to support use.

Ensuring quality of project data while promoting a sustainable MEL approach across the organisation, including providing advice and support on the strategic direction of MEL at SEED.

Manage pieces of long-term project work that require a higher level of expertise and experience Support in the recruitment of new staff and provide support, management, review and professional development to any Junior Officers Support the growth of MEL procedures, guidelines and trainings, and provide project-specific information to inform MEL development across the organisation Foster essential cross-cultural collaboration, providing support to both the national and international teams to bridge gaps in understanding and priorities for MEL Provide pastoral care, guidance and act as a role model, both professionally and personally, for a team of early career professionals living in country Ensure all of SEED’s policies and procedures are evident throughout the work of the department, including those for safeguarding, whistleblowing and anti-corruption, and undertake continual training to ensure these are promoted at all times.

Other tasks within the broad outline of the role to support the development of MEL capacity across SEED, agreed in partnership with the MEL Coordinator and Programme Manager.

Person specification Undergraduate degree in International Development, Research Methods, Statistics, or related field (master’s degree desirable). 1-3 years of experience in Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning, with demonstrated project management skills and adaptability.

Experience in the design, refinement, development and implementation of MEL frameworks for international development and/or community health sectors.

Experience leading Results-Based Management approaches, including logframe development and refinement (essential). Experience with participatory approaches to MEL is desirable.

Experience leading MEL-related capacity-building and cross-learning initiatives.

Clear, demonstrable understanding of research ethics.

Demonstrable experience of coordinating and undertaking data collection and analysis, for both qualitative and qualitative data, including proficiency in Excel.

Experience using STATA, SPSS or R is desirable.

Experience managing, designing and uploading forms on data collection platforms, such as Kobo, Open Data Kit, or SurveyCTO.

Strong ability and desire to work independently and within teams from different economic and cultural backgrounds and across multiple language barriers, and to build capacity across cultures.

Strong ability to provide leadership and mentorship to direct reports, and others within the organisation.

Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to SEED’s ethos and approach and be a good ambassador for SEED at all times.

Demonstrate the ability, social skills and confidence to give clear guidance and support to other members of the team in respect of the philosophy and procedures of SEED in order to protect both their safety and the reputation of the NGO.

Be able to work to and advocate for all of SEED’s policies and procedures, safeguarding those that SEED works with and reporting any concerns appropriately.

Be punctual and be able to work to tight deadlines in an organised manner and to a high standard.

A flexible and patient attitude, with excellent problem-solving skills.

Excellent communication skills, including a sound ability to adapt material for different audiences.

Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build and maintain stakeholder relationships.

Fluency in English, and a high standard of French would be desirable Interested applicants should send a CV and covering letter in English outlining why they wish to take up this position and how their skills and experience match the requirements in the job description criteria to SEED Madagascar Director of Programmes and Operations, Lisa Bass by email.