Design, Monitoring & Evaluation Officer - Nigeria Youth CARE: Nigerian Youth Collective Action for Religious Engagement Project

Background Search is an international conflict transformation NGO that aims to transform how individuals, groups, governments, and companies deal with conflict, away from adversarial approaches and towards collaborative solutions. Headquartered in Washington DC, USA, and Brussels, Belgium, with 52 field offices in over 30 countries, including Nigeria, Search designs and implements multifaceted, culturally appropriate, and conflict-sensitive programs using a diverse range of tools, including media and training, to promote dialogue, increase knowledge and determine a positive shift in behavior.In partnership with the Young Leaders Network (YLN) , Search is implementing a 24-month Nigeria Youth Care program to empower diverse youth in Bauchi, Plateau, and Gombe States to advance inter-religious tolerance and freedom of religion. The program, funded by the United States Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour, is to achieve the goal through a two-pronged approach expressed by the following two specific objectives: Objective 1 : To foster youth leadership in influencing the state-level policy environment to be more inclusive and conducive to inter-religious tolerance and religious freedom and Objective 2: To support youth-led online initiatives that further inter-religious tolerance and religious freedom. Position Summary The Design Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (DMEL) team plays a key role within the program department in supporting projectsâ adaptation based on evidence that Searchâs Global Programs generate in each country. DMEL implements best practices in monitoring, research, and evaluation, and contributes to the broader organizational learning across programs; under technical support and in collaboration with the Institutional Learning Team (ILT). DMEL also contributes to business development processes ensuring the quality of program design which integrates lessons learned and evidence collected and alignment with global and conflict geography strategies. DMEL is responsible for ensuring the alignment of country programs with global standards, including the Evidence and Learning Protocols and the Global Impact Framework (GIF). The team is led by the Manager Manager under the leadership of the Country Director. The team engages at multiple levels of the program structure and with other departments within the countryâs structure, such as finance, HR, logistics, etc. Search for Common Ground is seeking a dynamic, analytical, and self-motivated individual for the position of Design, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Officer to work alongside the DMEL team to support the DMEL activities of the Nigeria Youth Care Peacebuilding Project. This role resides in Bauchi and requires one with experience and commitment to supporting in designing and implementing our Nigeria Youth CARE Project monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities. S/he should have experience in the development and use of simple monitoring tools to collect routine project data, collate, and process complex information related to all aspects of project actions, and have it stored in the provided ITT and GMS of the organization. The holder will also ensure that data on DMEL OKR indicators are collected routinely, data quality checks are conducted and the validity of the data is ensured before storing in the Database. S/he will liaise and support the project with training evaluations, data quality checks, and implementation of Beneficiary Feedback and Response Mechanisms in the target states. The incumbent will carry out his/her work according to an established DMEL standard operating procedure for collecting data, monitoring project progress, and measuring program inputs/outputs/outcomes result statements. The DMEL Officer will quarterly, develop a Data Dashboard informing the project implementation team of progress toward project result targets highlighting areas requiring improvement.

Responsibilities

Support in the designing of the Indicator Tracking Template for the Nigerian Youth CARE Project and work closely with other project staff to roll out the template in capturing action data every month. Using data from the ITT, ensure to development Quarterly Project DMEL Dashboard using the traffic light system to indicate project performance and highlight areas for adaptation. Work closely with the Head of DMEL to roll out a Beneficiary Feedback and Response Mechanism by ensuring that all the appropriate channels of communication operate optimally in the field. Quality assurance of all project data and submit a report to the Head of DMEL with clear recommendations on how data quality in the organization can be improved. Upon approval of the recommended strategy or any other that may be suggested, the DMEL Officer will be responsible for building the capacity of project Staff on how data in the project can be improved, and the validated data used for reporting.  Ensure the project team is aware of and up to date on all DMEL tasks and reports. Conduct site visits using appropriate checklists during the project implementation phase in the target states and develop and share key findings with the Project Team and the Head of DMEL. In concert with the DMEL Manager, develop Monitoring and Evaluation plans for field-level Share observations from monitoring visits with the DMEL Manager when findings demonstrate questionable actions. 

Contributions Project Execution & Learning Provide direct support to project managers and other key internal stakeholders to develop, implement and review the Project M&E plan and tools; Planning Participate in team planning review and lead key projects M&E planning in line with the organizationâs strategy;  Organizational Performance Conduct project monitoring visits regularly and report findings to the project teams to improve the delivery of activities in line with set standards. Share evidence with teams stemming from M&E activities to support project adaptation. Evidence & Impact Maintenance of up-to-date outcome data on the GMS and indicator tracking table of the project capturing progress against target of all project result indicators  Support with the conduct of Bi-annual face-to-face Learning sessions and ensure that the learning logs section in GMS is updated periodically. Technical Positioning Support teams with technical support, tools, guidance, and training materials to improve our impact and program quality, in line with organizational standards and the Global Impact Framework; Technically support in strengthening the MEAL capacity of Partner Organizations through handholding and training approaches. Lead data entry and data management, including the use of the Grant Management System; Participate in technical networks to channel Search learning back into programming and position Search as a field leaders affecting policy and practice globally; New Frontiers Participate in and serve as project M&E representative at relevant events and initiatives developed with project partners in targeted states. 

Competency Behavior Indicators (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

Initiates brainstorming or problem-solving meetings. With time in job, develops skills for analyzing and communicating program successes and failures; reports lessons learned to the team and other members. Represents Search at local and international events and meetings for professional organizations, vendors, partners, and funders. Develops skills to independently initiate and maintain relations with vendors, partners, and funders. Articulates Search program/project goals and objectives within Search and to external audiences. Demonstrates appreciation for diversity of thought. Builds cross-functional relationships with other functional departments. Demonstrates ability to be adaptable and willing to confront and change own ideas and preconceptions with the resiliency and flexibility to make changes based on hearing a diversity of thoughts. Drafts team documents, briefing materials, and presentations. Articulates program/project objectives and how they fit into a teamâs goals and/or Searchâs mission and adapts to the communications setting.

Education and Experience

A university in international development, social science, economics, or a related field is required as a minimal qualification for this role. Additional education in conflict management, transformation, and Monitoring and Evaluation may be required. A minimum of 1 year of experience in the field implementing monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities. The role also requires one with basic skills in descriptive statistics using SPSS or Excel software, and management information systems. Experience in supporting and monitoring field-based programs in Nigeria Experience in using appropriate strategies in determining direct and in-direct beneficiaries reached by Search Projects in the State and reporting using provided ITT. Experience in implementing the different channels of communication of the Beneficiary Feedback and Response Mechanisms and ensuring the feedback is reported and captured in the BFRM Registry. Professional training in MEAL and Digital Peace Peacebuilding will be an added advantage.

Other Relevant Requirements

Collaborative working style that enables coaching and training in M&E principles and best-practices Good knowledge of the local languages will be an asset. Proficiency in using Microsoft Office software: MS Word, SPSS, Excel, PowerPoint, Kobo, Outlook, etc. is required. Basic analytical and report writing skills; Innovative, analytical, and detailed oriented Excellent analytical and report-writing skills; A demonstrated commitment to high professional ethical standards and a diverse workplace; Ability to prioritize, plan and organize workflow to tight timeframes, handle multiple tasks, and be flexible with changing priorities.  Attention to detail and ability to follow up on tasks to completion is required.  Experience working in a conflict environment is a plus.  Written and spoken fluency in English is required, local language of the community is also an asset.

Note: This position is only open to Nigerian nationals who meet the criteria. This position will close on 24th November 2023. To apply: Interested candidates should send the following to our .Current resumeCover Letter (which includes expectations of compensation and projected start date)Please note that the system only has the functionality to upload two documents per application. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.Only applicants invited for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please. Please see our website: âfor full details of our work.