MEL Manager

Cardno International Development (ID) manages a number of donor-funded programs throughout the world and engages in international development as a holistic, multidisciplinary and integrated process. Strengthened by our geographic and market diversity, we are committed to providing innovative and integrated solutions that create opportunities for significant, lasting change in emerging economies. Collaborating with multilateral and bilateral donors, private clients, governments and communities to develop sustainable solutions to complex challenges, we work with local counterparts to achieve meaningful impact. Cardno has implemented more than 120 projects in Uganda.

Cardno is implementing the five-year (2021-2026) USAID-funded Feed the Future Uganda Institutional and Systems Strengthening (ISS) Activity. The goal of the Activity is for key national level Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and industry apex organisations (IAOs) that are vital to driving inclusive agriculture-led economic growth to fulfill their mandate, leading to pathways to prosperity, improved resilience, and better nutrition for the people of Uganda. The purpose of the Activity is to improve the performance and structures of MDAs and IAOs. This purpose will be achieved through the following four objectives: (1) Improve the internal processes of selected MDAs and IAOs, making them more responsive to the needs of their consumers, members, and the general public; (2) Improve the policy framework that supports the functionality of selected MDAs and IAOs; (3) Strengthen key capacity elements of select MDAs and IAOs to perform their mandates; and (4) Strengthen the “structures” or key vertical and horizontal linkages within, between and among institutions so that they work together more effectively to achieve their goals.

Responsibilities:
The MEL Manager will support the informed decision-making and learning processes of stakeholders. To deliver the role, S/he will:

• Contribute to the development key MEL documents including the Activity Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan (AMELP), Activity Learning Agenda and project reports.
• Organize for collection of performance data in accordance with the AMELP.
• Identify and track reliable secondary (external) sources of data to support reporting and benchmarking.
• Maintain the MEL system, periodically evaluate its effectiveness, and advise changes and disaggregation inclusions based on lessons learned and staff or client information needs.
• Implement agreed-to Data Quality Assurance activities. S/he will ensure that processes of data collection and management adhere to recommended USAID and national standards.
• Support processes aimed at building capacity of partners (GOU MDAs and IAOs) to track their own progress, to evaluate policy implementation, and to identify learning opportunities.
• Build capacity of partners in data management principles and work with them to ensure that data submitted meets agreed-to data quality standards, supports learning reviews and other data use processes.
• Promote data management processes that inform approval/review of results pathways
• Implement action research to test the theory of change relevance.
• Closely work with the Digital Transformation Specialist to enrich Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data
• Support delivery of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) and Collaboration, Learning and Adapting (CLA) trainings to ISS staff, MDAs and IAOs
• Support processes leading to mid-term and final Activity evaluation.
• Support collaboration efforts on MEL with other USAID Uganda Activities including Uganda Learning Activity, USAID Uganda Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Unit.
• Support any data analysis processes and reporting during the Activity period.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in B. Stat, BSc (Econ), BSc (Stat), B. Quantitative Economics, or any other relevant degree. A higher degree in Monitoring and evaluation or data science is an added advantage.
• Minimum of five years’ experience developing and implementing monitoring and evaluation systems in a development context as well as experience in implementing M&E for market systems projects.
• Experience with USAID and/or Feed the Future programming/M&E processes strongly preferred.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong analytical skills and computer skills in Word, Excel, and other data analysis programs required (some experience with a statistical package such as SPSS, STATA, or SAS preferred).
• Ability to meet tight deadlines and prioritize effectively, to convey results to non-technical stakeholders, and to generate interest in the use of monitoring, evaluation, and learning results desired.
• Excellent technical writing, communication, oral and visual presentation skills highly desired.
• A proven ability to work as part of a team and to be self-managing.
• Staff and consultant’s management skills
• Excellent command of written and spoken English

Estimated Period of Performance:
The opening is a full-time position and will require staff time of 40 hours a week.

Estimated Level of Effort:
This is a long-term position and is based in Kampala, Uganda with intermittent travel throughout the country

Reporting:
The MEL Manager will report to Director of MEL & CLA

Deadline for submission of applications
Send your application and CV via info@ftfugandaiss.com by June 25, 2021 at 4:00 pm EAT. Late applications will not be accepted.

Equal Opportunity statement: Cardno has a long standing policy of Equal Opportunity in employment. Our practice is to fill positions by selecting applicants who can perform the work in a competent and professional manner. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status. At any time, if you need an accommodation during the application process, please contact Human Resources at jobs@cardno.com.  Visit our website at www.cardno.com/internationaldevelopment – to learn more about Cardno Emerging Markets USA, Ltd.