Job title: Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL Officer) Organization: Akina Mama wa Afrika Reports to: Head of Programmes Supervisees: MEAL Associate and interns Period: November 2023 to April 2024 (6 months) Mode of engagement: Consultancy contract for a Maternity cover Location: Kampala, Uganda
Introduction
Akina Mama wa Afrika (AMwA) is a feminist Pan-African leadership development organization with headquarters in Kampala, Uganda. Our work is rooted in feminist principles and beliefs guided by the Charter of Feminist Principles for African Feminists which define our leadership development program and movement-building activities. We envision a world in which African women are politically, economically and socially autonomous and are champions of change in their lives and society. Our thematic areas of focus include; Women’s Political Leadership, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, and Economic Justice and Climate Action. The organization’s work is advanced through feminist and transformational leadership development, feminist research and knowledge building, and policy influence and movement building. AMwA provides strategic direction in key Pan-African networks including NGO CSW Africa, Solidarity for African Women’s Rights, and the Gender Is My Agenda Campaign. AMwA also has consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council and observer status with the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights. In a bid to ensure sustainable achievement of our vision, Akina Mama wa Afrika seeks to recruit to her team a MEAL Officer to provide maternity cover for a period of 6 months.
Role Summary
The MEAL Officer will play a pivotal role in the implementation of the existing Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) system. Most importantly, the person will ensure the organization’s programmes, projects, and initiatives are effectively planned, implemented, and assessed to ensure that the organization advances its strategic vision using the existing MEAL frameworks and tools. They will also oversee and drive the organisation’s learning agenda, evaluations and accountability in a manner consistent with feminist principles. The person will facilitate strong supportive links between monitoring, evaluation and programme planning and management.
Key Roles and Responsibilities:
1) Provide strategic direction to the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning function at Akina Mama wa Afrika.
● Implement and continue to review AMwA’s Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning framework in line with the organizational strategy and Charter of Feminists Principles for African feminists.
● Contribute to the development of new projects by advising on appropriate theories of change, results frameworks, measurable outcomes, and indicators.
● Conduct and provide strategic direction for internal evaluations, programme reviews and internal monitoring and evaluation studies.
● Support the mid-term review process of the Akina Mama wa Afrika strategic plan.
● Maintain the functionality of the Management Information System. Conducting routine system checks and data quality assurance.
2) Support programme effectiveness and reporting.
● Ensure that both internal and external programme reports articulate organisational achievements, challenges, and aspirations with clarity and precision.
● Conduct qualitative and quantitative analysis of monitoring and evaluation data across strategic outcomes and project specific results frameworks.
● Ensure alignment of the programme’s activities and budgets to the AMwA strategic plan priorities, organisational theory of change and annual plans.
● Provide routine support to AMwA’s implementing partners across the region through regular check-in meetings and monitoring visits.
● Support AMwA’secosystem by actively participating in programme alliance and consortium meetings at both regional and global level.
3) Guide learning and facilitate adaptive programming
● Support quarterly and annual programme review and planning exercises and facilitate internal and external stakeholder engagements to reflect on programme performance and results and identify lessons.
● In collaboration with the Head of Programmes, organise the organisational learning spaces , including the implementation of learning action plans and initiatives that promote adaptive programming.
● Collate lessons learned and recommendations from AMwA’s implementing partners to inform decision making and adaptations to programme strategies.
● Facilitate knowledge development and exchange on key monitoring, evaluation and learning issues amongst AMwA’s implementing partners across the region.
Qualifications, Experience and Personal Qualities
● Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, development studies, Social Sciences, Gender, Law, or any other relevant discipline.
● A post graduate or masters in Monitoring and Evaluation is an added advantage.
● At least 3-5 years of management and/or field level MEAL leadership experience in a both advocacy work, human rights and development contexts with evidence of transdisciplinary knowledge in AMwA’s thematic areas of work; women in politics and decision making, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and women’s economic justice and climate action..
● Demonstrable experience developing and implementing successful MEAL systems (including design, digitalization and operationalization).
● Experience conducting project evaluations, including using different participatory methodologies ● Extensive understanding of MEAL good practises used by donors like Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hewlett Foundation, Open Society Fund and Wellspring Philanthropy Fund.
● Ability to present complex information in a succinct and compelling manner
● Excellent analytical, team management and communication skills
● Ability to organize and work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders.
● Excellent knowledge of digital data collection and accountability systems.
● Excellent advanced quantitative and qualitative data analysis skills
● Knowledge of and experience in feminist MEAL and or willingness to innovate MEAL approaches ● Willing to travel frequently within Africa and beyond.
How to Apply
Candidates who meet the above specifications are requested to send their applications via email; addressed to the Executive Director at; [email protected]
The subject line of the email should state: Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning Officer.
The application should include an application letter and Curriculum Vitae with the addresses of three professional referees and copies of your academic documents. Young African feminists, women, nonbinary persons, as well as people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The deadline for application is 7th October, 2023 at 5:00pm (EAT).
