MEL Specialist Full Time NEW

• Organization: Right To Play Ethiopia
• Department/Division: Program Development
• Reports to: Country Director (CD)
• Work Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (with frequent travels to sub-offices)
• Authorized to work in: Ethiopia (Eligible to work legally without visa or work permit sponsorship)
• Target Start Date: As soon as possible
• Contract Duration: Full-time / Permanent / 1-year contract with possibility of renewal based on performance and availability of funding
• Application Closing Date: Mach 7, 2025

ABOUT US:

We reach millions of children each year in some of the most difficult places on earth, helping them to stay in school and learn, overcome prejudice, heal from trauma, and develop the skills they need to thrive. We do this by harnessing play, one of the most fundamental forces in a child’s life, to teach children the critical skills they need to dismantle barriers and embrace opportunities, in learning and in life.

Established in 2000, Right To Play reaches children through experiential programming in 14 countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and North America. These programs are supported by our global offices in Toronto, Canada; London, UK and seven national offices across Europe and North America.

• Accept Everyone – Be intentional about inclusion
• Make Things Happen – Seek opportunities to lead and innovate
• Display Courage – Act with integrity
• Demonstrate Care – Look after yourself and one another
• Be Playful – Have fun at work

Please visit our website to learn more about who we are and what we do, and watch this video to find out about the five pillars of our Culture Code.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Specialist (MELS) reports directly to the Country Director (CD). The incumbent receives technical advice and supervision from the relevant Global MEL Manager – HQ. The MELS collaborates with staff, not only at the country office level, but also within the region and across the organization, globally. The primary roles and responsibilities of the MELS are to (a) manage and implement Right To Play’s country-level monitoring, evaluation and learning plan, within the scope of the overall Country Strategic Plan, and country-based needs and contexts; (b) coordinate and supervise the monitoring of program activities, and outcomes and support the development of program reports; (c) support program planning at the country level by conducting appropriate assessments and through the provision of technical assistance; (d) manage country specific program evaluations; (e) help the country office utilize the findings in their planning and decision-making; and (f) contribute to the Global MEL Strategy as a member and/or lead of one or more strategic working groups. The MELS leads the MEL system across the country and plays an active part in the global Right To Play MEL Community of Practice by contributing to the organization’s understanding of its program approaches and outcomes.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• In accordance with Right To Play (RTP) approved policies and procedures, the incumbent:

#1: Output and Outcome Monitoring (35%)

• Develops and implements an effective system for output monitoring data management.
• Ensures timely data collection, cleaning, analysis, and submission to relevant offices.
• Conducts spot checks and field visits to verify data quality.
• Develops and implements country-specific outcome assessment plans.
• Coordinates field preparation for MEL activities and supports program staff on data requirements.
• Leads analysis of quantitative and qualitative data to ensure informed decision-making.

#2: Evaluations and Studies (30%)

• Leads the overall process of country-specific evaluations, including needs assessments and program impact studies.
• Develops budgets, Terms of Reference (ToRs), and Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for evaluations.
• Manages consultants for evaluation processes and ensures quality reports.
• Supports research initiatives and builds partnerships with academic and research institutions.

#3: MEL Capacity Building and Training (10%)

• Trains Right To Play and partner staff on MEL procedures and tools.
• Builds capacity of field facilitators and data enumerators on data collection methods.
• Conducts workshops and training sessions on MEL for stakeholders.

#4: Country Planning Support and Facilitation (10%)

• Supports the development and review of program logic frameworks.
• Ensures indicators align with evidence-based data within the MEL system.
• Provides insights on MEL findings for program decision-making.
• Develops summary reports and delivers presentations on MEL findings.

#5: Development and Strengthening of Global MEL Strategy (5%)

• Participates in Right To Play’s Global MEL Strategy working groups and community of practice.
• Shares best practices and insights on MEL with global colleagues.
• Contributes to global MEL initiatives as required.

#6: Dissemination of Findings and Knowledge Management (5%)

• Develops country-specific plans for reviewing and sharing evaluation findings.
• Leads workshops and meetings to discuss MEL results.
• Works with the Communications team to create reports and materials on MEL findings.

#7: Other Tasks as Assigned (5%)

WHAT YOU’LL GET:

The opportunity to collaborate with an innovative global team who are passionate about working with children and youth. You will gain experience working for a globally recognized organization with a healthy culture premised on our Culture Code (accept everyone, make things happen, display courage, demonstrate care and be playful). You will be immersed in an environment where learning and development is encouraged and valued, and “play” is appreciated as a core avenue to building community.

• Competitive salary and benefits (e.g. Medical, life insurance and Transportation allowance)
• Flexible work arrangements (e.g. work from home and flex hours)
• 20 days annual leave
• 3 personal days per year
• 5 personal learning and development (L&D) days per year
• Maternity/paternity/parental leave top up and support
• Annual learning week
• Annual staff recognition awards
• Opportunity to connect with employees across our offices (e.g. Facebook Workplace)
• Opportunity to engage in global projects and initiatives
• Wellness programs
• Playful activities and events

EDUCATION/TRAINING/CERTIFICATION EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in social sciences, project management, monitoring & evaluation, or a related field.
• Training in Monitoring and Evaluation (MEL) (e.g., university courses, workshops, certificates).

EXPERIENCE

• At least 5 years of experience in developing and implementing MEL frameworks.
• 3+ years supporting and/or managing major evaluations (baseline, mid-term, final).
• 1+ year of experience working with social programs.
• Expertise in designing qualitative and quantitative data collection tools.
• Strong experience in data analysis and data management.

COMPETENCIES & PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Strong analytical and conceptual skills.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work with diverse populations, including children, government agencies, and partners.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Strong background in program evaluation methodologies.
• Knowledge of SMART indicators and best practices in research methods.
• Experience with statistical analysis software, MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
• Understanding of child-friendly data collection methods.

LANGUAGES

• Fluency in English, Amharic and the local language(s) is required.

WHO YOU ARE:

You are passionate about our commitment to help children and youth rise above life’s challenges through the power of play. You are highly collaborative and a relationship builder with a passion for humanitarian work, human rights and social change. You have been extensively involved in the implementation of Program strategies. Your attention to detail is great and you have a positive, follow- through mindset. You are focused on strategically positioning Right To Play as a partner of choice for our donors.