Monitoring Evaluation & Learnings Officer Full Time NEW

Duration: 1 year with possibility of extension

Role Purpose: The Monitoring Evaluation & Learnings Officer : Implement Monitoring, Evaluation and Learnings (MEL) plan of the Project in accordance with VSO Global Results & Learning Framework and Practice Areas Theory of Changes in alignment to VSO volunteering for development (VfD) framework. The role ensures timely tracking of progress against results, generation of high-quality evidence, facilitation of learning, and compliance with donor and organizational MEL requirements.

1.Introduction to VSO

VSO is the world’s leading international non-governmental organisation that works through volunteers to create a fair world for everyone.

Our work centres on those who are left out by society – those living in extreme poverty or with disability and illness. Those who face discrimination and violence because of their gender, sexuality, or social status. Those who are at risk from disaster, disease, and conflict. But they are not passive beneficiaries of aid; they are the “primary actors” at the heart of our efforts. From their perspective, we define the issues, opportunities, and solutions that drive sustainable, local-led change. These individuals are the key agents of their own transformation.

2.Our Approach

Our Volunteering for Development (VfD) method supports the most vulnerable and marginalised to achieve their rights and bring about lasting change to create a fair world for everyone. Rooted in addressing the fundamental causes of – marginalisation and vulnerability, our three core approaches – social inclusion and gender, social accountability, and resilience – guide our work in inclusive education, health, and resilient livelihoods.

Our Volunteering for Development method recognises the importance of relationships in forging a shared understanding and commitment and building collective action to lasting change. With most of our volunteers being national, we build blended teams of community, national, and international volunteers, uniting diverse perspectives, and experiences to generate insight, innovation, and action that tackles the complex issues faced by our communities. This kindles the potential for active citizenship worldwide, encouraging people to step forward and lead the change that fosters a fair world for all.

3.contextual background of the Project

Resilient Borders: Advancing Climate Adaptation, Peace, Livelihoods, and Preparedness in Cross-Border Communities of Ethiopia and Kenya (RECAP) Project

RECAP is a three-year initiative targeting 21 locations across four districts, Miyo and Moyale in Ethiopia and Sololo and Moyale in Kenya. The RECAP project addresses interconnected challenges of climate change, conflict, fragile livelihoods, and disaster risks affecting cross-border communities of Ethiopia and Kenya. Moyale is a highly dynamic border area where competition over natural resources, climate shocks, and mobility intersect with long-standing conflict dynamics. Strengthening peacebuilding and disaster risk reduction (DRR) capacities at community level is critical for building sustainable resilience.

Role description

The Monitoring Evaluation & Learnings Officer The Monitoring Evaluation & Learnings Officer implement Monitoring, Evaluation and Learnings (MEL) plan of the Project in accordance with VSO Global Results & Learning Framework and Practice Areas Theory of Changes in alignment to VSO volunteering for development (VfD) framework. The role ensures timely tracking of progress against results, generation of high-quality evidence, facilitation of learning, and compliance with donor and organizational MEL requirements.

The role includes:

Task Responsibilities

Task Responsibilities

Monitoring and Performance Tracking

· Develop and operationalize the project MEL plan, indicator tracking tools, and data collection systems in line with the project logframe and donor requirements.

· Engage in routine monitoring of activities, outputs, and outcomes across climate adaptation, peacebuilding, livelihoods, and DRR components.

· Support baseline, midline, and endline assessments, including surveys and qualitative studies.

· Conduct regular field monitoring visits to verify data quality and assess implementation progress.

Implement MEL Plan

· Implement project Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning plan in line with VSO’s MILE methodology with the

Monitoring and Reporting

· Facilitate project monitoring and evaluation processes using VSO participatory monitoring impact learning and evaluation (MILE) methodologies, monitor project activities realization against plan at the field level.

· Collect data, support in data management at community, project, and country levels, undertake data analysis, compile periodic documentation of learnings, and prepare a reporting as part of donor as well as quarterly organisational reporting requirements.

· Contribute to donor reports (monthly, quarterly, annual) by providing accurate MEL data and analysis.

· Support cross-border knowledge sharing and learning exchanges between Ethiopia and Kenya project teams.

Data Management and Quality Assurance

· Ensure accurate, timely, and ethical collection, and management of project data.

· Establish and maintain databases for indicator tracking and reporting.

· Conduct data quality assessments (DQAs) and provide feedback to field teams and partners.

Learnings:

· Facilitate reflective sessions with volunteers, partners and staff on project outcomes and impact to include in global reporting.

· Develop case studies, learning reviews, evidence generation, and dissemination of learnings.

· Participate in the global Community of Practice (CoP) for knowledge sharing and learning on MEL good practices.

· Share learnings and evidence to relevant donor/partner/network forums for the purpose of scaling VSO project.

Capacity Building and Support

· Build the MEL capacity of project staff, volunteers, and partners through training, coaching, and mentoring.

· Develop simple MEL tools and guidance notes for field use.

· Provide ongoing technical support to ensure consistent application of MEL standards.

Qualifications:

• Qualification in BA in Economics and other related fields with practical experience in INGO sector on Monitoring & Evaluation, Research/ Social Development knowledge with significant practical experiences.
• Qualification in Economics or other related fields or equivalent in experience. Significant practical experience in INGO sector on Monitoring & Evaluation, Research.
• Knowledge of Global Volunteer standards with practical experience of volunteering will be an advantage.

Skills and Experience

• Basic skills in Monitoring, Evaluation & Learnings with knowledge of current M&E tools and proven track record of using participatory methods.
• Proficient in data collection, documentations and basic research skills using both quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Experience working on resilience, climate adaptation, peacebuilding, livelihoods, or DRR projects preferred.
• Experience in fragile, conflict-affected, or cross-border contexts is an advantage.
• Basic skills in using SPSS, EPI-Info \ packages; qualitative data analysis tools/software.
• Experience of implementing MEL plan in the field of Livelihood will e an advantage.
• Basic partnership, engagement, and collaboration skills.
• Proficiency in data collection and analysis methods (quantitative and qualitative).
• Experience using digital data collection tools and databases.
• Strong analytical, reporting, and visualization skills.
• Proficient verbal and written communications skills in English is required.

Language Requirements

• Fluency in English required.
• Skill and Knowledge of local languages Afan Oromo spoken and local community custom in project areas is a strong asset.

Travel Requirement:

• Teamwork
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks.

Personal Attributes

• Strong motivation to contribute to community resilience and development.
• Cultural sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• High level of integrity, accountability, and commitment.
• Practical experience in livelihoods programming within fragile and cross-border contexts.
• Enhanced skills in community engagement, monitoring, and reporting.

Equal Opportunities

• VSO promotes equal opportunities and values a diverse workforce.
• VSO reserves the right to close this job early if we receive a sufficient number of applications.
• VSO is committed to a fair, transparent and merit-based recruitment. VSO does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process.