MERL Officer

Service Corporation International · Lào Cai

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The role 

We are currently looking for MERL Officer based in Vientiane Capital.

Role Purpose                   

Save the Children in Laos with the support from UNICEF and in close coordination with the Ministry of Health (MoH) Lao PDR, is implementing a multi-year Wasting Prevention and Treatment Programme to improve maternal and child nutrition outcomes, particularly among vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations across different 11 high-burden provinces. The programme focuses on strengthening community and facility-based nutrition services, improving maternal, infant and young child nutrition (MIYCN) practices, expanding access to quality preventive and curative services, and reinforcing health system leadership, coordination, and accountability mechanisms.

Save the Children International (SCI), as an implementing partner of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), works in close collaboration with national, provincial, and district health authorities to strengthen the capacity of health workers and Village Health Volunteers (VHVs), improve service delivery platforms (including Integrated Management of acute Malnutrition(IMAM), Growth Monitoring and Promotion( GMP[PS3.1][AK3.2]), outreach services), [AI4.1][AK4.2]and promote evidence-based, community-driven nutrition practices for six provinces in Lao PDR. The programme also supports strengthening DHIS2-based data systems and piloting innovative, food-based approaches for managing malnutrition.

The MERL (Monitoring Evaluation Research and Learning (MERL) Officer will work closely with the National Impact Manager to provide monitoring, evaluation, research, accountability and learning support related activities to the project teams in the field.  The role holder will ensure that regular monitoring activities both onsite and offsite are conducted to inform program implementation and ensure timely data collection, analysis, and reporting, feeding high-quality data into the national database system to support evidence-based decision-making and continuous program improvement. Additionally, the role holder will coordinate and support all Research & Evaluation and accountability related work.

In the event of a major humanitarian emergency, the role holder will be expected to step up and where needed and possible even deploy in country to support humanitarian responses and work outside the normal role profile and be able to vary working hours accordingly.

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:

• Ensure they fully understand the provisions of the Child Safeguarding Policy, the Code of Conduct and Local/Country Procedures.
• Conduct themselves in accordance with the rules of the Child Safeguarding Policy, in their personal and professional lives – which includes reporting suspicions of child abuse.

Key Responsibilities

1. Monitoring and Reporting
   1. Develop field provincial/field level MEAL plan with guidance from Project Manager and National Impact Manager based on the finalized DIP (Detailed Implementation Plan) 
   2. Undertake MEAL monitoring using Quality Benchmark (QBs) and share findings with the field project staff and draw action plans, maintain and follow up on the action plan using an action plan tracker. 
   3. Support on creating the monitoring tools on digital platform (Kobo Toolbox)
   4. Perform onsite monitoring and verification of reported activity and output level data including training, upgradation of health facilities and other actions.
   5. Provide inputs on project monitoring tools, feedback forms (translations) and collect feedback from beneficiaries including children and adults and other stakeholders.
   6. Maintain Total Reach count for the project for each activities completed and maintain and regularly update the project beneficiary database.
   7. Maintain project distribution tracker to capture and track any distribution and supplies through the project.
   8. Support National Impact Manager in providing the field/provincial level data for updating the project activities in the PRIME System.
   9. Produce field monitoring reports and share with the wider team.
   10. Keep updating the key high lights and main challenges under MERL sector to PM
   11. Support in preparing the project progress align with indicator for IMC meeting at provincial level.
   12. Create data base system or provincial profile under the project  for North and south
   13. Support review the  North/South monthly/quarterly report when required. 
2. Research, Evaluation and Learning
   1. Support National Impact Manager in field level coordination for implementing baseline, midterm, and end of project evaluation.
   2. Undertake filed monitoring to ensure that studies, research, and evaluation are conducted with highest ethical standards and quality and safety.
   3. Support evaluation works of the project activity with the support from National Impact Manager
   4. Record learning from  monitoring activities, evaluations and lesson learnt workshops and ensure that lessons learnt are captures  and recorded in the learning log.   
3. Accountability 
   1. Ensure that the project supported communities, health centers  and project points have access to timely and regular information about the project, and how communities can participate in the project activities and provide accessible channels for feedback and response (FRM).
   2. Ensure that in all the activities project information and FRM channels are shared/displayed.
   3. Conduct periodic quality monitoring visits to project/ program intervention sites and collect feedback from the project beneficiaries.
   4. Maintain database of feedback and concerns and seek support from National Impact Manager for appropriate response.

           4.  Networking

                         a.  Work closely with PM and provincial team for planning process and attending meetings and workshops at provincial and district level.

                         b. Maintain good working relationships with provincial and district government representatives and other stakeholders to enhance collaboration on MEA.

                         c. Participate in national MEAL forums, working groups, and learning networks to stay updated on best practices and updates.

                         d. Engage with implementing partners such as MoH and UNICEF to ensure alignment and coordination of M&E activities.

                         e. Represent the organization in MEAL meetings, workshops at the provincial and district level meetings.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in social science, computer science, statistics or related degree with focus on research, evaluation, monitoring and learning, or      relevant experience in M&E.
• At least two years’ experience in monitoring & evaluation, research,  or related field  and  experience in implementing MERL systems/strategies at sector level.                                   
• Understanding on Child Rights, gender equality principles and climate change components
• Understanding of research and evaluation.
• Able to generate and use data and evidence to innovate, deliver, learn and share what works and what doesn’t work.
• Good analytical skills, with the ability to proactively influence sectoral and other stakeholders for their buy in.
• Strong report writing, communication and leadership skills. 
• Good organisational skills, the ability to pay close attention to detail and capable of reporting in a timely manner.
• Proficient in computer operation, particularly, in SPSS, MS-Excel, MS-Power BI, Kobo Toolbox, MS-Access, and MS-PowerPoint 
• Ability to analyse information, evaluate options and to present complex information in a succinct and compelling manner.
• Women who have or interested in STEM are extremely encouraged to apply
• Fluent in English.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

KEY COMPETENCIES 

Technical competencies:

• Good analytical skills, effective negotiator, with the ability to proactively influence sectoral and departmental buy-in. 
• Strong report writing, communication and leadership skills. 
• Good organisational skills, the ability to pay close attention to detail and capable of reporting in a timely manner. 
• Proficient in computer operation, particularly, in SPSS, MS-Excel, MS-Power BI, Kobo Toolbox, MS-Access, and MS-PowerPoint Ability to analyse information, evaluate options and to present complex information in a succinct and compelling manner. ·   
• Develops and applies effective, innovative M&E tools to assess gender equality . Ensure use of evidence to support policy influence interventions 
• Fluency in English (written and spoken) Fluency in Laos (spoken and written) 
• Politically and culturally sensitive and will 
• Develops and applies effective, innovative gender equality tools and resources.
• Advocates for gender equality.

Generic Competencies

• Being the Voice of Children: Promotes evidence-based policy and public engagement that includes the voices of children and their communities
• Advancing Equality & Inclusion: Displays a commitment to ensuring everything we do considers the most deprived and marginalised children
• Building & Strengthening Partnerships: Promotes working with diverse partners as critical to delivery
• Child Rights: Promotes the rights of children in own work and in work with colleagues and peers

Contract length: Fixed term (1 year with the possibility of extension)

The Organisation

We employ approximately 25,000 people across the globe and work on the ground in over 100 countries to help children affected by crises, or those that need better healthcare, education and child protection. We also campaign and advocate at the highest levels to realise the right of children and to ensure their voices are heard. 

We are working towards three breakthroughs in how the world treats children by 2030:

• No child dies from preventable causes before their 5th birthday 
• All children learn from a quality basic education and that,
• Violence against children is no longer tolerated 

We know that great people make a great organization, and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children.  We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive workplace where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued. 

Application Information:

Interested candidates please submit a full application using a cover letter and up-to-date CV as a single document including contact details of three professional referees (current and last line managers and HR department). Please also include details of your salary expectations and a copy of your ID card. Please note that we will require a copy of your Criminal Records (ໃບແຈ້ງໂທດ) later.  

Save the Children International is a child-rights based organization. Safe recruitment is central to the safeguarding of children and young people that we come into contact with, and support through our programmes.

We need to keep children safe so our selection process, which includes rigorous background checks, reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.

Save the children is an equal opportunities employer, qualified females, persons with disability and candidates from diverse cultural backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

All employees are expected to carry out their duties in accordance with our global anti-harassment policy.

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