Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning Specialist - Legal Resources Centre

The Legal Resources Centre (LRC), established in 1998 is an NGO with significant community based grassroots initiatives. Its core mission is to develop Human Rights Cities within commu­nities where it works to ensure social progress and development through the instrumentation of law, justice, development and good governance.

The LRC in partnership with the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative in collaboration with Crime Check Foundation, with funding front the United States Agency for International Devel­opment (USAID) is undertaking a three (3) year project titled "USAID Justice Sector Support (JSS) Activity.

This project seeks to monitor and sustain the implementation ot Ghana's Case Tracking System (CTS)- a software system inst it Lit t•d by Chemonics International and partners aimed at employing technology solutions to track criminal cases from inception until l rind disposed of The project which will be implemented in 41) tart:et districts in 8 Regions of Ghana will ensure that margin - alczed amununities through mobilization and innovative public education programmes are aware of and supported to track pro­gress of the deliver) of the CTS.

The project will keenly monitor and advocate for the utilization of the CTS by targeted Justice Sector Institutions, mobilize citi­zen groups to monitor the CTS process, facilitate demand for its functionality, accountability and responsiveness by relevant State Institutions, promote legislative and policy reform, and advocate better coordination among the key Justice Sector Institutions and civil society.

In the implementation of the USAID JSS Activity, the L.RC. invites applications from suitably qualified persons for the positions or a Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (M&E and Learning) Spe­cialist and a Project Officer

MONITORING, EVALUATION AND LEARNING SPECIALIST

BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION

The objective of the position of the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (M&E and Learning) Specialist is to assume full responsibility for overseeing the overall delivery of the Activity Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan (AMELP) of the USAID JSS Activity. The M&E and Learning Specialist will be responsible for coordinating the monitoring of field activities at national, regional and district levels and for providing same support to enable an effective M&E and Learning functions at sub-grantee field level.

The M&E and Learning Specialist who will be in the LRC`s head office, will provide leadership in the design, monitoring and evaluation of Performance Management Plans (PMP), ensuring compliance with USAID performance management requirements as indicated in ADS 203 including special concerns on gender equity and environmental compliance. She/he will also be responsible for writing and compiling of periodic monitoring and reporting documents. The M&E and Learning Specialist reports directly to the Chief of Party.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordinates, manages and oversees overall Activity Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan (AMELP) of the USAID JSS Activity.
• Leads and manages project-level evaluation of higher-level outcomes and theories of change.
• Helps identify, analyze, and synthesize lessons learned from project implementation and facilitates the incorporation of those lessons into the activity development cycle.
• Trains other staff and partners where required, on key Monitoring Evaluation and Learning concepts, tools, and processes.
• Undertakes periodic visits to project locations on monitoring assignments including collecting data and/or overseeing data collection efforts to inform project implementation.
• Assists project team in preparing project progress reports quarterly and annually and as and when required.
• The incumbent will assist in the review of project activities to ensure that appropriate methods are employed to measure performance results.
• The incumbent will determine which indicators remain relevant and useful as the nature of activities change over time; and assess the extent to which performance indicators remain relevant and useful as the nature of the activities change overtime, and recommend modifications as appropriate.
• The incumbent will prepare an Action Tracking Sheet to monitor quarterly the progress toward completing tasks and assignments on the use of the CTS by Justice Sector Institutions.

• She/he will ensure compliance with USAID policies and regulations and document programme impact.
• She/he will develop evaluation, planning, and implementation strategies for project deliverables; advise on the formulation of project-level performance management plans to track milestones and report on selected standard performance indicators, as well as custom indicators and outputs; ensure compliance with all specific reporting requirements including gender dynamics.
• She/he will ensure that appropriate data collection procedures are used, and develop M&E data tracking system methods for quality checks.
• Meet all PMP reporting requirements, including quarterly, annual reports, and on-demand reporting requests.
• Collaborate with Citizen Monitoring Groups (CMGs) in target districts to respond and gather data for surveys and assessments.
• The incumbent will be also asked to perform other duties and tasks as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

1. Education: A bachelor’s degree in a development relevant field or research is a minimum qualification. Degree may include subject areas such as economics, statistics, mathematics, international development, project management, survey research and programme evaluation. A Certificate or an advanced post graduate certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation or its equivalent is required.
2. Prior Work Experience: A minimum of four (4) years of M&E experience, preferably with an international or local non-governmental organization is desirable. Experience should include monitoring and evaluation database management, survey research, research methods, programme evaluation, qualitative and quantitative statistical sampling, information analysis, research techniques and methodologies, report writing, and the use of MS spreadsheets. Prior experience and familiarity with the USAID reporting standards and requirements and Ghana`s Justice Sector will be useful.
3. Job Knowledge: The M&E and Learning Specialist should have a solid experience in gathering, analyzing and interpreting complex development data. Demonstrated ability in data analysis, project design, monitoring, and evaluation of development activities.  Experience developing results frameworks, logical frameworks, or similar tools for project design is required.  Experience developing and/or using performance management plans or similar tools is required.  Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in monitoring and evaluating programs, including indicator development, study design, and data analysis—in multiple sectors.  Experience using knowledge management software or database is highly desired. Knowledge of Ghana`s criminal justice system and justice delivery system, including understanding of the operations of Justice Sector Institutions.
4. Language Proficiency: Fluency in the English language with strong writing skills is required. Fluency in one or more indigenous Ghanaian languages is desirable.
5. Skills and Abilities: The incumbent must demonstrate the ability to prepare reports and provide briefings to the Chief of Party, team members, and high-level visitors as may be required; prepare progress reports based on data collection, field analysis and assessment of the CTS implementation by the key Justice Sector Institutions; undertake field assessments independently; be able to set objectives, plan and follow-through on multiple tasks, as well as demonstrating excellent time management skills critical to managing programme reporting and tasks as required. In addition, the incumbent should demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively with superiors, colleagues and partners as well as maturity, objectivity, resourcefulness, adaptability and sound professional judgment. The ability to establish and maintain professional and effective contacts with the Justice Sector Institutions and development partners is required. The incumbent should be a good team player; able to respond to work assignments on short deadlines; have strong computer skills, including good knowledge of Microsoft Office and contribution tracing; and be willing to travel in country especially to target districts to monitor and evaluate project deliverables, collect data and conduct assessments.

TERM OF APPOINTMENT

All positions are for a period of three (3) years renewable every year subject to 360 degrees performance and conduct.