Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officer

The Opportunity This is a dynamic role offering a motivated MEL professional the chance to spearhead monitoring, evaluation, and learning initiatives throughout PEAS Zambia’s Eastern Province portfolio, working closely with the Senior MEL Officer. The ideal candidate will be responsible for coordinating the timely collection, quality assurance, analysis, and reporting of data, while maintaining up-to-date spreadsheets, dashboards, and platforms. Additionally, they will provide support for learning and research initiatives within the Eastern Province program. Collaboration will be essential, as the candidate will work closely with MEL colleagues in Zambia and globally, as well as program teams, government stakeholders, and external researchers and evaluators, to ensure that evidence is accurate, timely, and utilized to enhance program delivery. We seek an individual who demonstrates a strong combination of technical MEL expertise and exceptional relationship management skills. The successful applicant will have proven experience handling large datasets, designing digital data collection tools, conducting in-depth analysis, producing high-quality reports, and transforming evidence into actionable recommendations. Here’s a professional version of your paragraph while retaining all original details: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Responsibilities This role involves overseeing the systematic tracking of program performance, conducting evaluations to assess impact, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement through data-driven insights. Key responsibilities include developing MEL frameworks, collecting and analyzing performance data, and ensuring alignment with organizational goals. The position requires proficiency in designing indicators, implementing assessment tools, and reporting findings to stakeholders. Additionally, the role demands strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to translate complex data into actionable recommendations for decision-makers. Oversee the MEL Assistant’s work to guarantee precise data collection, thorough data cleaning, and consistent reporting across all projects in the Eastern Province; deliver targeted coaching and enforce rigorous quality assurance of the MEL Assistant’s duties. Ensure all required data spreadsheets, dashboards, and platforms are maintained and updated with accuracy and timeliness, adhering to established reporting cycles, data standards, and version-control procedures. We will create and implement digital surveys through Comm Care and KoboToolbox to enhance and optimize data collection processes across the entire organization. Develop, construct, and oversee Power BI dashboards tailored for operations and programs, facilitating the extraction of actionable insights to support both programmatic and strategic decision-making processes. Facilitate the creation and ongoing refinement of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) frameworks, indicators, and tools in accordance with project objectives and donor specifications for both programmatic and operational initiatives. Evaluate both qualitative and quantitative data to measure program effectiveness and results, facilitating ongoing enhancements. Conduct internal assessments at the baseline, midline, and Edline stages, and systematically record lessons learned to enhance adaptive programming efforts. Standardize data cleaning methodologies while upholding strict adherence to data security and quality standards. Drive the adoption of data-informed decision-making by embedding Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) frameworks into strategic planning, operational execution, and performance assessment phases. Collaborate with the PEAS Global MEL team and external researchers/evaluators to design and execute program evaluations and research initiatives, covering tool review, ethical and permission requirements, sampling, fieldwork coordination, data quality assurance, data provision, and follow-up on findings. Equip staff and field teams with proficiency in MEL tools, data collection methodologies, and analytical approaches to enhance the organization’s monitoring, evaluation, and learning capabilities. Conduct training sessions and data analysis reviews to convert findings into practical enhancements for program development. Prepare performance and evaluation reports at regular intervals, ensuring compliance with established cycles, while contributing precise data, analysis, and narrative insights to donor reports as needed. Adhere strictly to reporting deadlines and comply with predefined indicator definitions. Who we are looking for We are in search of a meticulously organized and analytically driven professional who demonstrates a strong commitment to enhancing education through empirical evidence and continuous learning. The ideal candidate must exhibit exceptional proficiency in both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, coupled with a keen eye for detail. Additionally, they should possess the capability to distill complex findings into clear, accessible insights for a variety of stakeholders. In this role, candidates will excel within a fast-paced setting, adeptly juggling competing priorities while maintaining a strong alignment with PEAS’ mission to expand access to quality education for youth throughout Zambia. Essential Criteria A minimum of a bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in Monitoring and Evaluation, Statistics, Data Science, Mathematics, Economics, or another discipline with a strong quantitative or research focus. Applicants holding a bachelor’s degree in a different field must possess a relevant postgraduate qualification or professional certification in Monitoring and Evaluation, Statistics, Data Analysis, Data Science, Research Methods, or a related quantitative area. A minimum of three years of professional experience in a role focused on monitoring, evaluation, research, or learning is required. Experienced in gathering, refining, standardizing, and overseeing quantitative and qualitative datasets, with a strong commitment to ensuring data accuracy and integrity. Advanced Excel proficiency is essential, encompassing formula-driven analysis, data cleansing, validation, reconciliation, and large dataset management. Experienced in examining both quantitative and qualitative data to address monitoring, research, or evaluation inquiries, with proficiency in method selection, interpretation of findings and limitations, and the translation of results into concise conclusions and practical recommendations. Proficiency in designing and sustaining Power BI dashboards is essential, covering data preparation, refresh mechanisms, quality assurance, and the creation of user-centric visualizations. Utilize digital data-collection platforms, including but not limited to KoboToolbox and Comm Care, to gather and manage information efficiently. Proficient in crafting analytical reports and designing data visualizations, with a demonstrated capacity to distill intricate quantitative and qualitative insights into accessible formats for non-technical stakeholders. Skilled in organizing and managing field-based data collection initiatives. Demonstrated expertise in project management coupled with exceptional organizational capabilities. Demonstrates exceptional proficiency in both verbal and written English communication. Adept knowledge of safeguarding principles and ethical research methodologies is essential. Proven capability in handling recurring reporting deadlines, ensuring precise documentation, and executing tasks autonomously with minimal day-to-day oversight. Desirable Criteria – While these qualifications and prior experience are not mandatory for your submission, we strongly encourage you to emphasize any relevant expertise or background you possess in your application. Professional experience within the educational field is required. Proven capability in conducting advanced statistical analysis, including sampling techniques, inferential statistics, and results interpretation, supported by proficiency in statistical software tools such as State, R, SPSS, or Python. Paragraph: Your background includes preparing and contributing data, analysis, or narrative content for donor reports, as well as working with donor indicator frameworks. You have supported or conducted research and evaluations, often in partnership with external researchers or evaluators. Additionally, you have experience supervising field teams, research assistants, or Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) staff. Professional educators or consultants with a proven track record of collaborating with Zambian educational institutions—including schools, districts, and provincial or national authorities—are encouraged

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