Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Specialist Job Vacancy at Corus International

Lutheran World Relief, which is part of Corus International, has been present in Tanzania since 1961. Corus International is the parent of a family of world-class organizations working to deliver the holistic, lasting solutions needed to end extreme poverty once and for all. We are a global leader in international development, with 150 years of combined experience across our brands. Our nonprofit and for-profit subsidiaries include IMA World Health and its fundraising brand Corus World Health, Lutheran World Relief, CGA Technologies, Ground Up Investing, and Farmers Market Brands. In Tanzania, Corus operates under Lutheran World Relief Our more than 600 employees around the globe are experts in their fields and dedicated to helping the world’s most vulnerable people break the cycle of poverty and lead healthy lives.

At Corus we believe that good only grows stronger and we reflect that belief in our workplace culture. We value every employee’s specialized area of expertise and nurture professional growth. We promote an engaging and supportive work environment, where employees feel enabled and driven to innovate, learn and collaborate. And because our subsidiaries often function as partners, our employees have the opportunity to work across our enterprise family.

Job Brief

Lutheran World Relief is seeking to recruit a two (2) MEL Specialists who will report to the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Lead for a five-year USDA project that is designed to develop and transform small and medium enterprise (SMEs) poultry value chain into sustainable commercial business in Tanzania. The project will strengthen the feed sector through incorporating appropriate production technologies; Improved animal health management practices; Capacity building in agricultural finance services; and strengthen the extension and service providers in Mbeya, Iringa, Songwe and Rukwa.

The position will be based in Mbeya, Tanzania and will report to the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Lead.

Position Summary

The MEL Specialists will be responsible for supporting the MEL Lead with project reporting by providing high-quality technical assistance to staff and partners for data collection, ensuring that real-time data inputs are verified and validated. S/he will support the project in the design, implementation and management of the monitoring-evaluation framework and the writing of reports to ensure that high-quality data are collected, evaluated and analyzed for decision-making.

S/he will monitor daily activities and participate in the development of project reports and lessons learned, reporting challenges that may impact program implementation and the achievement of targets.

Responsibilities

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Under the direction of Corus’ Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) policy and USDA’s Monitoring & Evaluation Policy, ensure compliance and program quality standards while designing and implementing project activities.
• Monitor, evaluate, and distill lessons learned from project implementation and input from beneficiaries.
• Attend project/stakeholders’ coordination meetings to share information and learn from other peer agencies.
• Support the MEL Lead in ensuring timely, accurate, and complete compilation of all necessary data to inform reports and project documents, including annual work plans, project performance monitoring plan (PMP), monthly, quarterly, and semi-annual reports, etc.
• Play a key role in coordinating field trips, including securing relevant government approvals, compliance with safety and security protocols, and coordination with local partners and communities.
• Support the MEL Lead in ensuring all project activities adhere to national technical norms and standards and that best practices and approaches are well documented and highlighted throughout project implementation.
• Ensure ethical and safe data collection, management and storage following best practices and Corus’ MERL Policy.
• Manage data through an analytical lens, identifying key indicators and/or data points that may be used for further research or publication.
• Support the MEL Lead with data visualization and analysis for presentation to diverse audiences and stakeholders at various forums (conferences, workshops, etc.).
• Support the MEL Lead in conducting needs assessments, surveys, concept note development and execution, special studies, and other related activities for the project.
• Perform other relevant duties as requested by the MEL Lead.
• Perform any other tasks related to his/her competencies and experience assigned by the leadership of the project.

Accountability

• Support the development and implementation of feedback and response channels to reflect the preferences of community members and beneficiaries of the project.
• Facilitate the orientation of program staff and partners on the basic principles and practices of beneficiary accountability.
• Ensure that all sensitive and non-sensitive cases are channeled (including documentation) according to the framework with a high level of confidentiality and neutrality.

Supervisory

• None

Education & Experience

• Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Statistics, Information Management Development, Animal health / productions systems., Social Sciences or a related field preferred.
• Agriculture and or Poultry specific experience.
• Proven experience working with donors, NGOs, communities, and local authorities.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

Commitment to the values of Corus and being able to model these values in dealings with colleagues and partners: accompaniment, gratitude, vocation, stewardship, and innovation. Understanding and commitment to development and agriculture/poultry production in Tanzania.

• Deep commitment to Corus’ core values and ability to model those values in relationships with colleagues and partners.
• Demonstrate understanding and commitment to promoting the interests of vulnerable people.
• Ability to prepare and deliver technically-sound presentations to internal and external audiences.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Deep understanding of the local context of Tanzania, ability to travel frequently, and navigate local government and community structures.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint. Knowledge of data management software such as STATA, NVivo, SPSS preferred.
• Strong ability to work in a multicultural team and located in different offices/ environments (at local and international levels).
• Ability to learn new tasks, comprehend and complete tasks independently, effectively communicate verbally and in writing, demonstrating proficiency in using computer software to perform assigned tasks.

Physical And Mental Requirements

• The physical requirements that may be needed to execute responsibilities may include bending, standing, and walking, etc.
• The mental requirements that are essential to satisfactorily executing the responsibilities outlined in this job description include, but not limited to: learning new tasks, comprehending, and retaining information, completing tasks independently, effectively communicating verbally and in writing, demonstrating proficiency in using computer software to perform assigned tasks.

Other Duties

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities for the position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. All positions are required to perform any additional tasks assigned by the supervisor. Global positions that are bound by contracts will not be changed without notice and approval.

Working Conditions, Travel and Environment

• The duties of the job require regular attendance of at least 5 days/week. The employee must be available to work outside normal office hours or on weekends as required.
• This position must be able to travel as required for standard domestic and international business purposes. While performing the duties of this job in different locations, the employee may be exposed to precarious settings under high security risks and/or very basic living conditions and outside weather conditions, as well as to infectious diseases.
• If applicable, must have authorization to work in the country of assignment.

As a member of the Corus Family, each employee is expected to:

• Foster a work environment where everyone feels valued and included.
• Support employees’ evaluation and promotion processes based on skills and performance.
• Promote a safe, secure, and respectful environment for all members of Corus family, stakeholders in general, and particularly for the communities we serve.
• Follow Corus Code of Conduct helping to prevent any type of abuse including workplace harassment, sexual abuse and exploitation, and trafficking in persons.
• Adhere to the Organizational Core Values