Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Specialist - HQ
- Job Type
- Full Time
- Job Level
- Experienced (non manager)
- Location
- Toronto, ON
- Impact Area
- Kids/youth
- Impact Category
- Nonprofit
- Company Type
- Nonprofit
About this position
JOB SUMMARY:
The Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Specialist reports to the Director, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL), and is generally responsible for supporting the implementation of Right To Play’s measurement work across the organization. More specifically, this role will focus on providing MEL leadership for the organization’s Global Affairs Canada-funded multi-country, education-focused program in Ghana, Mozambique and Rwanda. This program is a complex initiative that aims to address the learning needs of children and youth by improving the quality of education for girls and boys at the primary school level through a sustainable and replicable child-centered, play-based learning model.
Working in collaboration with other MEL team members in Right To Play’s regional and country offices, the incumbent’s primary focus is to use participatory processes to co-manage the implementation of the project’s MEL framework across all countries; to support the development of the necessary systems and processes to carry out this work; and to support regional and country teams in using the monitoring and evaluation systems.
The MEL Specialist may also facilitate related internal evaluations and case studies as well as lead on producing important deliverables of the broader organizational MEL strategy. The MEL Specialist works within budget parameters and reports monthly on activities, accomplishments, risks and expenses.
The MEL Specialist will be based in Toronto with up to 15% of time travelling to Right To Play program countries.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Job Responsibility #1: Quality Monitoring and Evaluation Framework and Systems (40% of Time):
- Provides ongoing technical support and oversight to ensure quality implementation of Right To Play’s multi-country education program measurement strategy, with a specific emphasis on statistical metrics, rigorous sampling frameworks, and quantitative measurements
- Manages the review of data coming from monitoring and evaluation systems to track the quality of Right To Play’s multi-country education program and design improvement measures as required to adhere to current international standards and best practices in the education sector
- Supports outcomes reporting processes by coordinating outcomes reports, reviewing content, providing technical support, and analyzing global data
- Provides ongoing technical support to ensure quality implementation of the monitoring, and evaluation plan for the multi-country education program
- Co-Leads with Regional Level MEL Staff internal evaluations and case studies, ensuring collaborative, participatory processes, rigorous design and data collection techniques, comprehensive analysis
- Communicates results to various stakeholders
- Develops evaluation resources and disseminates results throughout the organization
- In collaboration with Regional level MEL Staff, supports and provides technical guidance to Country-level Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) staff with the implementation of key measurement activities
- In collaboration with country and regional level MEL staff, works to develop a strong education monitoring and evaluation frameworks
- Engages regularly in Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Community of Practice on MEL challenges, solutions and opportunities
- Supports Regional MEL staff in the implementation of the Global MEL Strategy and related systems, processes and tools
- Collaborates on and conducts MEL staff training in identified areas as needed
- Provides technical support in evaluation systems, Results-Based Management and project development
- Collaborates with Right To Play teams to support resource development, effective training delivery, project planning and development, proposal writing program implementation, and communications
- Reviews annual program plans to ensure adequate and complete monitoring and evaluation plans are included
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (must have):
EDUCATION/TRAINING/CERTIFICATION:
- Masters degree in social sciences or equivalent experience and education
- Training or certification in statistics, quantitative measurements, and/or research methods
- Knowledge of, or experience with, Global Affairs Canada Results-Based Management frameworks
- Minimum 5 years of experience in the International Development and/or Humanitarian sector, preferably with overseas experience
- Experience managing program evaluation in the international development context
- Experience providing technical support and managing program evaluation in a multi-country setting
- Experience developing measurement frameworks for education programs (pre-primary/primary)
- Experience in the preparation of evaluation reports for different audiences – technical, management, government, donors and other stakeholders
- Experience in application of leading qualitative and quantitative data collection, analysis and reporting and the creation and sourcing of appropriate tools
- Budget Management
- Analytical skills, including research
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
- Keen sense of cultural sensitivity, diplomacy and modesty
- Advanced interpersonal and verbal communication skills
- Ability to collaborate amongst an international and multidisciplinary team
- Strong analytical and conceptual skills that allow for strategic planning and the ability to translate this into practical and feasible operational program planning both in written and verbal formats
- Fluency in oral and written English
- Membership or certification in a professional evaluation association (e.g. Canadian Evaluation Society)
- Training in international development program evaluation
- Experience implementing program evaluation activities in basic education in an international context
- Strong understanding of systems, policies and issues in basic education in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Experience in creating and/or sourcing data management and analysis systems
- Experience in managing projects with multiple stakeholders
- Experience managing multi-country program evaluations
- Experience managing consultants (individual and/or firms)
- Experience collaborating with local partners or stakeholders
- Experience managing directly or indirectly
- Experience with remote leadership
- Ability to travel internationally is required
Employment Start Date: Immediately
Contract Duration: Full Time
About us
Right To Play's mission is to protect, educate and empower children to rise above adversity using the power of play.
Play keeps children in school and out of work. It helps them overcome challenges that could rob them of their dignity, their promise and put them at risk. Play teaches them how to prevent disease and resolve conflicts, and gives them the confidence to dismantle barriers and create opportunities where often there were none.
Our Impact
WE PLAY FOR CHANGE
Right To Play is harnessing one of the most powerful and fundamental forces in every child’s life, the power of play. Our programs protect, educate, and empower children to heal from the harsh realities of war and abuse, to change their behavior and protect themselves from disease, to go to school, graduate and create a better future.
We use the power of play to keep girls safe from violence, to give them a voice and to take the lead. We empower them to say no to unwanted sex and understand how HIV is spread.
We play for change in 5 key areas: quality education, child protection, peaceful communities, gender equality and health and well-being.
Results
We bring the power of play to 15 countries, each with their own set of challenges for children.
In these countries, we empower girls to resist early marriage and to continue their education. We teach children how to protect themselves from diseases like HIV and malaria. We help child laborers return to school. And we inspire refugee youth living in dire camp conditions to heal and succeed.
Protect. Educate. Inspire.
It's what we do for 1.9 million children each week through our programs around the world:
50% are girls
67% of our teachers and coaches are female
We work in 52 refugee camps in Ethiopia, Jordan, Lebanon, the Palestinian Territories, Thailand and Uganda
We operate in 2,630 schools, with the help of 32,000 teachers and coaches and 14,000 Junior Leaders, using 1,200 play based learning games and activities.
Ways to give back at work
Working at Right To Play, you feel the direct impact of your work whether you are on the Communications team or our Programs team. Many of our staff travel around the world and witness the power of play first hand.
Our staff also organize events and fundraisers for other causes like Pride Month and Mental Health Awareness.
What it’s Like to Work Here
At Right To Play, you're part of an organization making a positive, lasting impact. That's why our staff is passionate and dedicated to our cause. Whether you’re supporting our programs at our International Headquarters, hosting awareness and fundraising events in our national offices, or working with youth in our local communities, you have the benefit of knowing everything you do is making a difference in the lives of more than one million children around the world through play.
We are a hardworking group of passionate and playful people. The culture is entrepreneurial and employees are encouraged to find unique solutions to problems. Working here you have to be comfortable with a fast paced environment where things can change on the fly.
Right To Play is a fairly lean NGO with 100 employees in the HQ - it’s a place where everyone knows and supports each other. There’s lots of collaboration between teams - from Finance and Fundraising, to Communications and International Programs. We work together as a team.
Our head office is located in downtown Toronto, steps from the subway and great lunch spots. Right To Play employees enjoy extra perks such as:
Summer Fridays: Half day Fridays from Canada Day - Labour Day
Winter Fridays: One afternoon off per month in the Winter for mental health :)
Complementary gym membership with GoodLife Fitness
An active Fun Committee that organizes events and activities all year long
What We Look For When Hiring
As an international, multi-cultural organization, we’re always looking for people who can bring new perspectives and life experiences to our team. If you’re looking for a place that values your curiosity, passion, and desire to learn and make a difference, Right To Play is a good place for you.
Application instructions
Please click here to Sign In to see how to apply.
New? Register now. It's free and fast.