Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Manager - Vietnam

KEY INFORMATION

Job Title: Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Manager - Vietnam
Position Type (full/part time): Full time
Duration/Level of Effort (long/short term): Long term
Position Location: Hanoi, Vietnam

SUMMARY OF THE POSITION

Cowater is seeking to hire a Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Manager to support a project in Vietnam working to improve the socio-economic well being of ethnic minority women (EMW) working in the agricultural sector by elevating their economic status, leadership and agency including through the promotion of clean growth. The project will implement a series of interventions designed to strengthen the performance of EMW-led MSMEs, cooperatives and producer groups in select value chains. The primary beneficiaries are women living in the province of Yen Bai, while an overarching emphasis is placed on the inclusion of women from ethnic minority communities.  

The MERL Manager will report directly to the Team Leader and will provide advice and leadership in setting Project indicators, gathering data, and analysis of Project results and impact. The MERL Manager will lead all MERL activities to support the development of a responsive and robust MERL system and tools for the project, including developing a MERL framework. The MERL Manager will also serve as a resource person in areas of data analysis, management, and reporting as well as conducting special projects and other duties as required. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning System 

• Development, implementation, and adaptation of the Project’s MERL system, tools, and practices.
• Lead MERL program activities, including data collection, analysis, management, and repo
• Validate, manage, and advise on the program logic model and performance measurement framework (PMF).
• Managing data collection and analysis with strong and evident integration of gender and environmental sustainability.

Data Collection, Analysis and Management 

• Develop and maintain the program indicators and data management to ensure that information is accurate and current.
• Ensure key progress information (qualitative and quantitative) is collected from partners, reviewed, entered into the program database, and analyzed.
• Undertake field visits to partners to confirm and triangulate reported findings.
• Oversee and provide training on interview best practice (key informant and focus group).
• Ensure tracking of alumni Project beneficiaries to contribute to the measurement of the Project’s long-term impact.
• Oversee all data collection activities in the field to support program research and evaluation, including case studies and assessments (including value chain, market, gender, environment).
• Develop and implement methodologies and standards for monitoring and evaluating project activities and improving data quality. 
• Analyze larger trends by liking and analyzing data from a variety of sources, including activities and outputs from related initiatives in the region; and 
• Train and mentor the Project team and partners throughout the life of the project.

Program Reporting and Evaluation 

• Lead the design and implementation of monitoring, evaluation and reporting for the overall program.
• Prepare external reporting including annual reviews, program-specific reviews, briefings for team members, and the project completion report.
• Provide data as required for independent program evaluations and ensure findings from the evaluations are incorporated into program activities and policies as appropriate.
• Work with Project partners to develop MERL frameworks, processes and systems that will provide compatible and quality data that will enable reporting on the Project outcomes.
• Ensure gender and environmental data is included and analyzed in all reports and evaluations. 
• Identify any risks to the Project’s ability to report on the achievements of the Project.

Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building 

• Ensure that the information needs of other Project areas are supported with specific research studies or through other MERL methods.
• Work with the Team Leader to synthesize monitoring information from partner reports, identify key issues and communicate findings to the MERL team and the wider Project Team.
• Assist partners in using monitoring information and applying monitoring techniques by providing technical support where required.
• Organize workshops, participatory analyses, reflection meetings, and other policy and procedure awareness and compliance.
• Oversea and provide leadership to the MERL Officer(s).
• Work with the Team Leader to package quality and accurate program reports, output results, stories of change, and other Communication and Learning pieces, for wider dissemination.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Open to Vietnamese nationals only.

The team member will have the following qualifications, skills, knowledge, and experience:

Education:

• Tertiary qualification in a relevant area such as evaluation, economics, statistics, development studies, or any other relevant field. 

Minimum Experience:

• At least 10 years of experience in the field of monitoring and evaluations in the international development sector.
• Experience in forward thinking gender equality and women’s economic empowerment data measurement, collection, management, and analysis.
• Knowledge of evaluation concepts and methodologies, in particular the monitoring and evaluation of development interventions.
• Demonstrated experience in research, data collection, analysis, and management.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a team of researchers and data collectors.
• Demonstrated experience in working with government and donors, including meeting the diverse reporting requirements of each – experience with Global Affairs Canada’s Results-Based Monitoring framework and tools.
• Experience with or demonstrated understanding of issues relating to disability and/or gender-based violence in Vietnam as well as the broader political economy context and constraints; and an understanding of the particular vulnerabilities faced by ethnic minority women and demonstrating cultural awareness and sensitivity essential.
• Ability to manage multiple demands and prioritize tasks, work effectively and collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, and support other team members.
• Knowledge of data visualisation tools and graphics software an asset.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office.

Language Proficiency:

• Fluency in English and Vietnamese essential.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Candidates are encouraged to apply through Cowater’s website by August 10th 2023 /as soon as possible via below link:

Cowater International Career Opportunities - Cowater International

For your application to be considered, please upload your documents as followed: Candidate Last Name, First Name, date, Title of the Position.

Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer, basing employment on merit and qualifications as they relate to professional experience and position expectations. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law.

We thank all applicants, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.

ABOUT US

Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company founded in 1985. Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada and with corporate hubs in Montreal, Canada, Brussels, Belgium, and London UK. Cowater International has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 2500 projects and assignments in more than 95 countries. We work with governments, private sector actors and communities implementing projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, environmental improvements and advance equal opportunities for all. We are a diverse and experienced team committed to building a better tomorrow for the people we serve. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our yearly award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies since 2017.

We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow with Cowater International.owater International is an equal opportunity employer, basing employment on merit and qualifications as they relate to professional experience and position expectations. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law.