Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning (MEL) Expert for M&E Manual Review | Home-based

Position Title: Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning (MEL) Expert for M&E Manual Review

Background:

Democracy Reporting International (DRI) is a non-governmental organisation supporting democratization, the rule of law and civic engagement in countries around the world. Steered by a Headquarter team in Berlin, Germany, DRI currently has six country offices in MENA, South Asia and Eastern Europe where various democracy support projects are being implemented.

In 2017 and with support from the Peace Nexus Foundation, DRI initiated an organisational review and strengthening exercise, seeking to identify areas where the strengthening of organisational systems, processes, approaches and behaviour is required. DRI’s Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) approach has been highlighted as an area requiring attention and investment. Guided by the Director of Programmes and an organisation-wide MEL working group, a dedicated MEL focal point has taken the lead in assessing current practices and needs and designing a workplan for MEL, with the development of an organisation-wide MEL manual at its core. The manual has been drafted with inputs from DRI’s MEL working group and drawing on best MEL practices in the field of supporting democracy, governance and civil society. The 35-page document follows the project cycle and covers basic terminology and concepts while providing detailed MEL relevant information on the design, planning, monitoring, evaluation and reporting stages. The manual also deals with MEL and Knowledge Management at the organisation and features practical monitoring and evaluation tools and templates. DRI has drafted a roll-out and implementation strategy for the manual which details its dissemination across the organisation along with introductory workshops and provides suggestions on the organisational wide usage ways to garner feedback and update the manual accordingly in the introductory phase. DRI is now looking for a MEL expert to conduct a thorough review of the draft manual and its roll-out and implementation strategy to ensure that it draws on current best practices in the field and is generally fit-for-purpose.

Assignment: DRI is looking for a senior MEL expert to conduct a thorough review of DRI’s draft MEL manual and its roll-out plan, propose specific recommendations for improvement, and, in consultation with the DRI team, make concrete changes to the current manual and strategy.

Tasks: The expert will work closely with DRI’s MEL focal point and the Director of Programmes in the various steps of this exercise which will include:

· Initial conversations and review of key documents to get acquainted with DRI’s work and approach to MEL;

· An in-depth review of the draft MEL manual and roll out plan, including specific comments, tracked changes and a max 3-page appreciative summary of the manual and plan, its strengths and areas in need of improvement;

· A feedback session with relevant DRI staff on the outcomes of the review and the main recommendations;

· If agreed with DRI, further work on the manual to action the proposed recommendations, as appropriate.

Deliverables: The following deliverables are envisioned for this assignment

· Appreciate summary of draft MEL Manual & roll-out plan (max 3 pages)

· Marked-up version of draft MEL manual, including specific recommendations and suggestions (in comment boxes)

· Marked-up version of draft roll-out and implementation strategy, including specific recommendations and suggestions (in comment boxes);

· Potentially a revised MEL manual (in track changes), based on agreement with DRI regarding specific changes

Location: home-based

Duration and dates of assignment: The review part of the assignment is supposed to take 4 working days, between the 1^st of June and 10^th of July . If DRI and the consultant will agree on further tasks of revising and refining the draft manual, further working days can be added to the contract, as agreed by both parties.

Qualification and competencies:

· A master’s degree or higher in development studies, social sciences or a related field.

· At least ten years practical experience in the design and implementation of organisational MEL systems, preferably for international NGOs.

· Proven expertise in designing MEL systems and providing technical MEL assistance to organisations working in the governance, civil society and democracy field.

· Proven experience in drafting of MEL manuals or similar documents.

· Ability to work collaboratively with a large range of stakeholders.

· Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, organizational skills, timeliness, and work ethic.

· Demonstrated writing skills in the English language.

· Strong interpersonal skills.

To apply

DRI values diversity and aims to be an equal opportunities employer.

*Interested applicants should send their applications (CV and cover letter) to mel@democracy-reporting.org, including ‘MEL Manual – Expert Review’* in the subject line.

Closing date for applications: 15 May 2018

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.