Programme Manager for Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) – SSAD

DCAF – Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance is dedicated to improving the security of states and their people within a framework of democratic governance, the rule of law, respect for human rights, and gender equality. Since its founding in 2000, DCAF has contributed to making peace and development more sustainable by assisting partner states, and international actors supporting these states, to improve the governance of their security sector through inclusive and participatory reforms. It creates innovative knowledge products, promotes norms and good practices, provides legal and policy advice and supports capacity‐building of both state and non‐state security sector stakeholders.

DCAF’s Foundation Council members represent over 50 countries and the Canton of Geneva. Active in over 70 countries, DCAF is internationally recognized as one of the world’s leading centres of excellence for security sector governance (SSG) and security sector reform (SSR). DCAF is guided by the principles of neutrality, impartiality, local ownership, inclusive participation, and gender equality. For more information visit www.dcaf.ch and follow us on Twitter @DCAF_Geneva.

DCAF’s Operations Department, and specifically the Sub-Saharan Africa Division (SSAD) is seeking a professional and qualified person for the following position:

Programme Manager for Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL)- SSAD (100%)

Location: Geneva

Starting date: 1 April 2024 or earliest availability

Duration: 1 year renewable

The role

Reporting to the Deputy Head of Division, the Programme Manager for Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) develops, advises, and coordinates the MEAL approach and requirements in the Division. She/he is responsible for the management of an SSAD’s performance management system and the production of regular internal and external cases or articles on the Division’s programme performance and achievements. She/he contributes to designing new projects/programs. She/he assists the SSAD Division management in using the performance information for decision-making, resource allocation, and lesson learning.

Key areas of responsibility:

• Lead the development of tools and methodologies for ensuring an effective and coherent MEAL system and approach of the Division, in line with DCAF corporate MEAL system (incl. corporate indicators) and requirements.
• Ensure thorough understanding and knowledge of staff (HQ and field offices) of MEAL approach, requirements and tools, including through training and coaching.
• Serve as the Division’s technical expert on all MEAL related activities. Oversee the development of result-based management (RBM) and annual reports for the Division and serve as the SSAD main point of contact for the Senior MEAL Advisor in the Director’s Office.
• Maintain regular exchanges with MEAL project officers in Country Offices and provide them with continuous support and advice for the collection and analysis of data.
• Work closely with and proactively support SSAD programme teams in the designing, implementation, reporting and evaluation of projects and programmes – i.e. co-designing indicators, formulation of measurement tools including logic models, collection and analysis of data methodologies.
• Working closely with programme teams, coordinate as relevant the development of studies, assessments and evaluations necessary for the designing (incl. baseline establishment), implementation and evaluation of programme.
• Assist the Division to select data collection methods for adequate monitoring and evaluation of national partners’ performance and of the SSAD programmes (these methods may include field visits, quarterly reports, specialized surveys and other sources of information).
• Assist the project teams in reviewing these methods and making improvements to their monitoring and evaluation plans.
• Develop a lessons identification process for SSAD programmes, support the gathering and dissemination of good practice and its integration into future programmes, with colleagues in HQ and in Country Offices.
• Contribute to, and in some cases, lead on the drafting of tools, case studies, blogs and knowledge products.

YOUR EXPERIENCE

• Advanced university degree, or equivalent professional experience, in international affairs and development, governance, ,economics, statistics, evaluation research security studies, human rights or related disciplines.
• At least 7 years of professional experience in designing, implementing, and operating project MEAL systems from project initiation to closeout stages for governance programming.
• Proven experience in strategic planning and performance measurement, including indicator selection, target and baseline setting, reporting, database management, and developing M&E and/performance monitoring plans.
• Strong knowledge of and experience in the development of data collection, data quality assessments and oversight and major evaluation methodologies (e.g. qualitative, quantitative, mixed-method, and impact).
• Experience in the field, especially in Sub-Sahara Africa, is a strong asset.
• Familiarity with instruments such as IATI standards and the Aid Stream platform and experience and methodological knowhow in program and budget planning within an RBM framework.
• Experience developing and delivering training as well as developing tools for MEAL.
• Proven versatile team player, with excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in politically diverse and sensitive environments.
• Excellent English and French (both written and spoken).
• Flexibility, including availability for short term missions abroad.
• Swiss or EU citizenship or a valid work permit for Switzerland at time of application a pre-requisite.

We offer:

• a rewarding, dynamic and challenging work experience
• the chance to be part of a multicultural team of supportive, hardworking and values-driven people
• the chance to contribute to improving security of states and their people within a framework of democratic governance, the rule of law, and respect for human rights