KEY INFORMATION
Job Title : Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Lead
Reports to : Team Leader
Direct Reports : MEL Officers (up to 4, national and sub-national); Knowledge Management and Communications Officer
Location : Manila, Philippines.
Employment type : Full time [Part time or STA will be considered]
Work arrangement : Possibility of hybrid (in office and remote)
Duration : One year with possibility of multiyear extension
SUMMARY OF PROGRAM
The DFAT (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) Social Protection, Inclusion and Gender Equality (SPRING) program is Australia’s flagship investment of support to the Philippine Government on Social Protection, Gender Equality, Disability, Social Inclusion and Indigenous Inclusion. It is an AUD million investment over 5 years that will support the joint Development Partnership Plan (DPP 4-9) between the Government of Australia and the Philippine Government. The investment will be the DFAT’s primary avenue in the Philippines for supporting poverty reduction and bilateral funding on gender equality and social inclusion at the national level and with some select Local Government Units (LGUs). SPRING will support efforts under Australia’s new International Development Policy and DFAT’s forthcoming new strategies on gender equality, disability equity and rights, and translate these into implementation in the Philippines.
SPRING will contribute to the goal that the s ocial and economic transformation in the Philippines reduces poverty and provides equal opportunities to all Filipinos in line with the Philippines Development Plan.
The objective of SPRING is that Australia works in partnership with the Philippine Government to improve systems and structures that reduce poverty and inequality and advance gender equality and the rights of people with disabilities.
SPRING has four mutually reinforcing End of Program Outcomes (EOPOs) :
SUMMARY OF POSITION
Based in Manila, the MEL Lead will provide technical direction and oversight to ensure accurate and timely reporting of outcome and evidence-based results and value-for-money for SPRING, and support the Philippine Government, DFAT and the SPRING team to make evidence-based improvements in program effectiveness and performance. This includes supporting the SPRING team to monitor and report on activities; overseeing and quality assuring MEL-related activities; building MEL capacity within the broader SPRING team (including subnational teams in 3 provincial locations); managing technical inputs into SPRING reporting to DFAT; and managing evaluation of SPRING where required. The MEL Lead will also play an important role in fostering organisational learning across SPRING, including by designing and managing appropriate learning and reflection processes that support critical thinking and maximise coherence and the sharing of lessons across SPRING.
With a focus on outcomes and impact, a key deliverable will be the design, maintenance and ongoing systematic review, through participatory approaches, of a robust SPRING Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Framework (MELF) that ensures GEDSI is mainstreamed throughout the approach to SPRING MEL, providing balance between quantitative and qualitative data collection and enabling analysis and synthesis of data to provide a clear picture of SPRING strengths, challenges and learning points. The MELF should map to relevant indicators from the Philippines Development Partnership Plan Performance Assessment Framework, and wherever possible, relevant Philippine Government plans and reports.
The MEL Lead will also coordinate and manage independent evaluations and utilise relevant tools, methods and approaches to capture learning for continuous improvement to SPRING program implementation and the achievement of outcomes. The MEL Lead will manage annual SPRING reporting processes to ensure that the effectiveness of SPRING is measured and that implementational successes, risks and challenges are highlighted.
The MEL Lead will develop, maintain and manage a SPRING learning strategy / agenda that promotes learning within the program as well as the social protection sector more broadly.
The MEL Lead will oversee a MEL team that will include a Knowledge Management & Communications Officer, a national MEL Officer, and 3 sub-national MEL Officers, and will be supported by an international Short Term MEL Adviser.
KEY RESPONSIBILITES
Design and establish MEL systems and tools
A strong focus on GEDSI throughout, including disaggregation of data for different excluded, marginalized, or vulnerable groups, and ensuring ‘Do No Harm’ principles are mainstreamed throughout MEL approaches.
Six-monthly program outcome and delivery monitoring, leveraging Philippine Government data sources where possible
MEL Plan implementation and coordination
Supporting the SPRING management team to forecast, track and report against key indicators and targets identified within activities
Capacity Development, Evaluation and Learning
Act as the main point of contact for the SPRING team for all aspects of MEL design and implementation.
At least six-monthly review and reflection meetings for SPRING implementing teams and partners, with a particular focus on shared learning and on GEDSI-related lessons.
Procuring independent assessments, evaluations and studies as required, including annual procurement and management of an independent Technical Advisory Group
Knowledge Management and Communication
Collation of program MEL data, reporting and communications products.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
The MEL Lead will have the following skills, knowledge, and experience :
APPLICATION PROCESS
This is a rolling recruitment. Applications will be reviewed and vetted sequentially as they are received. We encourage interested individuals to apply as early as possible.
For your application to be considered, please upload your documents as follows : Candidate Last Name, First Name, date, Title of the Position.
Please send your cover letter addressing the position selection criteria and CV with name and contact details (phone and email) of three professional referees to , mentioning the position you are applying for in the subject line “SPRING MEL Lead” or apply online.
Women, persons with a disability and Indigenous Peoples are highly encouraged to apply.
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. Persons with disabilities may send a request for reasonable accommodation to participate in the recruitment process to .
Cowater International adheres to the highest standards of protection of children and vulnerable adults in the delivery of programs and services. Cowater is committed to the prevention of sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination.
Cowater International upholds standards of ethical conduct and has zero tolerance against fraud and bribery.
Prior to any offer of employment, applicants will be subject to appropriate background checks.
We thank all applicants, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.
About Us
Founded in 5, Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company. Headquartered in Ottawa and with corporate hubs in Auckland, Berlin, Brussels, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Manila, Nairobi, Singapore and Stockholm, Cowater International has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 0 projects and assignments in more than 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 7.
We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow with Cowater International.
Learning And • Philippines