Paradigm Initiative (PIN) is a non-profit social enterprise that builds ICT-enabled support systems for young people, in order to improve their livelihoods. Two of PIN’s programs focus on digital inclusion while the third focuses on digital rights advocacy. Paradigm Initiative’s digital rights advocacy program is focused on the development of public policy for internet freedom in key regions of Africa. Our policy advocacy efforts include media campaigns, coalition building, capacity building, research and report-writing.

Job Summary:

The Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Manager will be responsible for measuring, learning and evaluating new and established initiatives, and the portfolio will provide accountability and ensure efficiency throughout the lifecycle of various projects. 

The MERL Manager will be responsible for designing and implementing the M&E activities of PIN’s projects, monitoring project activities on a regular basis, assisting Project Managers to prepare Quarterly/Annual reports on project progress, and developing/maintaining the Management Information System of projects. S/he will serve as a point of contact, on project-related issues, for key stakeholders, including funders.

This role is responsible for high quality interactions, and clear and consistent communications with grantees and other partners.

Reporting To:

The Chief Operating Officer.

Responsibilities:

• Lead design and implementation of monitoring and evaluation for PIN’s programmes 
• Work as lead for research, measurement and evaluation to develop and manage clear measurement models related to the program strategies
• Refine and monitor research and evaluation goals and implementation plans
• Establish mechanisms for rapid feedback and learning within projects as well as for evolving a longer-term research agenda
• Provide statistical research and evaluation design expertise to team members in order to help them produce relevant and high quality work
• Create and revise tools and data collection procedures (eg. logical framework, project performance tracking, indicators, data flow chart, MERL manuals etc)
• Keep abreast of developments in grant/programme changes and progress in order to advise and recommend tools/strategies to increase programme performance
• Analyze situations that require evaluation of intangibles including contextual influences and consequences that are beyond the immediate problem or issue at hand
• Exercise independent judgement in developing methods, techniques and evaluating criteria for obtaining results
• Develop, manage and implement evaluation strategies in service of programme goals and negotiate, execute, conduct and manage complex performance-based contracts/grants
• Collect, analyze and summarize external research, identifying relevance and applicability to team-specific MERL activities
• Consult with partners to maximize impact of projects and ensure optimal learning. This may include: convening meetings of key stakeholders, shaping results on key findings, and coordinating on dissemination plans
• Review contracts, RFPs and grant proposals as well as provide clear, concise and insightful written analyses and recommendations for funding, including drafting and editing proposal summaries

Qualifications and Skills:

• Proactive, self-starter and able to work independently
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in leadership in social and developmental (desirable) communications, marketing or advertising
• An advanced degree in statistics, psychology, measurement and evaluation, or a related field
• Ability to prioritize, focus on set objectives and achieve results
• Senior-level experience in monitoring and evaluation
• Proven track record of leadership through teamwork, collaboration, and open communication
• Should have worked on large scale, complex communications programmes across geographies
• Excellent written and oral communications skills with a broad and diverse audience
• In-depth knowledge of statistical methods, formative, summative developmental and additive evaluation designs, qualitative and quantitative research methods, data collection and management
• Should have implemented communication interventions at community levels, scaled up to deliver outcomes and impact
• Advanced understanding of behavioural sciences and social sciences
• Experience in program design and MERL plan development
• Ability to design MERL tools, surveys, surveillance systems and evaluations
• Expertise in communications concepts, practices, strategies and tactics based on understanding of key audiences and objectives
• Excellent networking and relationship building skills and the ability to interact with stakeholders and partners
• Past experience in development sector measurement and evaluation of programmes is desirable
• Experience with bilateral and multilateral funding will be a major advantage

How to apply

The application closes on August 20, 2021, but the position will be filled as soon as we find the right fit. If you think you are the right fit, do not delay in sending in your application. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Salary is a minimum of N4.4 million gross per annum but will be commensurate with relevant years of experience. Other benefits like training, employer contribution of pension, medical cover, 13th month salary, leave and leave allowance apply.