Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Officer
THE OPPORTUNITY
Are you a collaborative, organized and autonomous individual who is eager to make an impact in the lives of women and girls? Do you have strong skills in coordination, data analysis and capacity building? Are you agile, innovative, solution-oriented and client focused, with a high level of adaptability, excited about the opportunity to work in a growing international cooperation organization?
Reporting to the Manager, VCP (Volunteer Cooperation Program) Impact and working closely with other members of the program team, the Monitoring Evaluation Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Officer is responsible for the ongoing development and implementation of monitoring and evaluation systems with a focus on data collection, analysis and reporting, to ensure synergy across teams and contribute to organizational learning. Working closely with other members of Crossroads teams, the incumbent promotes and supports learning among staff, partners and volunteers to continually enhance the impact of Crossroads’ programming in achieving women’s rights, women’s economic empowerment and women’s leadership. The MEAL Officer ensures that all monitoring, evaluation, learning and knowledge sharing systems incorporate a strong gender analysis and approach, also leading and contributing to writing and editing reports for internal and external audiences and core funders.
HOW YOU CAN MAKE AN IMPACT
Monitoring and Evaluation
- Lead on program monitoring and evaluation, data collection, best practices identification, and dissemination of knowledge and lessons learned among program staff, partners, stakeholders, donors, and other implementing partners.
- Work with colleagues and volunteers to ensure ongoing data collection, in order to evaluate impact and efficiency and generate lessons learned from program activities.
- Oversee annual monitoring and evaluation planning process with partners and stakeholders to continually adapt and improve annual plans.
- Provide analysis and recommendations to senior management to inform strategic program decisions. • Coordinate the implementation of baseline surveys and follow-up on monitoring and evaluation exercises for various initiatives related to programming.
- Build capacity of partners and staff in the logic model, data management, data analysis, results-oriented programming, monitoring and evaluation methods and principles, report-writing techniques and requirements for relevant donors to ensure compliance.
- Ensure that strong gender analysis and approaches are incorporated in all aspects of the monitoring and evaluation systems.
- Maintain an effective information database on projects, providing resources and necessary support for program inputs and outputs.
- Coordinate the VCP’s MEAL system supported by a digital platform (e.g., LogAlto) and support staff in its use and implementation.
- Review Projects’ logic models to ensure their alignment with Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy indicators and Crossroads’ gender equality policy.
- Conduct working sessions with staff about the Volunteer Cooperation Program (VCP) Logic Model and Performance Measurement Framework (PMF) to ensure their alignment with the cross-cutting thematic areas including gender, environment, human rights, and innovation.
Reporting
- Update, as needed, reporting templates that facilitate the acquisition and aggregation of information in programs.
- Facilitate the analysis of data obtained from African offices and partners to feed into the reports. • Compile drafts reports in a coordinated and collaborative way.
- Coordinate the preparation of various documents (reports, position papers, concept papers, etc.) to present evidence-based results.
- Coordinate the draft of the VCP annual plan in collaboration with other teams. Assign tasks, sections, deadlines, and overall process supervision.
Program Quality & Innovation
- Provide cross-functional support to the entire program team to improve monitoring, engagement, service and development of Canadian Partners portfolio.
- In collaboration with Gender and Environment Program Officers, provide assistance in writing and/or revising program and project reports, guidelines, policies etc.
- Participate in or lead special task forces and working groups aimed at improving program quality, operational effectiveness, and policy and procedure framework.
- Lead or provide support to special projects or initiatives aimed at improving service and responsiveness with partners and volunteers. • Contribute to the development of the annual team budget within areas of responsibility.
Communication & Philanthropy
- Contribute to the implementation of Crossroads’ communication plan as required.
- Work collaboratively with the communication team to capture and tell stories from the field and in Canada, consistently applying Crossroads’ brand and key messages.
- Participate in relevant networks on behalf of Crossroads.
WHAT YOU BRING TO CROSSROADS
- University degree or college diploma in a related field or equivalent experience • In-depth knowledge and experience of the international volunteering, development or humanitarian sector to advance women’s equality and economic empowerment
- Technical skills in evaluation and research methodologies, including results‐based management, evidence‐based planning, quantitative and qualitative methods, gender‐based analysis, environmental analysis and participatory evaluation
- Previous experience in development work overseas and with international volunteering preferred • Demonstrated capacity to develop and manage organizational partnerships, collaborations and relationships
- Autonomy, innovation, and creativity
- A desire for change, an eagerness for learning, ability to learn quickly and enthusiasm for a growing, adaptable work environment
- Client- and service-orientation with strong interpersonal and collaboration skills • Strong organizational, administrative, communication & interpersonal skills
- Superior written communication and experience preparing reports for Government funders – Fluency in English and French (written and oral) required (expert or advanced level in both languages is necessary for this position).
ESSENTIAL CONDITIONS
- Share Crossroads’ values and ethical standards, particularly:
- A commitment to preventing, mitigating and responding to sexual violence,
- A commitment to gender equality, and
- A commitment to anti-racism
- Ability to travel abroad and within Canada and to make short trips outside the workplace; – Ability to work overtime, sometimes evenings and weekends.
- Work an average of 35 hours per week; overtime may be required;
- Infrequent travel within Canada and 2 times per year abroad may be required.
WHAT WE OFFER
- An equitable, inclusive and collaborative working environment where you have the opportunity to make an impact every day.
- Enthusiastic encouragement to grow both personally and professionally, taking advantage of a range of learning and development opportunities available to our people.
- A hybrid working model that allows you to enjoy the benefits of both office-based and remote working.
- An excellent, competitive benefits package for you and your dependents. • 3 weeks paid vacation, 3 weeks wellness leave and 3 days professional development leave. – Annual cost-of-living increases, subject to Board approval, and pay equity reviews every three years.
THE ORGANIZATION
Crossroads International is a leading Canadian volunteer cooperation agency which has been advancing equality for women and girls and eradicating poverty in some of the world’s poorest countries in Africa for over 60 years. Crossroads invests in local partner organizations in 9 countries who are best positioned to meet the needs of their communities. With them, we pilot innovative approaches, and empower women and girls to become leaders and live free from violence. Every year Crossroads engages hundreds of experienced volunteers and staff North and South who apply their expertise locally to address poverty and inequality. The organization’s 50+ employees are based in Canada, Senegal, Ghana and Tanzania, and Crossroads’ volunteers fulfil over 100 mandates per year.
Crossroads is committed to principles and values of access and equity. Candidates from diverse groups are encouraged to apply. Crossroads is also committed to preventing and addressing sexual misconduct and advancing anti-racism. To that end, the organization is a signatory to Cooperation Canada’s Leaders’ Pledge on Preventing and Addressing Sexual Misconduct and the Anti-Racism Framework for Canada’s International cooperation sector.
OUR VISION
ONE WORLD where poverty is eliminated, equality prevails, and the rights of women and girls are fulfilled.
How to Apply:
If you are interested in joining a dynamic international development organization, please submit your resume and cover letter in one document (Word or PDF) before 5 pm on July 17th, 2023 by e-mail to [email protected].
Applications must include “MEAL Officer – Your Name” in the subject line of the email. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. Not sure you have everything we’re asking for, but know you can
make a big impact? Tell us your story and we will be happy to consider you.
Crossroads is an equal opportunity employer. Recruitment and selection procedures reflect this commitment.
Crossroads is committed to diversity in the workforce and individuals from all minority groups are encouraged to apply.
We thank all applicants in advance, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
