Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation & Research Manager – PMER Manager 

Location:  Lusaka Zambia

Report To: Head of Programmes

Remuneration: Competitive salary with other benefits

Deadline:  3rd July,2022

Purpose

The position is responsible to provide support to the Country Programme (CP) in terms of programme operations by managing the CP planning, evaluation, monitoring, quality assurance, reporting and learning processes to ensure programme effectiveness and that quality and programme standards are upheld within the relevant country and WaterAid frameworks. The role works across various teams in the CP and with partner organisations providing guidance and capacity building on M&E, learning, research and documentation.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Coordination

• Support Head of Policy, Campaigns and Communication to identify key sector issues which WaterAid and its partners should focus their advocacy efforts
• Develop and implement integrated campaigns and influencing projects within country strategy and Global initiatives, working with CSOs and other stakeholders
• Participate in the design of programme activities to influence government (national, district level) policy and legislation, budgets, co-ordination mechanisms and innovative delivery approaches to strengthen WASH services and increase WASH access
• Manage campaign and communication budget and report and explain variances

Programme Quality and Assurance

• Develop and implement robust Monitoring and Evaluation system for assessing programme performance and improving programme quality
• Put in place systems and mechanisms for collecting reliable data to monitor the development of defined indicators.
• Lead on rolling out and inculcation of PMER Core Procedures within CP team and effective use of Project Centre (online MIS) for operationalisation of PMER Core Procedures at CP level
• Ensure the principles of Equity and Inclusion (E&I) are appropriately embedded in programmes;
• Develop action plans based on M&E recommendations and monitor progress on achievements;
• Ensure development of Project Monitoring Plans (PMPs) for all projects/ sub-projects
• Ensure that the programmes adhere to the M&E Framework and relevant legal regulations, industry standards and organisational policies;
• Coordinate to make sure that programme teams conduct regular Programme Performance Reviews and the actions agreed are implemented to initiate corrective measures;
• Lead and undertake Post Implementation Monitoring Surveys (PIMS), mid-term and end of project evaluations, mid-term strategic programme review, CP Evaluation and any other reviews including tracking the implementation of action plans agreed from these reviews and evaluations.
• Develop ToRs for reviews, evaluations and studies and engage consultants wherever deemed appropriate
• Supports SMT with risk management by leading the development and maintenance of project risk management plans.
• In conjunction with the Head of Programmes, Funding and the CD, coordinate external support to the CP ensuring that processes requiring external support are adequately supported.

Documentation, Reporting and Learning

• Support staff and partners to adhere to WA’s programme management information system and requirement, including the effective use of project center ensuring regular compliance.
• Produce regular reports and data from the Project Centre for management decisions by the budget holders and SMT.
• Work with the funding and finance teams to ensure consistency of data held on Project Centre and the other management information systems, particularly RIS and Finstream
• Ensure effective co-ordination and preparation of high quality donor narrative reports, six monthly and annual CP reports and any other reports required by the government, donors, regional team and/ or WAUK.
• Provide guidelines and feedback to ensure quality reporting by all programmes and that all reports meet organisational and donor reporting requirements
• Lead and facilitate programme reflection, reviews and documenting key lessons to aid programme design and implementation
• Promote learning within and outside WaterAid by ensuring that documentation from programme experiences, best practices is produced and disseminated, as appropriate.
• Facilitate programme learning through capturing and sharing information, encouraging inclusive and effective dialogue
• Support the programme teams to carry out relevant research, studies, baseline surveys and use creative ways to promote dissemination, publication and sharing findings and outcomes

Capacity Development

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of WA’s partnership approach and support staff and partners in internalising partnership strategies and procedures
• Support staff and partners to adhere to WA’s programme management information system and requirement, including the effective use of and compliance with Project Center
• Identify gaps in Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting processes within WA Zambia office and implementing partners and systematically devise systems and processes to address them in line with PMER core procedures
• Support capacity building of Zambia staff and partner organisations on the use of M&E tools

Financial Management and Budget Control

• Prepare annual unit budget for PMER unit and carry out regular budget monitoring and explain variances against plan
• Actively support the development and annual updating of business plans and budgets for WaterAid in Zambia programme;
• Preparation of monthly financial cash flow plans & timely submission to the Head of Finance and IT.
• Ensure effective management and use of WaterAid assets, including vehicles, computers.

People Management

• Coach, guide, and manage performance of the team in order to maximise their contribution to the organisation
• Create and maintain a positive environment conducive for high performance of the department
• Lead, promote and embed WaterAid Values and leadership behaviours as required.

Specific Context

The role will require some travel in-country and could involve some travel in the region.

Essential Experience and Skills

• Master’s Degree, preferably in a discipline of Monitoring and Evaluation, Development Studies Social Sciences, or any other related discipline.
• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in M&E and quality assurance in reputable international or national non-governmental organisation (NGO);
• Experience in developing and using participatory monitoring & evaluation frameworks and tools.
• Good analytical skills and ability to use statistical packages such as SPSS, EPI Info, STATA etc.
• Experience of managing quality to reduce programme risks
• Project management skills
• Experience in operational planning, and consolidation of business plans
• Solid report writing experience and knowledge of international donor reporting requirement.
• Good facilitation and training skills

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent planning and prioritisation skills;
• Strong analytical/problem solving skills;
• Highly numerate
• Ability to think strategically
• Able to work effectively in a diverse team environment;
• Proactivity
• Commitment to WaterAid’s values and a working style that reflects these

Desirable

• Experience or understanding of working in complex matrix management structures in a global organisation and working with implementing partners and government as main stakeholders
• Qualification in project management, PMDPro or equivalent
• Strong written communication and analytical skills, including experience in writing project reports and strong presentation skills
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to build and maintain good working relationships with a variety of colleagues and stakeholders
• Good planning & organisational skills, including effective time management and priority setting.
• Good basic budget and financial management skills.
• Able to understand and review financial information & reports.
• Commitment to WaterAid’s values and a working style that reflects these

Our people promise

We’re looking for people who share a commitment to our vision, and a commitment to playing their part in changing normal. We’re looking for people with an appreciation and respect for different people and ideas, and the energy and expertise to help tackle the most important challenges.

In return, you can expect to get inspiration from the change you help make happen, a sense of belonging and the feeling of being part of a global community. You will also experience stimulation and fulfilment, the chance to grow, and space to be yourself at your best.

This is our pledge to you.