Project/MEL Officer

Description

About the International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES):

IFES advances democracy for a better future. We collaborate with civil society, public institutions and the private sector to build resilient democracies that deliver for everyone. As the global leader in the promotion and protection of democracy, our technical assistance and applied research develops trusted electoral bodies capable of conducting credible elections; effective and accountable governing institutions; civic and political processes in which all people can safely and equally participate; and innovative ways in which technology and data can positively serve elections and democracy. Since 1987, IFES has worked in more than 145 countries.

The greatest assets of IFES are our team members. IFES offers competitive benefits and pay, as well as the opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment. Every member of the IFES team is responsible for carrying out the mission of IFES and integrating IFES values into their work every day: Commitment to Excellence, Effective Communication, High Quality Decision-Making, Accountability, Teamwork and Collaboration.

PRIMARY FUNCTION/PURPOSE:

The Project/Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officer will provide technical inputs and support the implementation of program activities and support the project’s monitoring and evaluation plans in the IFES Malawi field office.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Support all aspects of program planning and implementation, ensuring the effective and efficient execution of established work plans, on time and within budget;  
• Monitor progress, identify problems and barriers, and make recommendations to management for necessary adjustments to ensure successful, quality outcomes;  
• Provide logistical support to organize workshops and other events; 
• Support design of small grants and monitor implementation; 
• Coordinate with IFES partners and other USAID implementing partners, and participate in roundtables or other events as directed; 
• Contribute to regular programmatic reports to donors and IFES HQ, including weekly and quarterly performance reports; 
• Maintain crucial project documents which track project progress; file all project documents in an appropriate database, ensuring that all documents are accurate; 
• Identify any potential issues or risks that could affect the progression of the project, communicate these items with management, and work to identify potential solutions; 
• Ensure branding, marking, and reporting expectations are well planned and met; 
• In conjunction with HQ MEL staff set up data management systems to ensure organization of data and backup documentation; maintain database to effectively house and summarize program data; 
• Responsible for monitoring & evaluation data collection; 
• Regularly spot check and clean program data in compliance with USAID standards for data quality; 
• Collate and analyze project performance data;  
• Coordinate and provide MEL technical assistance and feedback to project partners, as required; 
• Report MEL data into donor specific systems and IFES institutional databases; 
• Coordinate and collaborate with IFES HQ MEL staff in the preparation and delivery of data-based reflection and decision-making sessions; 
• Assist in managing and implementing program evaluations, as necessary; and 
• Other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS  

Education 

• Bachelor’s degree in governance, development or related field required. 

Experience 

• Minimum of 4 years of experience working with international NGOs;  
• Demonstrated professional experience and technical knowledge in democracy and elections; 
• Demonstrated professional experience and knowledge in managing components of donor-funded programming; 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Power Point, Outlook, and Excel; and 
• Legal status to work in Malawi. 

Related Knowledge and Skills 

• The ability to remain highly organized while handling multiple tasks under tight deadlines; 
• Experience implementing monitoring and evaluation systems; 
• The ability to complete tasks with limited supervision; 
• Excellent reporting and document handling skills; 
• Excellent communication skills in order to be able to work with IFES program and administrative staff to identify and resolve issues; 
• Willingness to adhere to all principles of confidentiality; 
• Must value operating in a collaborative and cooperative environment; 
• Ability to show initiative, good judgment, and resourcefulness; 
• Ability to handle sensitive issues and address inclusion matters with integrity.

Language Skills:  Fluency in English required.   

Travel: Travel outside Lilongwe may be required.  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT: Standard office work environment.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job