Job Title: MEAL Officer
Reports to: Program Manager
Location: Nairobi
Who We Are:
Polycom Girls, formerly known as the Polycom Development Project is a Pan-African feminist women led organization based in Kenya that was started in 2004 in response to the sexual violence and exploitation faced by young girls in Kenya. We have for more than 2 decades, worked closely with schools, local education authorities and communities to improve the lives of adolescent girls and women in their diversity.
Over time, Polycom has built trusting relationships with the community, enabling us to integrate complex issues such as social injustices, child protection, GBV and SRHR into our work as well as programming. Our work is summarized under one word “G-PENDE” (which means to love yourself) thus promoting self- worthiness and appreciation among trans women, women and girls. We are keen to bridge the gap and connect local realities of women and girls in their diversity to regional/global processes and decisions. Over the last 2 decades, we have worked with women’s rights organizations, civil societies, governments, and private sector, developing strategies, partnerships, programs, community and policy dialogues for promotion and protection of gender equality and inclusivity across the Country and in Africa.
At Polycom Girls we are committed to empowering communities and fostering positive change through innovative solutions and collaborative partnerships. Our purpose is to sustainably mobilize, consolidate and amplify voices of women and girls in their diversity through collaborative activities that influence sustainable positive change/policy on issues that affect their lives, enhance educational opportunities, promote environmental sustainability, advocate for social justice by providing resources, support, and advocacy to those in need. We strive to create a more equitable and sustainable future, where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to a vibrant community. Together, we aim to inspire action, drive impact, and transform lives for generations to come. Our Impact is to have a society of empowered girls and women who are effectively contributing to the development of their communities.
What We Can Achieve Together:
Reporting to Program Manager, MEAL Officer will adapt and implement MEAL guidelines and tools in Polycom Girls and provides support with organizational MEAL and related standards. The Officer will support the improvement of program and project efficiency and effectiveness, decision making and learning during the project life cycle through Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning. In carrying out his/her work, the MEAL Officer interacts with other technical Officers in Polycom Girls, partner organizations and communities across Kenya that Polycom Girls serves.
Specifically, the MEAL Officer will
Adapt and continuously develop MEAL methodologies, approaches, and tools, providing guidance and support to ensure their effective implementation across all projects.
Collaborate with program and project teams to establish Polycom Girls MEAL infrastructure, ensuring that MEAL standards and best practices are integrated throughout the project life cycle.
Provide technical support to program/project teams on MEAL policy, standards, and procedures, including participation in program design and proposal writing, particularly in developing theories of change and log frames.
Advise teams on quality data collection and analysis techniques to facilitate informed decision- making in program and project design.
Support program/project teams in creating and implementing accountability mechanisms for beneficiaries and community members, and review their effectiveness and responsiveness.
Assist in the planning and implementation of research, evaluations, and learning events, documenting lessons learned and best practices, and coordinating with external evaluators as needed.
Develop metrics and data reporting tools, overseeing project data collection and quality assurance, and conduct analyses to inform evidence-based program decision-making.
Lead capacity assessments of MEAL systems, identifying gaps and supporting the development of a capacity building plan for Polycom Girls staff in MEAL-related areas.
Participate in relevant communities of practice within Polycom Girls, establish external networks with organizations and experts for collaborative projects, and ensure knowledge sharing across teams. Represent the organization at community meetings, conferences, and events, promoting program initiatives and advocating for the needs of the communities served.
What You will bring:
Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Public Health, Monitoring and Evaluation any other social science degree programmes and at least 2-year experience working in an NGO, protection-related institution or corporate environment, experience working with communities and a wide range of stakeholders
Specialization and/or professional certification in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning
Knowledge and experience in monitoring and evaluation, accountability, learning, research and evaluation methodologies, standards, and practices (preferably in relation to human / social development or housing and human settlement).
Understanding of contemporary trends and innovations in MEAL and demonstrated experience with qualitative and quantitative data analysis and statistics
Strong project management skills, with the ability to plan, implement, and evaluate programs effectively.
Demonstrated experience in leading and mentoring teams, fostering collaboration, and promoting a positive work environment.
Ability to analyze data and metrics to assess program effectiveness and inform decision-making.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences.
Our Outcomes
1 Reduced violence against girls and women in Kenya
2 Welfare and agency of women and girls in Kenya
3 Equitable access to safe water, Sanitation and Hygiene facilities for girls and women
4 Economic Empowerment and Economic Justice for girls and Women
5 Peace and Security for Girls and Women
6 Boys and Men rising as Gender Champions
7 Climate Justice, just transition, and locally-led adaptation measures inclusive of girls and women
How to Apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and a cover letter detailing their qualifications and relevant experience to info@polycomgirls.or.ke by Friday October 11, 2024. Please include “MEAL Officer Application” in the subject line.
Polycom Girls is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.