Are you passionate about making a difference in peacebuilding, stability, and socio-economic development? The Kenya-Somali-Ethiopia (KSE) Borderlands Project, led by the United Kingdom (UK), is seeking skilled and motivated Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officers to join our team. This initiative aims to address the root causes of instability in the border regions of Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia by integrating security, development, and peacebuilding efforts.
We are hiring 3 MEL Officers to contribute to this groundbreaking project. These positions offer a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of research, monitoring, and capacity building while fostering peace and stability in conflict-prone areas.
About the KSE Borderlands Project
The KSE Borderlands Project is a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing peace, stability, and socio-economic development in the border regions of Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia. These regions face significant challenges, including intercommunal tensions, historical grievances, and security threats from violent extremist groups. The project emphasizes collaboration with governmental and non-governmental actors to develop holistic, sustainable solutions that promote resilience and stability.
Position: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officer
Location: Nairobi, Beled Hawo, or Dollo Ado with frequent travel to project sites
Number of Positions: 3
Contract: One-year contract with possibility of extension
Availability: February 2025
Deadline: 24th January 2025
Overall Purpose of the Role
The MEL Officer will support the implementation of field-level monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities while ensuring compliance with the project’s data protection policies and MEL Plan. This role will focus on peacebuilding, gender equality and social inclusion (GESI), and stability initiatives.
You will collaborate with the MEL Lead, field research teams, and local partners to collect, analyze, and report data that drive learning and inform decision-making. Additionally, you will support project assessments and compliance audits across various border locations, ensuring that program goals are met effectively and ethically.
Key Responsibilities
Monitoring and Evaluation
- Assist the MEL Lead in implementing conflict-sensitive and GESI-aligned MEL strategies.
- Conduct monitoring visits, project assessments, and targeted research in field locations.
- Develop and manage data collection work plans, including ethical deployment of tools.
- Support data collection processes, ensuring adherence to project requirements and best practices.
- Conduct baseline, mid-term, and end-line assessments, cleaning and analyzing data.
Capacity Building and Training
- Provide MEL training to downstream partners, focusing on research methods, reporting needs, and data collection tools.
- Translate data collection tools into Swahili and Somali, and train enumerators on their use.
- Conduct capacity-building sessions for local organizations on GESI-focused monitoring.
Data Management and Reporting
- Develop user-friendly templates for data collection and reporting.
- Gather and analyze feedback from communities and stakeholders through designed mechanisms.
- Produce monthly implementation updates, flagging achievements, challenges, and lessons learned.
- Conduct internal data quality assessments to verify reported observations and indicators.
Learning and Stakeholder Engagement
- Facilitate learning events to capture and share lessons for internal and external purposes.
- Collaborate with program teams and local partners to identify opportunities for program improvement.
- Provide recommendations based on collected data to improve program delivery and impact.
Key Stakeholders
Internal
- Programme implementation teams across Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia.
- MEL staff and enumerators in Nairobi, Beled Hawo, and Dollo Ado.
External
- National and county government authorities.
- Implementing partners and community stakeholders.
Essential Skills and Experience
- At least 4 years of experience in MEL within peacebuilding, stabilization, or development fields.
- Proven technical expertise in monitoring and evaluation, including qualitative and quantitative methods.
- Field experience in conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and stability programs.
- Strong background in GESI-related MEL and capacity-building initiatives.
- Proficiency in electronic/mobile data collection tools such as Kobo Toolbox.
- Advanced skills in data analysis using software like SPSS or STATA.
- Ability to work in cross-border, conflict-prone environments.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to meet tight deadlines.
Education and Language Proficiency
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Economics, Statistics, or Information Management Sciences.
- Fluency in written and spoken English and Swahili is essential.
- Proficiency in Somali is an added advantage.
Why Join Us?
By becoming part of the KSE Borderlands Project, you will:
- Work on a high-impact initiative addressing critical peace and development challenges.
- Be part of a diverse, multicultural team committed to excellence and innovation.
- Gain access to professional development and capacity-building opportunities.
- Contribute to a legacy of resilience and stability in border regions.
How to Apply
Apply Now:
To submit your application:
- Visit DRC Careers Portal under Vacancies.
- Complete the online application form and upload your CV and a cover letter addressing the stipulated duties and qualifications.
Important Notes:
- Applications must be submitted in English.
- Do not attach written recommendations or additional documents.
- Only motivated applications that meet the requirements will be considered.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment based on mutual respect. We encourage applications from women and other underrepresented groups.
Deadline for Applications: 24th January 2025
Commitment to Safeguarding
DRC upholds the highest standards of ethical conduct and is committed to safeguarding vulnerable individuals from exploitation, abuse, and harassment. Thorough background checks will be conducted as part of the recruitment process.
Join us in fostering peace, stability, and resilience across the Kenya-Somali-Ethiopia borderlands.
