Monitoring Evaluation and Learning Specialist
TYPE: Fixed Term Contract (5 months)
ENTITY: AMANDLA NPO
LOCATION: Johannesburg, South Africa
SALARY: Market related
START DATE: Immediate
BENEFITS: Cellphone Allowance
THE ORGANISATION
AMANDLA is a globally award-winning social enterprise with over a decade of experience in the development sector, specialising in infrastructure, youth and community development and sport for development. We have offices in Cape Town, Johannesburg (South Africa), Berlin (Germany) and Philadelphia (USA).
AMANDLA currently has 9 operational sites nationwide and is currently rolling out more exciting infrastructure projects nationwide. The Set-Up & Construction Department is responsible for land acquisition, development planning, infrastructure design development, construction execution and maintenance.
Our diverse team is looking for an ambitious and energetic professional who is willing to take on exciting challenges and eager to realise his/her potential to change lives.
JOB SCOPE
Core duties and responsibilities include:

• Design a comprehensive MEL strategy aligned with the project's child-centered approach and the LEGO Foundation's Learning through Play principles.
• Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) that measure the success of integrated ECD ecosystems across 10 project sites (2 depth sites and 8 breadth sites).
• Create a scalable MEL framework that can be applied across diverse implementation sites, from urban to rural contexts.
• Develop a user-friendly MEL toolkit that can be integrated into the project's model for efficient resource distribution and communication.
• Design data collection tools to capture outcomes for different age groups (3-6 years and 6-9 years) and various stakeholders (children, parents, teachers, ECD centers, and schools).
• Create training materials to support the implementation of the MEL toolkit across all 10 Safe-Hub sites.
• Establish efficient data collection and management systems
• Conduct regular data analysis to inform product improvements, particularly in adapting the Play/Sport-Based Programme and ECD practitioner capacity building initiatives.
• Produce insightful reports and visualizations to communicate project impact to stakeholders, including the LEGO Foundation and Common Goal
• Lead the comprehensive project evaluation in close collaboration with Data Drive2030, ensuring alignment with the LEGO Foundation's requirements.
• Design and implement evaluation methodologies that capture both quantitative and qualitative impacts of the project across all 10 sites.
• Coordinate with project teams to conduct in-depth case studies at depth sites, documenting best practices and lessons learned.
• Synthesize evaluation findings to inform strategic decision-making, future scaling efforts, and potential policy recommendations.
• Prepare and present evaluation reports to key stakeholders, including AMANDLA leadership, the LEGO Foundation, and Common Goal.
• Train project staff, including ECD Programme Facilitators, Coordinators, and Managers, on MEL methodologies and the use of the toolkit.
• Provide ongoing support to ensure consistent MEL implementation across all sites, with particular attention to the challenges faced in rural areas like Louwsburg.
• Work closely with the Collective Impact Steering Committees and ECD Working Groups to integrate MEL processes into their activities.
• Facilitate learning sessions to share insights and best practices across the project, including the integration of LEGO Play Box Programme and other partner initiatives.
• Collaborate with external partners, including Data Drive2030, Care for Education, and government departments, to enhance MEL capabilities and align with national ECD policies.

CORE COMPETENCIES, ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS and PREFERENCES
Education/
Equivalent:

• Post Graduate qualification (preferably a Masters Level Qualification) in Monitoring and Evaluation, International Development, Education, or a related field.

Experience/
Skills

• 3-5 years of experience in designing and implementing MEL systems, preferably in ECD or education contexts in South Africa.
• Strong knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies applicable to ECD contexts.
• Expertise in data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Power BI ,SPSS, etc.)
• Experience in developing scalable MEL frameworks and toolkits for multi-site projects.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to train and mentor diverse stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, particularly in adapting MEL approaches to varied contexts (urban, township, rural).
• Proficiency in project management and the ability to work under pressure in ambiguous settings to meet project deadlines.
• Deep understanding of ECD concepts and practices in the South African context, including familiarity with national policies and development plans.
• Passion for child development and improving educational outcomes through play-based learning approaches.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and collaborate with multiple partners and stakeholders.
• Proven experience in leading complex project evaluations and presenting findings to diverse audiences.

Personal Attributes

• Holistic Thinking
• Planning and Execution
• Problem-Solving
• Entrepreneurial Mindset
• Creativity
• Performance Driven
• Cultural Sensitivity
• Negotiation
• Patience
• Attentive to detail
• A problem solver
• Customer care skills

Job Type: Temporary
Contract length: 5 months
Application Deadline: 2024/10/23