Ukrainian Helsinki Human Rights Union is looking for a qualified professional to fill the vacant position of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Specialist to work for USAID Human Rights in Action Program.

The Program’s purpose is to enhance accountability for human rights abuses and war crimes arising from the conflict in eastern Ukraine and illegal annexation of Crimea while laying a foundation for sustainable peace and social cohesion when the time is ripe.  For this, it focuses on four main spheres: (1) Human rights monitoring and advocacy; (2) Strategic litigation on human rights cases; (3) Awareness raising and citizen empowerment regarding human rights; (4) Legal assistance to survivors of torture and conflict.

MEL Specialist will be responsible for leading the design and implementing monitoring and evaluation system within the Program, which allows tracking the progress, providing quality and timely data for use in project management and evidence-based decision-making, promoting sharing of knowledge, best practices and lessons learnt. He/ she will ensure daily management of MEL-related activities in order to conduct efficient data collection, analysis, reporting, risks identification and updating of objectives, activities, indicators, and results. Also he/ she will support Program staff in performing their MEL-related functions.

Main responsibilities

• To manage all monitoring, evaluation, and related communication activities under the Program
• To design, implement and coordinate a flexible and innovative MEL system (including data collection, assessments, storage, and results reporting) for tracking delivery against targets, outcomes, impacts, determining areas of improvement along with capturing and disseminating knowledge and lessons learned within the Program and among its partners
• To guide the Program team in development, implementation, and revision of regular MEL plans, ensuring their links with performance plan, strategic plan, and budget
• To oversee reporting processes amongst Program staff, assist them with preparation of MEL reports to ensure that they capture results and impact as well as to consolidate program regular reports
• To create and in cooperation with responsible staff members to maintain databases of activities and partners, ensuring timely and quality data entry and update
• To employ proper data collection tools and methodologies, compile and analyze data from each of the Program areas for drafting impact and results summaries and/or other reporting as required, along with assisting Program staff with dissemination/ presentation of data on achieved progress and results
• To ensure regular submission of quality and complete data to the Program leadership for evidence-based decision making, and to solve data problems if and when they arise
• To lead periodic internal data quality assessments and coordinate external DQAs as required by the donor
• To conduct periodic site visits and attend program events to collect data for monitoring and evaluation, to document them in the database and through photographs, focus groups discussions, observations, stakeholder meetings, etc.
• To contribute to Program’s communication relating to success stories, newsletters, lessons learned and best practices reports
• To represent the Program MEL interests at meetings with staff members, partners and stakeholders, to develop effective liaison and coordination with them, where appropriate
• To develop and deliver training for program staff on MEL-related issues (including field research/data capture)
• To perform other duties as assigned by the Program leadership

MEL Specialist will report to the Chief of Party of USAID Human Rights in Action Program.

Qualification requirements

• University degree, preferably in law, political, social or management sciences
• Progressively responsible professional experience (3-5 years) related to monitoring, evaluation and learning
• Solid background in designing, implementing, and operating of MEL systems within international development programs (experience of USAID programs is a strong advantage), having managed projects wherein systematic input, output and process data were collected and used to guide programming
• Experience in strategic planning, results-based management and performance measurement (including indicator selection, target setting, reporting, database management, developing MEL and performance plans)
• Extensive knowledge of evaluation methodologies (i.e. both quantitative, qualitative, mixed method) along with data collection, processing and analysis methodologies, preferably related to human rights and ideally in Ukraine
• Advanced skills in word processing and MS Excel, good understanding of routine information systems/databases, and literacy in management of information systems (such as GIS)
• Knowledge of sampling and questionnaire design
• Demonstrating strong presentation and facilitation skills, proven writing and analytical skills and objective reasoning to draw conclusions
• Ability to focus on impact and results for target groups and respond positively to critical feedback
• Good understanding of context and dynamics related to the sphere of human rights, civil society and donor community in Ukraine
• Experience in designing and implementing MEL-related trainings
• Quick learner who can work independently under minimal supervision and work closely with other staff members, and partners to meet reporting requirements and compile necessary information gathered from a variety of sources in a timely fashion
• Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure
• Professional oral and written fluency in English and Ukrainian languages

Applicants should submit their applications to [email protected] by 18:00 of 21 October, 2018, indicating “MEL Specialist of USAID Program” position in the subject line of the e-mail. Application package must include CV and motivation letter. Also, candidates are asked to fill in a Google form explaining qualifications that fit this job position.

After pre-selection process (which includes subject-matter testing), the best candidates will be invited for the interview. Each candidate will be informed of the selection results in written.

As MEL Specialist belongs to the key program personnel, pre-selected candidate is subject to approval by the USAID AOR prior to their employment under this Program. Anticipated length of employment is 4 years; three-month probationary period is envisaged.

Ukrainian Helsinki Human Rights Union is an association of 27 human rights organizations that work in 14 oblasts to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms. Personnel policy of the Union is based on the principle of non-discrimination, providing equal opportunities for candidates regardless of race, color, age, religious or political beliefs, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation or disability in making decisions about hiring or career. For more information about the Union activities see www.helsinki.org.ua.

The American people, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), have provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for over 55 years. In Ukraine, USAID’s assistance focuses on three areas: Health and Social Transition, Economic Growth and Democracy and Governance. USAID has provided 1.8 bln. technical and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine since 1992. For additional information about USAID programs in Ukraine, please visit our website: http://ukraine.usaid.gov or our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/USAIDUkraine.