PMEAL Officer | Cordaid, Afghanistan

About Cordaid

Cordaid is an internationally operating value-based emergency relief and development organization, working in and on fragility.

The organization was established in 2000 when several Dutch aid organizations joined forces. But our history goes back more than a century. Cordaid has changed over the years, the organization now is focusing more on the localization of its operations and programs to empower local human capacities and knowledge in serving communities and people. Reducing fragility has become our core priority and we work in all contexts of fragility, from relief, through rehabilitation to long-term development. To do this effectively we seek funds, start partnerships, and compete in a global market.

We believe in a world where people can break through barriers of poverty and exclusion, influence decisions that affect them, and participate in equitable and resilient societies. A world with an economy not driven by greed and growth, but by inclusivity, social justice, and gender equality. That world is our goal. We work towards it in everything we do.

Cordaid has been active in Afghanistan since 2001, working for a stable and prosperous country. Abiding by the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and operational independence, Cordaid is committed to standing by the people of Afghanistan and delivering its lifesaving support.

Cordaid through its work and need-based programming, is committed to delivering lifesaving, resilience, and development assistance to the people of Afghanistan.

About the Job

The Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (PMEAL) Officer ensures effective monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning throughout the project. This involves creating frameworks, analysing data, ensuring stakeholder accountability, and promoting continuous improvement to enhance project effectiveness and sustainability.

Planning, monitoring, evaluation, and Learning Plans.

Support the MHPSS project manager and work with the provincial coordinator and IP staff to provide PMEAL support during project planning and implementation, ensuring process monitoring from all MHPSS project activities in the targeted province.
Assist/support the MHPSS project manager and other staff in translating the Cordaid Programme objectives into specific results in designated program areas.
Conduct timely monitoring of MHPSS project activities to ensure correct measurement of outputs, outcomes, and impacts.
Under the direct guidance and line of with the head of the PMEAL unit, monitor local partners’ performances in the project to enable quality, results from orientation, and integrity in delivering project activities and results through contractual arrangements with local partners.
Support the project team in day-to-day project management tasks in terms of M&E.
Design data collection tools, indicators, and methodologies to effectively measure project progress and outcomes.
Develop and implement a comprehensive M&E plan aligned with project outcomes and outputs.
Identify and inform the PMEAL and project teams of successes, challenges, and lessons learned.
Contribute to planning, conducting, and responding to Cordaid performance evaluation reviews and surveys.

Implementation

Conduct frequent field visits to collect activity data, ensuring timely and results-oriented reporting from project implementation sites.
Analyze M&E data and produce reports with proper statistical analysis and presentation (charts, tables, histograms, box plots) as necessary in a timely manner.
Work closely with the PMEAL head of unit and operations/program colleagues to ensure the efficient and effective implementation and monitoring of programs/projects.
Integrate M&E findings into future activities and implementation plans.
Develop and oversee the implementation of appropriate data collection and analysis instruments, methodologies (e.g. survey questionnaires, focus group discussions, key-informant interviews), and data/information dissemination/utilization plans.
Develop and maintain M&E and reporting systems (DevResult) to track project progress and outcomes.
Collaborate with partners to ensure data collection tools are effectively utilized, and data quality is maintained.
Coordinate special M&E activities, including need assessments baseline and endline surveys.
Analyze quantitative and qualitative data to track project performance and identify trends, challenges, and opportunities.
Conduct regular data quality assessments to ensure the accuracy and reliability of collected data.
Facilitate feedback mechanisms to ensure the active participation of project beneficiaries and stakeholders in project decision-making processes.

Knowledge and Lesson Learning Management

Facilitate knowledge-sharing and learning sessions among project and IPs’ staff.
Ensure timely information on progress, and results is available by compiling, organizing, analyzing, monitoring, and preparing data for situation reports, fact sheets, donor reports, briefing notes, and other reporting and communications products, including pictures and videos.
Support project implementation by promptly sharing successes for scaling up and addressing challenges to enable course correction throughout the program's duration.
Support disseminating project findings through various channels, including reports, presentations, and workshops.
Support the development of case studies, research papers, and presentations to showcase project achievements and impact.
Collaborate with project teams to integrate lessons learned into project planning and implementation processes for continuous improvement.
Keeps informed of new developments in the PMEAL field of expertise.

Beneficiary Complaints/Feedback and Response Mechanism (CFRM)

Ensure the effective functioning and implementation of the beneficiary Compliant/Feedback and Response Mechanism (CFRM) in the targeted provinces.
Build capacity and understanding among Cordaid staff, partners, and contractors on beneficiary accountability and CFRM.
Develop quarterly reports on beneficiary complaints and responses based on findings from the CFRM central database and other data captured from beneficiaries during the reporting period.

Compliance

Complies with Cordaid’s policies and procedures in the areas of PMEAL, security, HR and integrity.

Capacity building

Assists in training and building the capacity of staff and partners in planning, monitoring, evaluation, and learning. Supports and helps staff and partners in the PMEAL field of expertise

Reporting

Ensures partner organizations deliver quarterly monitoring reports promptly and offers feedback on the content and quality of reported outcomes and indicators.
Provides necessary input, information, and statistics for quarterly, annual, and other reports to the Head PMEAL Unit and MHPSS Project Manager.
Supports timely reporting on outcomes and output indicators to the MHPSS project manager for input into the DevResults M&E and reporting system.
Ensures accurate and timely entry of results into the project data management system/matrix.
Coordinates documentation and reporting of monitoring data, analysis results, and lessons learned.
Contribute to developing and introducing innovations to incorporate best practices into Cordaid's Country Office Operations and GO Community of Practice (CoP).

Other

Duties assigned by the manager.
The PMEAL Officer's effective performance significantly impacts Cordaid's program outcomes, enhancing the organization's reputation as a reliable partner in achieving positive results and fostering resilient communities in challenging contexts.

Job Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Experiences

A bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as public health/Medicine or health related disciplines, international development, psychology, economics, social sciences, or a related discipline, and experience in monitoring and evaluation (M&E) within health projects or programs is required.
At least 3 years of experience in program monitoring, evaluation, and learning, preferably in the field of mental health or psychosocial support.
Knowledge of project cycle management, designing and implementing M&E frameworks, including developing indicators and data collection tools.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data sets and generate actionable insights.
Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and community-based organizations.
Strong understanding of result-based monitoring and evaluation methodologies.
Experience working with community-based projects and engaging with diverse stakeholders.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
Proficiency in data analysis software and Microsoft Office suite.
Fluency in English, both written and spoken. Knowledge of Dari or Pashto is an advantage.
Good knowledge of statistical analysis programs and the Kobo/ODK platforms.
A diplomatic and results-oriented networker, able to work under stressful and time-bound project conditions.
Prior knowledge of the provinces is an asset.
Ability to communicate ideas and concepts in writing/orally, clearly, and convincingly.
Ability to go beyond established procedures and models to introduce new approaches and strategic innovations.
Ability to operate in a cross-cultural environment requiring flexibility.
Familiarity with the aid system and understanding of donor and governmental requirements.