Protection Evaluation & Monitoring Specialist

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home.

BACKGROUND:

IRC began working in South Sudan in 1989. South Sudan declared independence in July 2011 following decades of brutal civil war rooted in disputes over religion, ethnicity, resources, governance and self-determination. The security situation remains fragile and testing operational challenges abound. IRC-South Sudan operates a country office in Juba, and field offices in Lakes, Unity, Northern Bahr el Ghazal and Central Equatoria states. Currently, IRC South Sudan implements programs in primary health care, community case management, nutrition, environmental health, women’s protection and empowerment, protection and access to justice and livelihoods, and is scaling up its response in these areas.

JOB OVERVIEW:

The Protection Evaluation & Monitoring (M&E) Specialist will be responsible for the development of harmonized tools and setting up systems for the protection program to ensure quality reporting and programming throughout the IRC country program. The Protection M&E Specialist will assist in tracking of progress, reviewing of processes, and consolidating of results. In addition to data collection and monitoring for all program locations., the Protection M&E Specialist will also be responsible for providing direct technical support to the field sites.

The Protection Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist will work under the supervision of the Protection and Rule of Law Coordinator and in close collaboration with the Information Management Specialist. The position is based in Juba with monthly travel to various field sites.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Data collection and systems
  • Gather existing protection program baseline data and put in place measures to collect missing data, as appropriate
  • Compile quantitative and qualitative data to showcase IRC’s protection program, covering all program outcome areas
  • In close collaboration with the Protection and Rule of Law Coordinator and the Information management Specialist, lead/support the development of strong data collection tools and monitoring & evaluation plans for the protection program
  • Ensure efficient systems in place for program staff to collect and compile relevant and concise information for routine project reports and occasional special reports as required
  • Provide training and capacity building in M&E to technical/implementation staff to ensure effective and accurate data collection
  • Develop data collection and monitoring guidelines, formats and tools
  • Ensure that data are recorded and stored effectively
• Program tracking, reporting and evaluation
  • Support program teams in analyzing and interpreting M&E data
  • Support program teams to document lessons learned and its incorporation in current and new programs and projects
  • Oversee preparation of consolidated reports including concise narratives that capture progress against indicators and provide both management and donors with accurate and user-friendly information
  • Build staff capacity in report writing and M&E by facilitating trainings and providing one-on-one follow-up support
  • Provide feedback as needed into project design, including comments on project documents, theory of change and results matrixes from M&E perspective
  • Support integration efforts across program sectors working with other program coordinators and managers to ensure tools and data collection mechanisms capture and support protection mainstreaming efforts.
  • With support from the Protection and Rule of Law Coordinator, assist in planning, design and implementation of evaluations and reviews
  • Organize and manage logistics of reviews and evaluations

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Masters degree in international law, human rights law, international relations, social sciences, or other related field; 
• At least 3 years of Monitoring and Evaluation experience in protection or related field in emergency and conflict contexts.
• Experience in emergency settings / conflict areas.
• Demonstrated experience in capacity building
• Strong understanding of protection principles and likely protection concerns arising in the South Sudan context as well as conflict sensitivity
• Experience in working with and coordinating with the UN, donors, INGOs and other stakeholders
• Strong interpersonal, intercultural and communication skills
• Excellent analytical and written skills, and good computer skills
• Fluency in English
• Additional qualities: ability to multi-task, ability to handle pressure well, ability to improvise, flexibility, adaptability to transitions

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• Security level orange - The situation in the country in general is calm but remains tense and unpredictable; concerns include criminality, presence of armed troops, and looting. There is active conflict in many parts of the country and a possibility for further expansion of the conflict and violence into other areas and other states.
• The position is based in Juba. Lodging is a private bedroom in a shared IRC guest house – with electricity, internet and cable TV. Food is the individual’s responsibility. Field office housing is more basic, i.e. in traditional huts or tents with separate shared latrines and showers.
• The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct.  These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability.  In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.