3 Job Positions at Plan International Rwanda: (Deadline 23 August 2021)

Career Opportunities: Grants Compliance Specialist (41121)

Requisition ID 41121 – Posted 11/08/2021 – Country (1) – Finance

The Organisation

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls.

We believe in the power and potential of every child. But this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination. And it’s girls who are most affected.

Working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges facing girls and all vulnerable children.

We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood. And we enable children to prepare for – and respond to – crises and adversity. We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge.

We have been building powerful partnerships for children for over 80 years, and are now active in more than 70 countries.

ROLE PROFILE

Title	Grants Compliance Specialist
Functional Area	Finance
Discipline/field	Grants Management
Specialism	Accounting
Reports to:	Country Finance Manager
Office location:	Kigali	Travel required:	No regular travel exists
Geographical scope of role	Rwanda
Effective Date:	January 2021	Grade:	D1

Role PURPOSE

Plan International is a rights-based development and humanitarian organization working for better life for all children. We are independent of government and have no political or religious affiliation. Our purpose is to strive for a just world that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We have been building powerful partnerships for children for more than 80 years, and are now active in more than 70 countries.

Our global strategy has a specific focus on girls, as they are often the most marginalized and most often left behind. We have committed ourselves to the ambitious target of reaching 100 million girls over 5 years, to ensure they can learn, lead, decide and thrive. This is our contribution to reaching the sustainable development goals, and in particular the goals on gender equality. Our organization is transforming itself to meet this enormous challenge everywhere we work. We need bold, forward-thinking and innovative individuals to lead our country operations, driving change and delivering results that will allow us to reach our target of 100 million girls.

The position holder will be responsible to support the efficient and effective implementation of Programs by ensuring; Program resources are utilized for the intended purposes, Financial reports are accurate, reflecting the reality of transactions incurred at all times, Projects are effectively implemented according to donor requirements, and Development and maintenance of systems within the grants portfolio.

management scope, reporting lines, key relationships

Reports to: Head of Operations

Direct reports: None

Key relationships

Internal:

• Country Finance Manager – Line Manager
• Program Leadership Team
• Head of Programs
• Business Development Manager
• Program Units and Project Managers
• Work closely with the MERL team and Technical Advisors (in-country, region and NOs) and PU Managers to coordinate information and reporting.
• Support technical capacity building of project partners and frontline staff.

External:

• Partners, civil society members and alliances in identifying capacity building needs on donor compliances, financial, Log & Admin and facilitating training
• Other INGO technical staff and networks.
• Technical leads at in-country donor offices.

Level of contact with children

• Low contact: No contact or very low frequency of interaction

Physical Environment

• The position is typical office environment

Accountabilities and MAIN WORK ACTIVITIES

Grants Process Management

• Develop organisational and partner capacity (individual and collective) to manage grants compliance processes by developing and maintaining by designing and deploying capacity building plans.
• Identify the capacity building need and give technical and on job support to plan Partners and sub-grantee Finance staff.
• Create tools, templates and training content to disseminate grants management and compliance knowledge to staff and partners.
• Advise both program and finance stakeholders of any changes made to donor compliance regulations and assess their impact on PIC programs.
• Act as the CO liaison with other Plan International offices (NOs, RH and GH) on all grant’s management and compliance issues.
• Participate in regional and global platforms/forums/workshops and any other skills-building opportunities and obtain information best practice, models, innovations, approaches in grants management and compliance.
• Prepare and give technical presentations on grants management and compliance strategies, models, activities and achievements at various platforms as needed.
• Lead start-up and close-out workshops so that all functions and partners understand contractual obligations and donor compliance requirements.
• Prepare and disseminate quality and accurate grants management and compliance reports.
• Update indicative grants and pipeline information in the ERP system and other applicable platforms in collaboration with the BDM.
• Ensure donor requirements are complied with before closure of projects;
• Engage with Implementing Partners (IPs) as needed to provide input and develop solutions on major donor compliance matters.
• Report regularly to the CFM and PLT on progress/results achieved in internal and partner grants compliance and management.
• Provide on-site grants management and compliance support through audit support, on-site verification and field visits.
• Provide grants compliance and management input in the technical capacity-building support of local implementing partners with specific focus on strengthening institutional & individual capacity, enhancement of management systems and governance of regulatory functions and activities.

Fundraising and Financial Management

• Work in coordination with the Business Development Unit to validate proposals and budgets for consistency and accuracy in line with donor requirements.
• Work with the finance team to monitor and support income recognition and reporting in coordination with NOs, RH and GH.
• Carry out research and analysis on the compliance requirements of potential donors in the pipeline and prepare reference materials.
• Identify donor related grants compliance and management policy decisions and strategic directions that have the potential to affect Plan International Rwanda’s opportunities and operations.
• Be part of the team engaged in donor engagement activities such as donor visits where required to obtain necessary information that is critical for PIR’s grants management processes.
• To contribute to the successful management of Plan Ethiopia’s Grants Portfolio by offering timely and appropriate support to respective grants projects such that high standards of compliance are maintained.
• To develop and maintain systems for tracking and promoting compliance across all relevant departments and staff involved in the grant management cycle.
• To coordinate with other departments and staff to ensure donor compliance, (including compliance with implementation timeframes, and implementation requirements such as procurement conditions, expenditure eligibility conditions, reporting requirements, budget amendments, cost or no cost extensions, and so on).
• Handle Grant Management Meeting proceedings and project reports to donors for consistency and compliance to donor requirements – before submission to National Offices / donors.
• Prepare reporting schedule; and share with relevant staff and review the report from compliance perspective;
• Ensure donor requirements are complied with before closure of projects.
• Keep the grant document in soft for all grants as well as hard copies for specific documents
• Monitor the budget utilization per each budget in the agreement and give the timely advice to the programme team about the budget status.

Compliance and Monitoring

• Attend project start-up workshops and ensure that compliance matters are brought to the attention of all relevant staff.
• Monitor the budget utilization per each budget in the agreement and give the timely advice to the programme team about the budget status.
• Coordinate with PAs and CO staff to ensure donor compliance are maintained;
• Track grant budget portfolio.  Identify challenges or potential delays in implementation/management early, and escalate as required to ensure timely achievement of project goals
• Work closely with the Program, Business Development and finance to develop Grant, guidelines, tools and templates as needed to ensure optimal implementation of donor compliance requirements.
• Assess current contracts, systems, and procedures against donor requirements and develop donor compliance track sheet to support contract readiness and compliance adherence;
•  Support or lead negotiations with NOs/donor, as needed.
• Assist the Business Development Manager and Head of Programs in the preparation and documentation of donor project visits for PIR and Partners.

Risk Management

• Ensure systems and processes are in place to identify and manage risks including developing, updating and reviewing the CO risk register in line with the Global Risk Management Policy and the Global Risk Management Toolkit, and ensuring that risks are adequately identified, assessed, mitigated and reported on.

Safeguarding Children and Young People & Gender Equality and Inclusion  

• Promotes and abides by internal policies and procedures including but not limited to:  Child Protection Policy; Code of Conduct; mandatory reporting responsibility.
• Ensures that all staff signed safeguarding policies;
• Implement Plan International’s global policies for Safeguarding Children and Young People and Gender Equality and Inclusion are fully embedded in day-to-day work.

LEADERSHIP AND BUSINESS MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

• Courageous in taking a lead, focused on Plan International’s purpose and making the most effective contribution within my own work context.
• Behave in line with our values and safeguarding practices, inside and outside work.
• Challenge own attitudes, unconscious bias and behaviour and speaks up when they see wrong doing, especially by those who use their power over others to create fear or abuse.
• Understand and adhere to the policies, processes, practices and standards relevant to own work and keeps their knowledge and skills up to date.
• Honest and efficient in use of resources, including own time.
• Take responsibility for own performance and development: reflecting; seeking and listening to feedback; learning from mistakes; finding people or resources to help them learn.
• Constructive and optimistic in facing setbacks, challenges and change, using own initiative to analyse issues and improve things.
• Good team player, communicating effectively and being open and supportive towards those around them.

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES 

• Understands responsibilities, level of decision making and how my role contributes to the wider team.
• Works in accordance to the policies and procedures relevant to my role and responsibilities
• Uses the personal development tools available
• Creates channels of communication with other individuals and teams.
• Identifies with the Plan International logo and brand and understand what they represent.
• Applies the brand guidelines to all forms of written and verbal communication
• Considers the audience, purpose and accessibility of all communications, taking the local context and culture into account.  Where necessary, adjusts the tone, style, complexity and level of technical detail of communication accordingly.
• Evidence-based management: Understands the importance of high-quality data and the implications of poor data.  Understands what data Plan International needs to inform decision-making. Interprets a range of sources to inform evidence-based decisions relevant to my role.
• Digital working: Identifies ways to use digital to improve the effectiveness of work activities. Understands how digital enablers can contribute to achieving Plan International’s purpose.  Utilises the digital tools available in line with privacy and safeguarding guidelines.

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications/ experience essential:

• Proven understanding of “child rights” and “gender in development” concepts and the promotion of girls’ rights in the context of relevant International Conventions (Convention of the Rights of the Child, Convention for the Eradication of Discrimination against Women) and the Global Goals (SDGs).
• At least 3 to 5 years in Grants Quality and Compliance or Grant Project Management.
• Experience of International NGO or demonstrated equivalent combination
• Sound planning, time management and administrative skills.
• Knowledge of several donor regulations.
• Experience in working in culturally diverse setting.
• Experience in working in Humanitarian and/or development spheres
• Proven track record of coaching and capacity building.
• Experience and understanding of the concepts of sustainable community development and participatory approaches and practice in development interventions.
• Excellent organisation and communication skills.
• Ability to multitask and deal with a range of incoming enquires – organisation is key to the success of this role.
• Knowledge of Word, Excel and Outlook, also keen knowledge and experience of the importance of databases and their role in providing accurate management information.
• Able to form and maintain effective working relationships
• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations,
• Excellent communication skills
• Fluency in English language is essential
• In additional to Kinyarwanda, knowledge of French language would be an added value

Qualifications/ experience desirable:

• Education at First Degree in fields such as Accounting and Finance
• ACCA/ CPA or partial completion will be an advantage
• At least 3 years of work experience in accounting stream;
• Experience of International NGO grant management systems and financial regulations
• Knowledge of Grants Administration especially system management and donor compliance in reporting of diverse institutional donors (EU, USAID, etc.)

Plan International’s Values in Practice

We are open and accountable

We create a climate of trust inside and outside the organization by being open, honest and transparent. We hold ourselves and others to account for the decisions we make and for our impact on others, while doing what we say we will do.

We strive for lasting impact

We strive to achieve significant and lasting impact on the lives of children and young people, and to secure equality for girls. We challenge ourselves to be bold, courageous, responsive, focused and innovative.

We work well together

We succeed by working effectively with others, inside and outside the organization, including our sponsors and donors. We actively support our colleagues, helping them to achieve their goals. We come together to create and implement solutions in our teams, across Plan International, with children, girls, young people, communities and our partners.

We are inclusive and empowering

We respect all people, appreciate differences and challenge inequality in our programmers and our workplace. We support children, girls and young people to increase their confidence and to change their own lives. We empower our staff to give their best and develop their potential

Location: Kigali

Reports to: Country Finance Manager

Grade: D1

Closing Date: 23-08-2021

Equality, diversity and inclusion is at the very heart of everything that Plan International stands for.

We want Plan International to reflect the diversity of the communities we work with, offering equal opportunities to everyone regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

Plan International is based on a culture of inclusivity and we strive to create a workplace environment that ensures every team, in every office, in every country, is rich in diverse people, thoughts, and ideas.

We foster an organisational culture that embraces our commitment to racial justice, gender equality, girls’ rights and inclusion.

Plan International believes that in a world where children face so many threats of harm, it is our duty to ensure that we, as an organisation, do everything we can to keep children safe. This means that we have particular responsibilities to children that we come into contact with and we must not contribute in any way to harming or placing children at risk.

A range of pre-employment checks will be undertaken in conformity with Plan International’s Safeguarding Children and Young People policy. Plan International also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this scheme we will request information from applicants previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE AND APPLY

 

Career Opportunities: Senior Internal Controller (41122)

Requisition ID 41122 – Posted 11/08/2021 – Country (1) – Finance

The Organisation

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls.

We believe in the power and potential of every child. But this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination. And it’s girls who are most affected.

Working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges facing girls and all vulnerable children.

We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood. And we enable children to prepare for – and respond to – crises and adversity. We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge.

We have been building powerful partnerships for children for over 80 years, and are now active in more than 70 countries.

ROLE PROFILE

Title	Senior Internal Controller
Functional Area	Internal Control
Discipline/field
Specialism	Auditing
Reports to:	Country Director
Office location:	Kigali	Travel required:	No regular travel exists
Geographical scope of role	Rwanda
Effective Date:		Grade:

Role PURPOSE

Plan International is a rights-based development and humanitarian organisation working for better lives for all children. We are independent of government and have no political or religious affiliation. Our purpose is to strive for a just world that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We have been building powerful partnerships for children for more than 80 years and are now active in more than 70 countries.

Our global strategy has a specific focus on girls, as they are often the most marginalised and most often left behind. We have committed ourselves to the ambitious target of reaching 100 million girls over five years to ensure they can learn, lead, decide and thrive. This is our contribution to achieving the sustainable development goals and the goals of gender equality.

The Senior Internal Controller will be accountable for objectively assessing the internal control environment, actions, methods, and practices of PIR. This includes keeping a record of all company finances to ensure that no funds are misplaced because of a lack of organisation or individual greed.

In addition to this, Senior Internal Controller serves as a link between the employees and the management of the organisation for the sharing of information between the two. The incumbent will be responsible for formulating appropriate audit programs, assigning and directing resources to complete the audit plans as scheduled and generating the final audit reports for internal and regulatory agency review. They will also ensure that thorough follow-up audits on previously identified issues are carried out.

S/he will lead all internal audit and assurance activities in PIR and coordinate and assist audits implemented by 3rd party audit firms and external/regulatory auditors. The senior internal auditor will work closely with all PIR departments while maintaining necessary auditor independence.

management scope, reporting lines, key relationships

Reports to: CD

Direct reports: None

Key relationships

Internal:

• Country Director – Line Manager
• Country Leadership Team
• Program Leadership Team

External:

• Partners.
• Other INGO audit staff and networks.
• Audit and compliance lead at NOs and in-country donor offices.

Level of contact with children

• Low contact: No contact or very low frequency of interaction

Physical Environment

• The position is typical office environment

Accountabilities and MAIN WORK ACTIVITIES

Typical Responsibilities – Key End Results of Position

• Develop PIR’s annual audit plan to assess controls, operational efficiencies and compliance with all policies, procedures and regulations.
• Perform different audit tasks, including preparation, paperwork, and other associated reports.
• Audit all PIR departments and locations to determine the nature of operations and adequacy of the internal control system to achieve established objectives.
• Maintain a comprehensive system for recording all audit plans, work papers, findings, reports,
• and follow-up audits.
• Review the reports prepared by the Internal Control Officer.
• Line manage the Internal Control Officer on various assigned tasks and ensure satisfactory outcomes.
• Ensure the verification of financial transactions is executed quarterly to assure the correctness and accuracy of liabilities, assets, expenditures and receipts.
• Lead the coordination of audit assignments and ensure good interactions with Global Assurance, staff, external auditors and legal or statutory agencies.
• Carry out risk assessments and provide advice to CLT when they are developing and implementing policies and procedures.
• Recommend different methods that could help to enhance and improve internal control procedures.
• Work with the management to resolve issues that may have been identified through audit findings.
• Conduct research on the latest trends and other issues relating to audit practice.
• Perform other related assignments as assigned by management.
• Recommend revisions and additions to policies and procedures to improve operations as well as internal controls.
• Conduct training of new employees and partners.
• Create audit finding presentations to be presented to the Country Leadership Team.
• Respond to ad hoc requests to address control issues on new business processes, policies and
• procedures, and provide consultative services to management.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Manage subordinate employees in the auditing department.
• Responsible for interviewing, hiring, and training employees/interns; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performances; rewarding; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Risk Management

• Review the organisations’ performance in identifying, assessing, mitigating and reporting risks in line with the Global Risk Management Policy and the Global Risk Management Toolkit.
• Ensure that all inherent risks in PIR, including safeguarding children & young people, safety & security and fraud & corruption, are given top priority by management and all staff.
• Provide risk management and fraud & corruption training to staff and partners as required.

Safeguarding Children and Young People (Safeguarding) and Gender Equality and Inclusion (GEI) 

• Promotes and abides by internal policies and procedures including but not limited to:  Child Protection Policy; Code of Conduct; mandatory reporting responsibility.
• Ensures that all staff signed safeguarding policies;
• Implement Plan International’s global policies for Safeguarding Children and Young People and Gender Equality and Inclusion are fully embedded in day-to-day work.

LEADERSHIP AND BUSINESS MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

• Courageous in taking a lead, focused on Plan International’s purpose and making the most effective contribution within my own work context.
• Behave in line with our values and safeguarding practices, inside and outside work.
• Challenge own attitudes, unconscious bias and behaviour and speaks up when they see wrong doing, especially by those who use their power over others to create fear or abuse.
• Understand and adhere to the policies, processes, practices and standards relevant to own work and keeps their knowledge and skills up to date.
• Honest and efficient in use of resources, including own time.
• Take responsibility for own performance and development: reflecting; seeking and listening to feedback; learning from mistakes; finding people or resources to help them learn.
• Constructive and optimistic in facing setbacks, challenges and change, using own initiative to analyse issues and improve things.
• Good team player, communicating effectively and being open and supportive towards those around them.

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES 

• Understands responsibilities, level of decision making and how my role contributes to the wider team.
• Works in accordance to the policies and procedures relevant to my role and responsibilities
• Uses the personal development tools available
• Creates channels of communication with other individuals and teams.
• Identifies with the Plan International logo and brand and understand what they represent.
• Applies the brand guidelines to all forms of written and verbal communication
• Considers the audience, purpose and accessibility of all communications, taking the local context and culture into account.  Where necessary, adjusts the tone, style, complexity and level of technical detail of communication accordingly.
• Evidence-based management: Understands the importance of high-quality data and the implications of poor data.  Understands what data Plan International needs to inform decision-making. Interprets a range of sources to inform evidence-based decisions relevant to my role.
• Digital working: Identifies ways to use digital to improve the effectiveness of work activities. Understands how digital enablers can contribute to achieving Plan International’s purpose.  Utilises the digital tools available in line with privacy and safeguarding guidelines.   

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications/ experience essential:

• 4 years of experience in auditing with at least 2 years’ experience in audit management.
• Have a CPA, CIA or ACCA qualification. Having a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) certificate is a distinct advantage.
• Proven experience in audit leadership in INGO or professional auditing firm environment.
• Proven understanding of “child rights” and “gender in development” concepts and the promotion of girls’ rights in the context of relevant International Conventions (Convention of the Rights of the Child, Convention for the Eradication of Discrimination against Women) and the Global Goals (SDGs).
• Possess advanced knowledge of internal controls across the various business functions cycles (e.g. finance reporting, procurement, HR and payroll, etc.)
• Excellent written & spoken English and Kinyarwanda.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, representation and negotiation skills.
• Sound planning, time management and administrative skills.
• Ability to work under pressure, in a team, and for extended hours if required.
• Excellent computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PPT and DB Software.
• Experience in working in a culturally diverse setting.
• Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policies, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.
• Ability to develop, plan, and implement short- and long-range goals.
• Knowledge of auditing concepts and principles.
• Knowledge of financial recordkeeping procedures, laws, regulations, and standards.
• Ability to persuade and influence others.
• Understanding of the IT control environment.
• Acute devotion to detail and having a meticulous nature are preferred qualities.

Qualifications/ experience desirable:

• Relevant bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, auditing or business management/administration.
• Supervisory experience is desirable.
• Knowledge of auditing best practices, such as GAAP and internal control measures.
• An in-depth understanding of tax, business compliance, and financial regulations.
• Experience working in a humanitarian or NGO environment.
• Proven track record of coaching and capacity building.

Plan International’s Values in Practice

We are open and accountable

We create a climate of trust inside and outside the organization by being open, honest and transparent. We hold ourselves and others to account for the decisions we make and for our impact on others, while doing what we say we will do.

We strive for lasting impact

We strive to achieve significant and lasting impact on the lives of children and young people, and to secure equality for girls. We challenge ourselves to be bold, courageous, responsive, focused and innovative.

We work well together

We succeed by working effectively with others, inside and outside the organization, including our sponsors and donors. We actively support our colleagues, helping them to achieve their goals. We come together to create and implement solutions in our teams, across Plan International, with children, girls, young people, communities and our partners.

We are inclusive and empowering

We respect all people, appreciate differences and challenge inequality in our programmers and our workplace. We support children, girls and young people to increase their confidence and to change their own lives. We empower our staff to give their best and develop their potential

Location: Kigali

Reports to: Country Director

Closing Date: 23-08-2021

Equality, diversity and inclusion is at the very heart of everything that Plan International stands for.

We want Plan International to reflect the diversity of the communities we work with, offering equal opportunities to everyone regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

Plan International is based on a culture of inclusivity and we strive to create a workplace environment that ensures every team, in every office, in every country, is rich in diverse people, thoughts, and ideas.

We foster an organisational culture that embraces our commitment to racial justice, gender equality, girls’ rights and inclusion.

Plan International believes that in a world where children face so many threats of harm, it is our duty to ensure that we, as an organisation, do everything we can to keep children safe. This means that we have particular responsibilities to children that we come into contact with and we must not contribute in any way to harming or placing children at risk.

A range of pre-employment checks will be undertaken in conformity with Plan International’s Safeguarding Children and Young People policy. Plan International also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this scheme we will request information from applicants previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE AND APPLY

 

Career Opportunities: MERL Manager (41112)

Requisition ID 41112 – Posted 09/08/2021 – Country (1) – Monitoring and Evaluation

The Organisation

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls.

We believe in the power and potential of every child. But this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination. And it’s girls who are most affected.

Working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges facing girls and all vulnerable children.

We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood. And we enable children to prepare for – and respond to – crises and adversity. We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge.

We have been building powerful partnerships for children for over 80 years, and are now active in more than 70 countries.

ROLE PROFILE

Title	Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL)Manager
Functional Area	Programs
Reports to	Head of Programs
Location	Kigali, Rwanda	Travel required	Extensive
Effective Date	September 2021	Grade	E

Role PURPOSE

Plan International is a rights-based development and humanitarian organisation working for better lives for all children. We are independent of government and have no political or religious affiliation. Our purpose is to strive for a just world that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We have been building powerful partnerships for children for more than 80 years, and are now active in more than 70 countries

Our lobal strategy has a specific focus on girls, as they are often the most marginalised and most often left behind. We have committed ourselves to the ambitious target of reaching 100 million girls over 5 years, to ensure they can learn, lead, decide and thrive. This is our contribution to reaching the sustainable development goals, and in particular the goals on gender equality.

The position contributes to this goal by leading Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) initiatives for Plan International Rwanda’s programmes and manages the MERL team in the country office and in the field. The position has an overall accountability for planning and implementation of all MERL activities, including development of systems, processes and an organisational culture that delivers evidence-based programmes.

Dimensions of the Role

The MERL Manager provides strategic guidance, vision and management for the successful implementation of MERL in Plan International Rwanda in close collaboration and direction from the Head of Programs. S/he also supervises MERL staff and ensures the strategic and functional integration of all MERL activities as well as active collaboration with partners, NOs, Regional MERL Network and various Global Technical Networks as required. The MERL Manager oversees all MERL activities, provides technical direction and support, and ensures the accurate reporting of results for program activities in line with the Plan International MERL Policy, Standards and Processes.

Responsible for leading key aspects of the Programme and Influence Quality Policy (PIQP) and the Programme and Influence Approach (PIA).

Accountabilities

Planning, Strategy and Policy

• Supports shaping national and sub-regional plans, strategies and policies with the generation, collection and analysis of evidence through various MERL initiatives.
• Drive the ambition of the CO to acquire thought leadership and evidence-based influencing at national level in program thematic areas through the development of robust MERL data, information and reports.

MERL Team Management

• The MERL Team always meets performance against MERL Standards and other guidelines.
• Develop and manage a high performing team that delivers excellent technical work, using child-centred, participatory and gender-sensitive approaches in line with the Global and Country Strategies.
• Manage individuals across the team to ensure full development of potential through induction, mentoring/ coaching, and performance management, ensuring compliance in all core policy and business areas, including Gender and Child Safeguarding.
• Ensure staff numbers and structures will be designed and kept at a level that is efficient and cost effective, in line with the available program unit budget.
• Generate solutions for identifying and supporting high performing staff to deliver plans and objectives.

Programme and Project Design and Influencing

• Applies evidence-based, participatory development and influencing methods to support design of sponsorship and grants funded programmes and projects aligned with strategic goals, balancing global and local priorities in the interests of our impact group and critical stakeholders, namely in supporting the development and review of:
  • intervention logics, logical frameworks and/or theories of change
  • M&E frameworks
• Support adoption of the Global Ares of Global Distinctiveness (AOGD) Frameworks from projects, to programmes to strategies across programme and influencing.
• Work with Programs and Communications to support the development of key influencing and advocacy strategies targeting Government and community leaders to increase their knowledge, funding capacity in best practices and gender related issues.
• Support the facilitation of project, programme and strategy baseline studies, (semi-), reviews and evaluations in line with the PQIP procedure cycles and donor requirements.

Resource Mobilisation

• Work in close coordination with the Business Development Unit to develop MERL components of fundraising processes and support technical review of all submissions.
• Generate required statistics, results, studies, observations etc. to support fundraising submissions,
• Carry out research and analysis of the fundraising landscape and identify shifts in MERL focus, priorities, targeting and MERL methodologies by donors (governments, global partners, bi-laterals, multi-laterals, foundations as well as individuals and corporates) and apply this knowledge to ongoing fundraising initiatives.

Networking, Partnerships and Coordination

• Responsible for managing MERL related relationships and partnerships with other agencies and government institutions e.g. National Institute of Statistics Rwanda (NISR), NINGO, JADF, academia, local and international CSOs, networks & alliances and CBOs.
• Act as the CO representative and play active part in the regional and global MERL networks.
• Represent Plan International Rwanda at various technical meetings with other cooperating agencies and participate in various working groups as required, including making technical presentations on key activities and achievements.
• Provide technical inputs for the development of networks and clusters (internally and externally) to promote effective program design and quality implementation.

Quality Improvement and Standards

• Accountable for the effective rollout and implementation of Plan International’s global approach to MERL, acting as the CO lead for:
  • MERL Policy
  • MERL Standards
  • MERL Process
  • MERL Supporting Guidelines
  • Framework for Ethical MERL
  • MERL Networks
• Ensures adherence to agreed policies and standards in relation to MERL, ensuring alignment with broader organisational policies and procedures – namely the Programme and Influence Quality Policy (PIQP), Programme and Influence Approach (PIA) and Programme and Influence Quality Policy (PIQP) Procedures.

Capability Building

• Ensure all staff in Plan International Rwanda and partner organisations have the relevant competences in MERL to effectively execute their duties through the design of ongoing capacity enhancement plans.
• Manage technical capacity-building support of local implementing CSO partners with specific focus on strengthening institutional & individual capacity and enhancement of MERL systems.
• Ensure all staff in Plan International Rwanda have a solid understanding of MERL issues and the work that the organisation is doing.

Data Management, Dissemination and Reporting

• Ensure the effective utilisation and management of PMERL and other systems and other relevant tools thereby ensuring timely, accurate and consistent availability of MERL data, information and reports.
• Ensure the PMERL system captures relevant and timely data and information from all implementation activities and in turn use this information in the development of quarterly, annual and grant-specific reports, case stories and articles.
• Support the Program Leadership Team as an effective learning and reflection platform through the provision of timely, appropriate and useful management reports.
• Contribute to the adequate documentation and dissemination of program results and lessons learnt, including the development and submission of project’s mandatory reports, technical documents and reports; and abstracts and articles for scientific journals and conferences.

Project, Programme and Strategy Oversight

• Work closely with the Head of Programs, Plan International Rwanda Program Leadership Team and relevant departments to review and monitor implementation plans and budgets and ensure alignment to MERL policies and standards.
• Ensure all project activities in the organisation utilise the correct and relevant MERL tools and templates.
• Report regularly to the Head of Programs and PLT on progress/results achieved in MERL and barriers encountered, and resolve any challenges faced and provide input into quarterly, annual and grants reporting.

Key relationships

Internal:

• Country Leadership Team
• Program Leadership Team
• HoP-Line Manager
• Program Units
• Work closely with the HoP and other Technical Advisors (in-country, region and NOs) and PU Managers for programming and coordination of interventions.
• Project Managers
• Work with Programs/Project’s hired consultants
• Work with the resource mobilization staff in mobilizing diverse resources. -project scale up strategies
• Support technical capacity building of project partners and frontline staff.

External:

• Government Ministries
• Partners, civil society members and alliances.
• Other INGO technical staff and networks.
• Technical leads at in-country donor offices.

Technical expertise, skills and knowledge

Qualifications/ experience essential:

• Education at degree level or equivalent vocational study in fields such as Development Studies, Social Sciences, Statistics, Research Methods or its equivalent.
• Significant professional training in MERL technical areas and standards.
• Significant practical experience of project leadership and/or policy development in the sector (or closely related sectors) in Rwanda related to monitoring, evaluation, research and learning.
• Proven experience of exercising leadership functions with increasing responsibility in an international environment related to MERL.

Qualifications/ experience desirable:

• Master’s Degree in Monitoring & Evaluation or development related field.
• Has developed professional networks in the sector and in country government
• Experience and/or strong professional links with work in this field in other countries

Languages required

• Excellent English and Kinyarwanda written and verbal communication skills.

Technical Competencies

• Understands fundamental issues and root causes: Understands the development and needs of our Primary Impact Groups from birth to adulthood, the root causes of the issues affecting them, and the key actors most relevant to their interests and therefore to our work.
• Understanding Issues: Global measurement processes for sustainable development (such as SDGs) and the humanitarian sector including associated standards; national and international data collection processes, their strengths, weaknesses and opportunities in regard to monitoring progress for our impact group at national, programme and project level. Reliability of data sources and standards for research and measurement.
• Understands key programme and influence principles:  Understands the rationale for and practical implications of being rights-based, gender transformative, participatory, working in partnership; evidence-based and working to strengthen civil society.
• Understands key programme and influencing approaches and strategies:
  • Understands approaches to programme/project logic, trends in own and related fields of work and a range of effective strategies, approaches and practices.
  • Understands strategies for:
    • planning, collecting and using evidence, in all its forms, to inform programme and/or influence decisions and drive accountability;
    • Research methods and approaches within a particular discipline, namely development, humanitarian, gender and/or human rights;
    • Ethics principles and requirements, including local and international ethics approvals and review processes.
• Analyses issues and evidence in context: Builds the evidence base by analysing issues in their context, using appropriate methods and relevant data sources
• Shapes strategy, policy, standards and plans with respect to MERL: clearly aligned with relevant priorities and stakeholder interests and based on rigorous internal and external evidence
• Designs effective programmes and projects with clear and measurable objectives contributing to overall outcomes, appropriately resourced, mainstreaming gender and inclusion and participatory approaches, and engaging with and influencing relevant actors and stakeholders. Designs appropriate indicators and sets of measures of sustainability and success to generate reliable evidence on the results and lasting impact of our work.
• Supports partnering and resource mobilisation by developing mutually beneficial partnership relationships and making a significant contribution to writing proposals relevant to MERL
• Assesses effectiveness to improve evidence and quality by designing appropriate measures and assessment methods, using on-going monitoring and assessment to improve project design and implementation, initiating research and conducting evaluation, assessing the results and sharing learning.
• Supports understanding of effectiveness and results at organisational level by managing digital database and documentation to support learning.

Plan International’s Values in Practice

We are open and accountable

• Promotes a culture of openness and transparency, including with sponsors and donors.
• Holds self and others accountable to achieve the highest standards of integrity.
• Consistent and fair in the treatment of people.
• Open about mistakes and keen to learn from them.
• Accountable for ensuring we are a safe organisation for all children, girls & young people

We strive for lasting impact

• Articulates a clear purpose for staff and sets high expectations.
• Creates a climate of continuous improvement, open to challenge and new ideas.
• Focuses resources to drive change and maximise long-term impact, responsive to changed priorities or crises.
• Evidence-based and evaluates effectiveness.

We work well together

• Seeks constructive outcomes, listens to others, willing to compromise when appropriate.
• Builds constructive relationships across Plan International to support our shared goals.
• Develops trusting and ‘win-win’ relationships with funders, partners and communities.
• Engages and works well with others outside the organization to build a better world for girls and all children.

We are inclusive and empowering

• We empower our staff to give their best and develop their potential
• We respect all people, appreciate differences and challenge equality in our programs and our workplace
• We support children, girls and young people to increase their confidence and to change their own lives.

Physical Environment

Typical Office Environment

Level of contact with children

Mid contact: Occasional interaction with children

Location: Kigali

Reports to: Head of Program

Grade: E

Closing Date: 22nd August 2021

Equality, diversity and inclusion is at the very heart of everything that Plan International stands for.

We want Plan International to reflect the diversity of the communities we work with, offering equal opportunities to everyone regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

Plan International is based on a culture of inclusivity and we strive to create a workplace environment that ensures every team, in every office, in every country, is rich in diverse people, thoughts, and ideas.

We foster an organisational culture that embraces our commitment to racial justice, gender equality, girls’ rights and inclusion.

Plan International believes that in a world where children face so many threats of harm, it is our duty to ensure that we, as an organisation, do everything we can to keep children safe. This means that we have particular responsibilities to children that we come into contact with and we must not contribute in any way to harming or placing children at risk.

A range of pre-employment checks will be undertaken in conformity with Plan International’s Safeguarding Children and Young People policy. Plan International also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this scheme we will request information from applicants previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

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