Data & Research Analyst at Plan International Rwanda: (Deadline 22 August 2023)

Data & Research Analyst at Plan International Rwanda: (Deadline 22 August 2023)

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 85 years, and are now active in more than 80 countries.

ROLE PROFILE    

ROLE PURPOSE 

Plan International is a rights-based development and humanitarian organization working for a 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 for MERL Data quality and System use, and coordination of data collection and analysis in all Research/Evaluations and promote the use of data as evidence to guide Plan International Rwanda in decision-making. S/he will be responsible in the management of existing MERL SYSTEMS (PMERL, SPSS and Power BI) and development of MERL Data collection tools, lead the process and provide a regular update of the PMERL system for all Programmes/ projects for Plan International Rwanda.

Responsible for the information system management and documentation, report generation, and management of the database to promote knowledge sharing for learning purposes through the use of existing data.

management scope, reporting lines, key relationships

Direct Reports to MERL Manager

Key relationships

Internal

• Programme leadership Team members (PLT)
• Internal technical networks as relevant
• Functional departments Heads at PIR
• Global and Regional MERL teams

External

• PIR direct partners
• National and Local authorities
• Other INGOs

Level of contact with children

Mid-contact: Minimum interaction with children

Physical Environment

• Office based but travels within PUs and refugee camps

Accountabilities and MAIN WORK ACTIVITIES

Provide Technical Support to Program & Projects Teams (50%)

• Responsible for programme Data Quality use and management of the internal system and use of the M&E system(PMERL, SPSS, and Power Bi) for Plan International Rwanda.
• Responsible for data updates in the PMERL system and producing a systematic report (PLR) to inform the progress of the project implementation.
• Lead the Research initiatives and provide technical assistance and training of staff and partners in the use of digital tools in data collection, Data Analysis, and quality data in reporting.

• Develop M&E capacity-building plans in the use of the digital system in data collection and data analysis and provide training, coaching, and mentorship to program staff and partners.
• Identify key data visualization approaches to maintain the profile of the response activities and to support learning and improvements.
• Capacitate staff and partners to collect quantitative and qualitative data, ensuring disaggregation by sex, age, and disability
• Foster the use of Feedback mechanisms, Management responses, and MERL Research Tracker to improve programme quality.

• Provide technical support to the MERL  team and ensure that M&E becomes an integral element of project implementation, Information sharing, leading to enhanced quality, accountability, management, and results.
• Ensure that data are periodically collected and updated in PMERL System.
• Responsible in Managing Data collection internal process , training enumerators  on data collection procedures and external consultants
• Develop M&E frameworks for SPAD and grants projects using standardised indicators and design data collection tools and guidelines for SPAD and Grant projects in Plan International Rwanda in close collaboration with the MERL Manager and the technical team.
• Responsible for coordinating all Project /Programme Research/Evaluations initiatives including baselines, Midline, and Endline evaluation of the country strategy.
• Provide MERL Technical Support in proposal design, and M&E Framework to ensure that the MERL activities, outcome indicators, and data needs are well articulated and aligned to the strategic technical areas( AOGDs)and the country strategy.
• Work closely with the MERL Manager to standardize indicators for easy data collection and capture into the PMERL System.
• As the custodian of the data, design sampling approach, data verification, and provide project /programme relevant data for use to inform decision-making whenever requested by management or any Plan International Rwanda staff.

Data Management, dissemination, Learning, and good practices (25%)

• Facilitate organizational learning in the country by developing, collecting, and disseminating relevant internal and external program information on monitoring, evaluation & research.
• Ensure that the availability of data and PMERL System is updated regularly (on a monthly basis) to Comply with Programme Y.O.D.A
• Ensure that the MERL Learning tracker is used at the completion of each research and draw and document lessons learned and good practices.
• Facilitate regular project implementation and performance review sessions and learning events based on the existing data.
• Ensure that all research reports emanating from MERL initiatives are uploaded on the various sites for wider use (Planet).
• Provide guidance on data collection procedures and support to the contractors/consultants working directly with children to comply with the safeguarding policy.
• Ensure the use of sponsorship (quantitative and qualitative) data gathered from our annual interviews/consultations with sponsored children to improve programs at the national level and/or inform the design of new interventions in Plan International Rwanda.
• Contribute to the adequate documentation and dissemination of program results and lessons learned, including the development and submission of project reports from the PMERL System.
• Responsible for Data quality (completeness, comprehensiveness, and correctness) and ensure the field teams are compliant with data needs
• Responsible for Timely submission of data for reporting and regular updates  of the PMERL system

Provide Support in preparing quarterly & annual Reports (10%)

• Ensure the effective utilization and management of PMERL and other systems and 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 quality data for quarterly, annual, and grant-specific reports.
• Support in the analysis of data presented from the Power Bi Report for quarterly and annual reporting purposes.
• Support managers to review data presented in donor reports, especially outcome reports

Quality Improvement and Standards (10%)

• Accountable for the effective implementation of Plan International’s global approach to MERL,
  • MERL Policy
  • MERL Standards
  • MERL Process
  • MERL Supporting Guidelines
  • Framework for Ethical MERL

Ensures adherence to MERL policies and standards, ensuring alignment with broader organizational policies and procedures – namely the Programme and Influence Quality Policy (PIQP), Programme and Influence Approach (PIA), and Programme and Influence Quality Policy (PIQP) Procedures

Representation, partnership, advocacy, and coordination: (5%)

• Provide capacity building to PU M&E staff and program/project staff in the use of digital tools in data collection, data analysis
• Provide Capacity to partners in Data collection, analysis, and quality reporting.
• Represent MERL and program quality-related networks, platforms, and workshops in the absence of the MERL Manager.
• Establish smooth relationships across Plan International, partners, and government stakeholders in terms of Research and MERL
• Communicate effectively with Plan International staff, donors, and relevant government bodies.

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 wrongdoing, 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 their own work and keeps their knowledge and skills up to date.
• Honest and efficient in the 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 analyze 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 with 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 understands 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.  Utilizes the digital tools available in line with privacy and safeguarding guidelines.   

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

• Research: Conducting and managing original investigations undertaken to gain knowledge and understanding about issues critical to Plan International, from conceptualization through to use including specific ethics processes.
• Statistics/ quantitative methods: Design, planning, collection, analysis and use of numerical information that can be transformed into statistics for analysis of trends, frequencies and correlation, to test the objective hypothesis.
• Qualitative methods: Design, planning, collection, analysis, and use of non-numerical data (transcripts, reports, stories, discussions, pictures, recordings, etc.) to explore meaning, perceptions, opinions, and perspectives from individuals or groups, to uncover the deeper meaning and significance of human behavior and experience, including contradictory beliefs, behaviors, and emotions.
• M&E in humanitarian response: Applying MERL processes, concepts and data collection to conflict-affected contexts, protracted and rapid emergencies and refugees

Technical expertise, skills and knowledge

Knowledge

• Master’s or associate’s degree in Statistics, Management information systems, Monitoring and Evaluation, computer science, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of Experience in applied research or data management and Monitoring and Evaluation
• Postgraduate professional training in monitoring, evaluation and research is preferred
• The ability to manipulate large, complex data sets into manageable, understandable reports.
• Demonstrated Knowledge of rights-based development programming, particularly in relation to the major technical areas of Plan International Rwanda work.
• Significant experience and a strong understanding of processes, approaches, tools and methodologies that facilitate M&E, and organizational learning.
• Experience in applied research or data management may be an added advantage.

Skills

• Advanced computers skills in SPSS, Stata and R for statistical analysis of quantitative data, Nvivo for qualitative (textual and audio-visual) data analysis (QDA)
• Knowledge of the environment and current effective practices on monitoring, evaluation and research approaches
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and data modelling skills.
• The ability to manipulate large, complex data sets into manageable, understandable reports.
• Familiarity with data modelling software and Excel software
• Seen as a source of expertise in monitoring, evaluation and research
• Facilitation and/or training/Coaching skills
• Demonstrated abilities in Planning, Design and Coordination of Research projects
• Analytical skill in review of research proposals and reports
• Skills to facilitate participatory research with children
• Hands-on skills in database design and data management
• Data processing, analysis and interpretation
• Skills in indicator design and design of study instruments
• Excellent communication skills, both in written English and in face-to-face presentations

Behaviours

• Demonstrates clear respect to all and especially children without discrimination
• Ability to develop, motivate and coach and mentor others
• Promotes high quality child rights programs
• Having initiative and able to work independently
• Promotes innovation and learning within the child rights realm
• Communicates clearly and effectively on child protection issues
• Confident in taking initiative and exploring new opportunities
• Assertiveness and shows cultural sensitiveness

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 programmes 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: Country Office

Type of Role: Open-ended Contract

Reports to: MERL Manager

Grade: D1

Closing Date: 22^nd August 2023

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.

Please note that Plan International will never send unsolicited emails requesting payment from candidates. 

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