REALM Director Ukraine Country Office

Research, Evaluation, Accountability, Learning & Monitoring (REALM) Director

Ukraine Country Office

ROLE PURPOSE:

This role is for an engaging leader who will provide strong technical direction for REALM and influence good practice on generating and using evidence for decision making across all positions in the Ukraine Country Office. It is a position who will lead on innovations and ensure that strong MEAL systems and research are implemented across all programmes in Ukraine. The REALM Director will be responsible to identify and lead on research opportunities to better understand the situation for children in Ukraine and also provide accurate and timely monitoring for all projects including data management, data for quality assurance and to inform decision making. This country context requires innovative thinking and adaptive approaches that will best meet the needs of children and their families in Ukraine.

S/He will be responsible for contextualising existing SCI MEAL and Research standard operating procedures to the Ukraine context. S/He will work with thematic leads to develop log-frames/results frameworks using the response master indicator list and ensure that there is consistency across Awards for a holistic response. S/He will lead in determining and undertaking research to deliver the Country Office’s evidence and learning agenda to inform SCI project design and implementation to deepen the impact of our work on children’s lives. As a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT), the role will also involve analysing the data and provide input to the country leadership to inform strategic decision making.

SCOPE OF THE ROLE:

Reports to: Director Country Director-Program Development & Quality (PDQ)

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:

Leadership and Strategy

• Lead the implementation of the Country Office MEAL strategy, frameworks and systems and ensure roll out of core SCI MEAL tools, in line with Save the Children’s Research and MEAL procedures;
• Work closely and coordinate with other MEAL leads across the response for efficiency and shared MEAL approaches, tools and systems across the entire regional Ukraine response.

• Use the Response Master Indicator List to support the design of proposal logframes, MEAL frameworks & plans and budgets;

• Maintain a MEAL master-budget and work with the New Business Development team, fundraising and technical teams to ensure MEAL activities and costs are adequately covered;

• Develop a comprehensive REALM plan for Ukraine in collaboration with programme teams (includes; data collection tools, accountability plan, activity quality benchmarks).

• Ensure technology is efficiently used for data collection and analysis (e.g. through KoBo Toolbox), as well as for data management, supporting the design and maintenance of databases;

• Set up systems to manage complex information generated by MEAL activities using PowerBi, qualitative outcome monitoring data systems, indicator performance tracking etc.;

• Conduct quantitative and qualitative data analysis to inform adaptive management decisions. Present and disseminate information to inform senior management decision-making;

• Status on programme performance, issues emerging from Quality monitoring, issues emerging from accountability systems, research outcomes, lessons learnt) for discussion at SMT (CO or field Office).

• Manage the consolidation of Country Office Program Quality Key Performance Indicators on REALM, contribute to quarterly and annual SCI reports for the Country Office.

• Responsible for ensuring all relevant Save the Children Humanitarian Plan (SCHP) indicators are collected and reported on a quarterly basis in the HART system.

  Assessments and Monitoring

• Ensure regular analysis of data collected through the SC “Needs Snapshot” assessment to ensure the Ukraine response uses data to inform key programmatic decisions.

• Lead in country planning, delivery and analysis of (multi-sectoral) assessments in coordination with other external sector agencies, ensuring assessment findings include an analysis of children’s needs.

• Ensure effectiveness of the monitoring systems in maintaining and improving quality of services delivered by the Country Office.

• Ensure that the organisation delivers on all internal and external REALM requirements in a timely manner and with high quality information.

• Strengthen the REALM systems and processes to assure systematic tracking of achievements and progress towards project objectives and outcomes.

• Work with Technical Specialist (TS) to utilize and develop sector/thematic quality benchmarks for all activities implemented within a given sector/theme including any new activities that may be introduced in the program on an ongoing basis.

• Review and advise on consistency, expected results/indicators, and other elements of log-frames/results frameworks to ensure quality.

• Ensure that data collection methodologies used by field level are standardised enabling the specific vulnerabilities of different target groups to be captured and analysed.

• Review programmes IPTT, review and oversee consolidation of Output Trackers and other humanitarian REALM requirements.

• Guide MEAL team to address any gaps in programme quality assurance and implementation.

  Research, Evidence & Learning

• Lead on the application of SCI Theory of Change with particular focus on driving innovation through development and provision of evidence and learning for replicable breakthrough solutions to the problems children particularly those affected by conflict and displacement face.

• Maintain regular and proactive dialogue with technical/thematic leads and field teams to identify critical programmatic knowledge gaps, as well as to initiate, adapt or test new practices, approaches or methodologies, that will inform the response Evidence & Learning agenda with a view of improving the impact of our work in Ukraine.

• Participate in designing and implementation of studies, assessments and learning in coordination and cooperation with the Regional MEAL team, sectors’ technical coordinators and programme staff.

• Apply leading-edge thinking and best practice at all stages of the research process to ensure that SCI research and evaluation outputs are delivered to the highest standards, on time and on budget.

• Foster a culture of learning in the Ukraine Country Office, including the systematic collection, storage and dissemination of evidence and learning that is used throughout the project cycle by all staff.

• Undertake systemic reviews of SCI Ukraine program evaluations and research to generate sectoral and programmatic integration learning on trends, opportunities, risks etc.

• Scope, seek out, engage and maintain new partnerships with INGOs, UN and academic institutions to support the deliver our Evidence & Learning Agenda, including opportunities for information sharing and learning exchanges with external stakeholders

• Lead in developing and implementing evidence and learning dissemination and uptake strategies alongside Global Research, Evidence and Learning Working Groups as well as the other MEAL leads in the Ukraine Regional Response.

Accountability & Child Participation

• Ensure that all staff at all levels, including senior managers and directors, fully understand and promote accountability in general and to children in particular, through training and coaching.
• Contribute to improvements in existing policies and procedures to enhance effective accountability mechanisms.
• Facilitate training of staff, partners and stakeholders on Accountability to children and communities, and Core Humanitarian standard (CHS).
• Develop and report against accountability and participation-related indicators and issues, and produce regular reports on trends from the Feedback and Response mechanism and participation work.
• Ensure that participation activities are well documented and learning is shared with Country Office teams, global working groups and Save the Children members.
• Ensure that child participation activities are appropriately planned and budgeted for in programme design and funding applications.
• By facilitating information sharing with key stakeholders, including beneficiaries, ensure that Save the Children promotes transparency throughout all stages of implementation.
• Ensure that project activities are designed to promote feedback and response mechanisms and include systems to effectively manage complaints.

• Ensure that activities are carried out to raise awareness of prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse and handling of serious complaints in line with child safeguarding policy.

  People Management & Development

• Provide leadership to the REALM team, including strategic vision and direction, team cohesion and team building and an enabling environment where staff can develop to their full potential.

• Lead, in coordination with HR, the recruitment, professional development and promotion of direct line reports as appropriate, including the identification of development opportunities, such as coaching/training/stretch assignments to build and maintain technical skills and competencies required for leading first class programmes.

• Provide day-to-day direct line management, including: manage and define expectations; delegation of roles, responsibilities and tasks among the team; provide technical guidance and support to the team as needed.

• Provide technical support supervision of the field-based REALM staff through regular contact, field visits and meetings.

• Enhance Country Office capability in REALM, especially research and evaluation, through assessing capacity gaps in collaboration with line managers, designing and implementing effective capacity building measures and development and maintaining an institutionalised knowledge base.

• Undertake performance management, including setting of annual goals and quarterly deliverables, undertaking quarterly reviews, and provision of feedback to ensure delivery of results.

• Support the development of an organisational culture that reflects our dual mandate values, promotes accountability and high performance, encourages a team culture of learning, creativity and innovation, and frees up our people to deliver outstanding results for children and excellent customer service for our members and donors.

COMPETENCIES FOR THIS ROLE:

Technical competencies

• Experience and skills conducting quantitative and qualitative research, monitoring, and evaluation processes in complex settings
• Provides thought leadership for solving systemic issues related to MEAL in complex settings
• Promotes the design of MEAL systems to inform data for response decision making
• Experience influencing behaviour change and innovative approaches to improve the utilisation of evidence and learning for decision making in complex settings.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of advance degree (MSc) in an area of social development, economics, statistics or other relevant discipline.
• Minimum five years of practical experience in MEAL system coordination/implementation in an international non-governmental organisation
• Demonstrable track-record in data tracking and evaluation, with the ability to support staff and partners on MEAL methodology, and analyse and disseminate complex information to a range of audiences.
• Practical knowledge or experience of working in humanitarian response and recovery at a technical senior level position;
• Excellent writing skills to present assessment and project reports in English.
• Computer literacy, particularly in Microsoft Office, POWERBI, any statistical package like STATA and digital data management systems;
• Excellent planning, coordination, and reporting skills, with the ability to organise a substantial workload comprised of complex, diverse tasks and responsibilities;
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills in English, with experience working in multicultural, multi location, values driven teams;
• Ability and willingness to work in a challenging context, and work with incoming surge support teams;
• Familiarity with REALM systems of SCI and experience in leading team on implementation of such system is preferred.

Desirable

• Ability to speak Ukrainian or Russian language and experience of working in Ukraine will be considered as strong advantage

We offer a competitive package in the context of the sector. This Role is offered on the basis of International terms and conditions. Also, interviews will be held on ongoing basis, adverts will be closed once a person is identified.

For non- EU citizens; Visa is to be obtained.

The Organisation

We employ approximately 25,000 people across the globe and work on the ground in over 100 countries to help children affected by crises, or those that need better healthcare, education and child protection. We also campaign and advocate at the highest levels to realise the right of children and to ensure their voices are heard.

We are working towards three breakthroughs in how the world treats children by 2030:

• No child dies from preventable causes before their 5th birthday
• All children learn from a quality basic education and that,
• Violence against children is no longer tolerated

We know that great people make a great organization, and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children. We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive environment where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued.

Application Information:

Please attach a copy of your CV and cover letter with your application, and include details of your current remuneration and salary expectations. A copy of the full role profile can be found at www.savethechildren.net/careers

We need to keep children safe so our selection process, which includes rigorous background checks, reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.

All employees are expected to carry out their duties in accordance with our global anti-harassment policy.