Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Manager
1.0 Introduction
The Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) is a non-governmental, non-partisan human rights organization registered under the Non-Governmental Organizations Act of 2002 for Mainland Tanzania and as a society under the Societies Act of 1995 for Zanzibar. THRDC serves as an umbrella organization for 292 member organizations from both Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar, working across various zones and thematic areas throughout the United Republic of Tanzania. The Coalition’s long-term goal is to create a free and secure environment for human rights defenders (HRDs), ensuring they can work without harm or repression, in accordance with the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders of 1998.
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The Coalition conducts a variety of interventions to empower and protect HRDs, including advocacy, engagement work at local, regional, and international levels, and providing protection services such as medical assistance, legal representation, evacuation, and relocation. HRDs are individuals or organizations working to protect and promote human rights, including journalists, lawyers, and human rights institutions.
2.0 About This Position
The MEAL Manager will support the THRDC team on program management by ensuring the development of quality, timely, and accurate data to inform program planning, results-oriented reporting, program performance, donor reporting, and statutory compliance. The MEAL Manager will be responsible for planning, designing, and implementing a quality, comprehensive, and integrated MEAL system that meets both THRDC and donor standards, while promoting a culture of learning and accountability across THRDC offices.
The MEAL Manager will ensure that evidence is available for quality improvement, program learning, donor reporting, and to address beneficiary feedback and complaints. THRDC is looking for a MEAL Manager who is knowledgeable, energetic, self-motivated, proactive, and result-oriented. This position will work under the supervision of the Director of Program and Operations (DOP). The incumbent’s workstation will be at THRDC main offices in Dar es Salaam, with minor movements to Zanzibar Sub-office and THRDC zonal coordination units across the country.
2.1 Roles and Responsibilities
- Lead, develop, and operationalize Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEAL) frameworks, including strengthening monitoring plans, systems, and processes for systematically collecting, documenting, storing, reviewing, and using quantitative and qualitative data and information to enhance program delivery.
- Support project executants in conceiving and tracking program’s lifetime strategic plans and expected results.
- Coordinate internal biannual and annual program implementation reflective and learning sessions.
- Contribute to program management through timely processing and dissemination of M&E findings and best practices to facilitate evidence-based planning, learning, adaptation, and decision-making.
- Support program executants in annual planning and budgeting of all projects and programs in the portfolio.
- In close cooperation with program officers, support the development of good-quality reports in line with agreed timelines and templates and, where necessary, input into individual donor reports.
- Coordinate knowledge management, learning, and sharing practices, including the preparation and documentation of best practices and lessons learned.
- Lead MEL capacity-building activities, including building technical capacity of partners and program teams by providing/seeking training opportunities and coordinating collaboration and learning around MEL approaches across the programs.
- Support project executants in proposal development as part of fundraising efforts for the implementation of the Coalition’s strategies.
- Coordinate the mainstreaming of Result Based Management across the Coalition’s portfolio.
- Ensure all programs are designed and managed according to the Coalition’s operational strategic plan.
- Coordinate and supervise the design, implementation, and utilization of independent evaluations, impact (outcome/output) assessments, and periodic/targeted internal reviews of the projects, involving management of consultants and development of workplans to ensure agreed evaluation recommendations are implemented.
- Develop and update the MEAL systems and tools.
- Ensure that comprehensive MEAL practices are incorporated in each phase of the program/project cycle.
- Observe, identify, and communicate monitoring vulnerabilities, underperformances, and blind spots to the Director of Programs and Operations and suggest performance rectification measures.
- Work closely with program officers and the Resource Mobilization and Investments Manager to design/review new grants’ opportunities log frame, investment plans, and projects’ MEAL plans.
- Contribute to the preparation of data collection methods, methodologies, timelines, and tools.
- Ensure that MEAL data is collected, used, and stored in adherence to data protection protocols and ethical considerations.
- Contribute to MEAL strategy development through active participation in MEAL planning and development.
- Produce analytical reports and summaries using charts, graphs, tables, and narratives to fulfill internal and external reporting requirements.
- Support in writing the MEAL section updates on a weekly, monthly/quarterly basis.
- Report on selected indicators analysis periodically.
- Frequently (and/or upon request) deliver snapshots and data briefs to communication and fundraising teams to facilitate internal and external communication and information flow processes.
- Assist the Program Director and external consultants to ensure that evaluation prerequisites are available and accessible.
- Establish internal and external “Feedback and results sharing policy.”
3.0 Required Qualifications
- University degree in Social Science, Project Management, Economics, Business Administration, or related fields. A master’s degree in a related field will be an added advantage.
- Advanced training and knowledge in Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning.
- At least 5 years working experience in MEAL-related human rights, social-economic issues, and/or development contexts.
- Experience with practical field implementation of result-based management-oriented monitoring systems.
- Knowledge and experience in working with projects funded by multiple donors is an advantage.
- Knowledge of program design, monitoring, evaluation, and learning, including designing log frames, indicators at various levels, and designing program baselines, midterm, and end-term evaluations.
- Above 5 years of working experience in senior positions with responsibilities in areas such as program development and quality, monitoring and evaluation, assessments, or research.
- Excellent understanding of different components of MEAL and skills in managing MEAL systems.
- Excellent experience in the analysis of research findings, reporting, and presentation of results.
- Sound conceptual understanding in advancing gender equality and inclusion in programming and at the workplace.
- Experience of, and commitment to, working with human rights defenders, government, and the donor community.
- Previous experience managing a team, with proven capacity to supervise, train, and coach staff.
- Excellent documentation and report-writing skills.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and spoken, in English and Swahili.
- Good management and coordination skills, and experience in technical project implementation.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and good team spirit.
- Experience in writing project reports and management plans.
- Willingness to participate in field activities/surveys and travel to remote areas within and outside the country.
- Ability to observe deadlines, accuracy, and attention to detail.
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4.0 Application Process
Interested, qualified Tanzanians should submit a cover letter and CV to the addresses below by 31st January 2025.
To:
The National Coordinator,
Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition,
P.O BOX 105926,
Dar es Salaam.
Or via info@thrdc.or.tz
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further procedures.
NB: Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition is a free and fair entity and encourages all qualified Tanzanians to apply for this position.
Job Description for Director of Programs and Operations (DPO)
Closing Date: 31st January 2025
1.0 Introduction
The Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) is a non-governmental, non-partisan human rights organization. As an umbrella organization, THRDC represents over 250 member organizations working across Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar. The Coalition aims to improve the working environment for HRDs, in line with the 1998 UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders. The DPO is a key leadership role that ensures the successful implementation of THRDC’s strategic goals and provides oversight of all projects.
2.0 About This Position
The Director of Programs and Operations (DPO) is responsible for overseeing the implementation of THRDC’s projects across Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar. This role involves strategic planning, financial management, resource mobilization, staff supervision, and fostering stakeholder engagement. The DPO is also a member of the senior management team, contributing to overall organizational leadership and ensuring compliance with both internal and external standards.
3.0 Key Responsibilities
Project Management
- Define the Program/Project Cycle and manage projects from proposal writing, initiation, implementation, and close-out phases.
- Lead work planning, organizing, and supporting the implementation of activities to ensure alignment with THRDC’s goals and objectives.
- Monitor and evaluate project progress by conducting regular field visits, reviews, and evaluations. Present performance reports to the Board and Development Partners, ensuring goals, progress, and impacts/results are effectively communicated.
- Identify potential risks, develop mitigation strategies, and proactively address issues to ensure program success.
- Seek continuous improvement in project delivery by monitoring trends, incorporating best practices, and soliciting stakeholder feedback.
Staff Supervision
- Manage the performance of program officers by setting goals, conducting evaluations, and providing leadership.
- Mentor staff and provide professional development opportunities to ensure innovation and adapt programs to meet emerging needs.
- Convene management team meetings to monitor and ensure the implementation of decisions made, while supervising and assigning duties to management and other staff.
- Ensure compliance with all organizational and statutory policies.
Strategic Planning
- Lead and collaborate with senior management and stakeholders to develop and monitor the Coalition’s strategic plan.
- Contribute to the organization’s strategic direction by identifying opportunities, innovations, and assessing feasibility and impact.
Financial Management
- Collaborate with the finance team to allocate resources effectively, monitor expenses, and ensure adherence to budget guidelines.
- Review and approve program/project expenditures in line with approved budgets.
- Act as a signatory for financial transactions and supports the preparation of financial reports for stakeholders.
Resource Mobilization and New Initiatives Development
- Lead the technical design of new projects during proposal development and contribute to technical proposal writing.
- Develop and implement resource mobilization strategies and a relationship management plan to ensure sustainable funding.
- Build strategic partnerships with local and international organizations for new project development.
Compliance
- Stay up to date with laws, regulations, and policies affecting program implementation.
- Ensure compliance with internal and external policies, legal and ethical standards, and specific donor funding requirements.
- Oversee the development, approval, and implementation of policies and procedures in finance, human resources, and monitoring and evaluation.
Stakeholder Engagement and Ambassadorship
- Build and nurture relationships with program partners, funders, government agencies, and members organizations to facilitate collaboration and secure support.
- Represent the Coalition at national and international meetings as the spokesperson on behalf of the National Coordinator.
- Initiate and participate in collaborative networking activities to engage strategic partners and support the Coalition’s goals.
- Attend and participate in various media programs on behalf of the National Coordinator.
Governance and Organizational Management
- Organize Board program committee meetings and members meetings, ensuring implementation of decisions and resolutions.
- Support the National Coordinator to prepare and present regular implementation program reports to the Board and Coalition members.
- Communicate back all Board directives to all program officers and supervise the implementation of Board directives.
- Coordinate effectively members’ engagement activities and programs.
Protection Role
- Assist the National Coordinator in leading the Coalition’s protection goal by providing strategic guidance and oversight to the protection desk and related staff.
- Oversee the production of protection and advocacy materials in both electronic and printed formats.
4.0 Job Skill Specifications
Key Competencies
- A minimum of five years working experience in a senior managerial position, ideally with non-profit organizations.
- Expertise in people management and supervision, including the ability to lead and manage a diverse team across an organization.
- Proven ability to develop strategies related to organizational policies in collaboration with a diverse team.
- Advanced organizational, planning, and project management skills.
- Experience managing donor relationships, reporting, and program work planning.
- Proven ability to coordinate and implement cross-functional initiatives with fidelity.
- Demonstrated ability to set priorities, meet deadlines, and manage multiple tasks with minimal supervision.
- Expertise in risk management, including identifying potential risks and developing mitigation strategies.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, with proficiency in English and Kiswahili.
- Proven ability to translate complex concepts for diverse audiences and across technical issues.
- Demonstrated advocacy skills, with experience engaging public and private sectors, as well as policymakers on legislative and policy issues.
- Ability to handle multiple projects under time and resource pressure.
- Comprehensive knowledge on human rights, human rights principles, laws, and security management, particularly as they apply to human rights defenders.
- Familiarity with Tanzania’s legal framework, including laws applicable to Zanzibar.
- Advanced knowledge of Digital technology and ability to quickly learn and adapt to new systems, processes, and procedures.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to filter, prioritize, and validate complex information.
- Proven ability to build and maintain strategic networks with key stakeholders, including funders, government agencies, and community organizations.
- Ability to develop task orders and manage task-specific consultants depending on circumstances and needs, with a knowledge and understanding of various laws of the country.
- Demonstrated commitment to gender equity and inclusive practices in program implementation.
- Demonstrated commitment to ethical standards and professional conduct.
- Proven ability to maintain confidentiality on work-related issues.
Minimum Education Requirement and Experience
- A Master’s degree in Project Management or Monitoring & Evaluation or another related field.
- Bachelor’s degree in law (L.L.B), Public Relations, Administration, or another related field.
- At least 5 years’ experience in providing technical leadership, program development, and management in an NGO setup.
- At least 5 years’ experience in a senior leadership position, especially in NGOs.
- Knowledge of UN Regional and International human rights mechanisms, including human rights defenders.
- Experience overseeing or working on programs funded by multiple donors.
- Expertise in project management and advocacy.
- Knowledgeable in HRD security management.
Personal Attributes
- Passionate and articulate activist
- Good writer
- Hardworking and tolerant of diversity
- Principled but flexible
- Security-conscious and creative
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5.0 How to Apply
Applications should be sent to info@thrdc.or.tz by 31st January 2025 (00:00 AM, East African Time). The application should contain:
- Cover letter
- Detailed curriculum vitae with three referees
- Copy of academic certificates
NOTE:
Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition is a free and fair entity, and therefore encourages all qualified individuals to apply for this position regardless of their gender, race or any other differences.
