NRC has been present in Nigeria since 2015 and has been working to help displacement-affected communities meet their basic needs, improve their livelihoods, access essential services, and enhance their resilience to future shocks through our six core competencies: water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), Shelter, Education, Information-Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA), Livelihoods and Food Security (LFS), Camp Management, and Protection. NRC provides immediate assistance during the onset of emergencies through the rapid response mechanism (RRM). With a workforce of 370 staff and a presence in key locations such as Maiduguri (in Borno State), Yola (in Adamawa State) and Jos (in Plateau State), NRC can respond to the needs of those affected by the conflict across North-East, and North Central Nigeria.
These strategic locations have allowed NRC greater reach from the north and south parts of the North-East and North Central region and allowed NRC to contribute to bridging the gap between humanitarian aid and development cooperation, including by focusing on equitable access to basic services and strengthening the rights of displaced people and returnees. In addition to the Country Office and the above mentioned Area Offices, NRC has sub-offices structures in Dikwa, Monguno, Biu, Mubi, Pulka and Gwoza.
We are looking for people who are passionate about helping refugees and people forced to flee.
If you are those people, the Norwegian Refugee Council in Nigeria is looking for an enthusiastic, and passionate Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Coordinator to join our team in Area Northeast. The Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Coordinator plays a critical role in establishing and implementing systems that promote evidence-based decision-making, improve programme and project performance, and strengthen internal management. By ensuring access to and utilization of relevant and timely information on programme scale, relevance, and effectiveness, the MEL Coordinator contributes significantly to quality programming.
Within this context, the MEL Coordinator for Area North East will provide technical support to field teams on MEL and will lead efforts to build MEL capacity across the area. This includes identifying, adapting, and supporting the implementation of effective, cost-efficient, and context-appropriate MEL systems.
The role operates within a technical matrix structure and requires close collaboration with the MEL technical team, programme teams, and operational management at both the country and area office levels. The MEL Coordinator has technical accountability to the MEL Manager at the Country Office and is expected to align all MEL work at the area level with NRC’s strategic MEL directions and standards.
The MEL Coordinator also plays a key role in strengthening MEL practices among implementing partners, contributing to a cohesive and coordinated approach to data collection, analysis, and learning across all stakeholders.
Below is a brief summary of the role. Please download the Job Description for further details.
Generic Responsibilities
The MEL Coordinator supports and strengthens partners’ MEL systems and capacities, facilitates collaborative data collection and learning processes, and ensures alignment with NRC standards to enhance program performance and accountability. Ensures the effective operation of an inclusive and responsive Community Feedback Mechanism (CFM) and promotes meaningful community engagement across all stages of the Project Cycle Management (PCM), in line with Do No Harm principles and NRC’s accountability standards. Line management responsibilities for directly reporting staff. This includes the performance management process; setting clear goals aligned to country strategy and priorities, and to follow up and support staff’s achievement. Furthermore, responsible for key processes as workforce planning, recruitment, staff induction, staff development and Duty of Care. Support and contribute to the development and implementation of MEL systems, including MEL Standard Operation Procedures, guidance, and tools. Participate in programme design and proposal discussions, including theory of change development, log frame design and budgeting for MEL. Support programme staff in planning for and executing MEL, including, data collection methodology and tools and data management, analysis, and use. Support the implementation, dissemination and use of evaluations, assessments and monitoring data in programme development, adjustment, or review. Contribute to organisational learning through supporting specific analysis, lessons learned and reports. Capacity building and training of programme and MEL support staff on MEL technical and conceptual areas. Contribute to the design of MEL staffing structure and resourcing, including collaboration with programme staff to identify and plan for MEL needs. Adherence to NRC policies, and a specific responsibility for the NRC MEL functions policies and procedures.Specific Responsibilities
Support and strengthen partners MEL systems: Coordinate with NRC partners MEL team to facilitate data collection and documentation Work closely with NRC partners MEL team to establish and document lesson learnt Collaborate with partners for PDM, Surveys (Base line, Mid-line and Endlines) Support capacity building for NRC partners MEL team at Area office Programme development: Support NRC program technical lead with availability to assessment datas, and facilitate interpretation Support NRC sector programs with data analysis and documentation of lesson learnt Lead and support need assessment, PDMs and surveys for NRC programs Lead and facilitate project/program matrix development Team management capacity building: Identify learning and training opportunities for the area MEL team and partners and work as a mentor and role model for less experienced staff. Working with MEL Manager to contribute and/or provide necessary technical training and Develop appropriate technical guidelines and materials to NRC’s and partner’s staff. Serves as Line Manager to the area MEL staff (Officers and Assistants) Facilitate and lead engagement of enumerators for project activities Lead training and capacity building of enumerators for effective data collection Coordination and reporting: Responsible for maintaining smooth coordination and collaborative between NRC MEL/Program and partners MEL (INGO, NGOs/CBOs Lead in consolidating NRC’s project data update to relevant government partners. Support coordinating project integration matrix among NRC sectors and partners for project implementation Accountability Ensure the functioning of an effective Community Feedback Mechanism that is responsive and accessible to the most vulnerable groups and different demographics in all area office operational areas. Ensure community engagement throughout the Project Cycle Management (PCM) stages as relevant and appropriate, in adherence to the 'Do No Harm' principles.Critical interfaces
Area Manager (AM): Supports AM in ensuring quality control /signoff process of data from the Area North East, data use (learning activities and moments, analysis, interpretation), target settings, MEL staffing required at AO level
Area Programme Manager (APM): Works closely with the Area Programme Manager to integrate MEL findings into program planning and decision-making, support performance assessment and adaptive management, advise on target setting, ensure effective data capture for impact and reporting, and build MEL staff capacity to enhance program quality and accountability.
Programme Managers (PM): Technical support, guidance and capacity building of the project staff on MEL; coordination and quality control on reporting of MEL data; coordination /planning/technical support for outcome monitoring; preparation of data analysis at CO level; project proposals (tech support on targets setting; planning and budgeting for MEL activities and staffing from Area North East ); technical support and coordination on implementation of MEL plans for projects in the Area (according to MEL policy and SoP); learning exercises at Area North East (support or co-facilitation)
Emergency Response Manager/Coordinator: Technical support, guidance and capacity building of the emergency staff on MEL; quality control on reporting of MEL data; coordination /planning/technical support for outcome monitoring (PDMs etc.) for emergency activities; support specific data analysis and learning exercises; engagement on project proposals (MEL aspects + quality control of data – targets set); ensuring adequate MEL capacity /staffing for emergency programme/activities in the area.
Data focal points, MEL Officers, and Technical Assistants
At least 4 years’ experience in an international NGO preferably in an emergency or post-conflict setting, including MEL capacity and systems development Experience in developing Theory of Change, Logical Frameworks, MEL frameworks, MEL plans, information management systems, and learning frameworks. Experience in supporting and facilitating MEL capacity strengthening of local partner organizations, with sensitivity to diverse institutional and cultural contexts. Thorough experience with and knowledge of principles and current approaches to monitoring and evaluation in relief and development programs, using both quantitative and qualitative methods Understanding of data and information needs for program management and decision making Experience in facilitating the capacity building efforts of diverse colleagues, including local partner agencies Demonstrated ability to transfer knowledge to diverse audiences through training, mentoring and other formal and non-formal methods High level English language proficiency (speaking, reading, writing) Analytic and computer skills, including MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access) and quantitative analysis (SPSS preferred) Experience using Power BI. Knowledge of SPSS, STATA, Epi Info, or other data processing tools (desirable)What’s in it for you?
Join a work culture that empowers every employee to share ideas and take responsibility:
At NRC we think creatively. We encourage ideas and give responsibility to all employees at all levels, to help solve the complex issues that we face. You will have many opportunities to be heard and take the initiative.
Learn on the job: NRC's collaborative working style favours the exchange of good practice and lessons learnt. At NRC, employees learn on the job and are encouraged to look for opportunities to develop new competencies. NRC managers prioritise the quality work and the competency development of their staff. This entails giving newcomers a good start, following up, training and mentoring employees to allow them to perform well in their current job, and offering learning and development programmes.
Additional Information:
Duty Stations: Nigeria/Maiduguri (covering Borno and Adamawa States)
Duration of contract: Fixed term 6 months contract, with possibility of extension upon good performance and funding
Grade Level: Grade 7 in NRC's grading structure.
Reporting line: Area Programme Manager - Area Northeast
Travel: 50%
This position is open to Nigeria Nationals only. We invite applications from all qualified and interested candidates. Candidates are encouraged to apply early, as applications may be screened prior to the vacancy deadline. Female candidates are strongly advised to apply. The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organisation helping people forced to flee. Join us in assisting millions of people in areas where others cannot, tackling some of the world's most dangerous and difficult crises. Bring your skills and dedication to an organisation recognised for providing high quality aid and for defending the rights of refugees and internally displaced people. At NRC, we give responsibility to employees at all levels and foster professional growth and innovative teams. You can expect a supportive culture and an open dialogue with management. We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Together, we save lives and rebuild futures. Safeguarding is central to NRC’s work. We expect all employees to: • treat everyone with respect and dignity • contribute to building a safe environment for all • never engage in any form of exploitation, harassment and specifically sexual exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment (SEAH) • always report. NRC has a zero-tolerance approach to inaction against exploitation, abuse and SEAH