Recruitment Notice: Cross-Border PMERLA and Data Manager

LWF World Service Seeks Cross-Border PMERLA and Data Manager for Chad-Cameroon Initiatives

The Lutheran World Federation’s Department for World Service (LWF World Service), renowned for its humanitarian and development efforts, is seeking a Cross-Border PMERLA and Data Manager to support its programs in Chad and Cameroon.

About LWF World Service:

LWF World Service collaborates with LWF member churches to provide vital aid to vulnerable populations, including refugees, displaced persons, and their host communities. Our focus areas include livelihoods, essential services, protection, and fostering social cohesion.

The Position:

The Cross-Border PMERLA and Data Manager will play a crucial role in enhancing our PMERLA (Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting, Learning & Accountability) processes and digitalization efforts in both countries. A key responsibility will be overseeing data collection and the effective use of SharePoint, with a particular emphasis on a cross-border Nature-Based Solutions project funded by the Global Affairs Canada (GAC).

Key Details:

• Supervisor: Global Coordinator for Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting, and Learning
• Location: N’Djamena, Chad or Kousseri, Cameroon (depending on work authorization)
• Duration: Two years

Ideal Candidate:

We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented individual with strong data management and PMERLA expertise. Experience with digital tools, particularly SharePoint, is essential. The ability to work collaboratively across borders and cultures is also highly valued.

The primary objective of this role is to provide PMERLA (Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting, Learning & Accountability) and digitalization support to the LWF Cameroon and Chad Country Programs, with a particular focus on data collection, SharePoint utilization, and the GAC-funded cross-border Nature-Based Solutions project.

Specifically, the position holder will:

• Enhance PMERL Capacity: Strengthen the Country Programs’ ability to plan, monitor, evaluate, report on, and learn from their humanitarian and development projects. This includes aligning projects with the LWF Global Strategy and utilizing LWF PMER digital tools (e.g., ActivityInfo) for project management and data collection.
• Support SharePoint Implementation: Serve as a SharePoint super user, addressing user requests, facilitating document migration, ensuring proper document storage and compliance, and providing training as needed.
• Develop and Implement PMER Frameworks: Improve capacity in PMER processes and tools as outlined in the LWF PMERL manual, including project cycle management, M&E plan development, indicator tracking, feedback loops, and alignment with the global PMER framework.
• Manage PMERL Data: Collaborate with colleagues to maintain high-quality PMER data within the online system, produce and upload timely aggregated reports/plans, and improve the quality of proposals and results-based reporting.
• Enhance Accountability and Cooperation: Increase accountability, coherence, and cooperation in the collection, management, and sharing of PMER data across Country/Emergency Programs.

The position holder will be a key contributor to ensuring that LWF projects in Cameroon and Chad are effectively planned, monitored, evaluated, and reported on, ultimately enhancing the impact and sustainability of LWF’s work in the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Global Processes and Data Management:
  1. Actively contribute to the preparation of essential global processes like the Program Budget Overview, Annual Performance Reports, Collective Outcome Framework, and Country Annual Plans.
  2. Drive the implementation of the Q&A team’s digitalization strategy, aligning with LWF World Service’s broader goals.
  3. Streamline data collection and analysis by assisting in the rollout of ActivityInfo and developing robust M&E plans and corresponding data collection plans.
  4. Design and refine project-specific and standard questionnaires to gather accurate and meaningful data.
  5. Empower data-driven insights by supporting the interpretation and use of data through dashboards and other reporting mechanisms.
  6. Compile and analyze Country Results Framework (CRF) data, contributing to comprehensive reports that inform strategic decision-making.
• SharePoint Implementation and Management:
  1. Spearhead SharePoint documentation efforts, collaborating with Country Programs to facilitate smooth document migration and ensure optimal utilization of the platform.
  2. Establish and maintain appropriate permission levels for libraries and sites within Country Programs, safeguarding data security and access control.
  3. Provide comprehensive training and ongoing support to empower Country Program teams in leveraging SharePoint effectively.
  4. Serve as the designated super user for Country Programs, resolving technical issues and ensuring seamless SharePoint usage.
  5. Oversee and enforce meticulous document storage practices, ensuring adherence to organizational standards and facilitating efficient information retrieval.
• Learning, Communication, and Knowledge Management:
  1. Support the analysis of both qualitative and quantitative outcomes achieved at project and program levels.
  2. Foster a culture of collective learning by leveraging innovative interfaces, interactions, and visualizations to disseminate PMER data effectively.
  3. Undertake special duties as assigned by the supervisor, demonstrating adaptability and a willingness to contribute to diverse projects.

Challenges and Opportunities

• Global Team Integration: Striking a balance between global team involvement and providing tailored support to four distinct Country Programs requires adept communication, collaboration, and cultural sensitivity.
• Dual Unit Alignment: Working within two units necessitates skillful cooperation with unit leaders and effective time management to navigate diverse priorities and responsibilities.

Qualifications and Skills

• Education: University degree in international development, information management, social science, statistics, or project management.
• Language Proficiency:
  1. Excellent command of written and spoken French.
  2. Working knowledge of English.
  3. Knowledge of local languages (Arabic, Fufuldé, Sango, etc.) is highly advantageous.
• Experience:
  1. A minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience in PMERLA, digitalization, and data management, preferably in the NGO or international development sector.
  2. Proven expertise in online M&E systems and digital data collection tools.
  3. Demonstrated success as a trainer on PME standards, tools, and procedures, both in-person and virtually.
  4. Proficient in Microsoft Excel and web-based systems.
  5. Familiarity with document management and online systems, with a preference for expertise in SharePoint.
• LWF Core Skills: Advanced levels of achieving results, accountability, working effectively with others, and initiative. Basic level of leadership. Advanced level of analytical thinking.
• Additional Skills: Advanced levels of change management, project management, innovation, online communication, and capacity building/learning.

Position Environment

The Quality and Accountability (Q&A) team, an integral part of LWF World Service, plays a pivotal role in ensuring program quality, learning, and accountability. The team comprises decentralized working units focused on PMERL, Digital Data Management (DDM), and Complaints and Safeguarding.

Internally, this position collaborates closely with the Global PMERL and DDM unit, the Chad and Cameroon Country Programs, and the Regional Programme Coordinator in Geneva. Externally, it interfaces with LWF-related agencies, institutional donors, and Q&A-focused networks.

Application Process

Qualified candidates are invited to submit their applications, including an updated CV and a compelling cover letter, by June 16, 2024, to:

• recruitment.chad@lutheranworld.org
• procurement.cameroon@lutheranworld.org

Please specify “Cross Border PMERLA and Data Manager” in the subject line.

Additional Information

• This position is open to nationals of Chad and Cameroon or individuals with valid work permits as residents of either country.
• The duty station will be Kousseri for Cameroon residents/nationals and N’Djamena for Chad residents/nationals.
• LWF World Service is committed to diversity and inclusion, and qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Join us in making a lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable communities in Chad and Cameroon.