Head of Monitoring Evaluation Research and Learning At Somalia Stability Fund

Somalia Stability Fund

Head of Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning

The Somalia Stability Fund (SSF) is a multi-donor fund that supports the development of a peaceful, stable, and secure Somalia.

It is designed to work with government and non-state partners to support political dialogue, to help build trust among communities and people, to buttress democratisation and sustainable local governance, and to foster mutual accountability and exchange between government institutions and communities.

SSF is now in its third phase and expanding its team. We are recruiting for a Head of Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) to lead work to assess the progress of the Fund, monitor the context, promote learning and adaptation, and report to donors and Somali stakeholders.

Please note this position is being recruited as a consultant by FCP/Laasfort, consortium partners of the SSF.

Job description:

Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, implementation and review of SSF III’s MERL strategy including its theory of change and results framework;
• Oversee and quality assure the work of the external M&E provider;
• Oversee and quality assure the work of the external research provider including identifying gaps for research;
• Oversee the process of ongoing learning and adaptation including the management of an external provider;
• Design and oversee the reporting on SSF III’s key performance indicators;
• Work with implementing partners to help design their M&E frameworks and ensure they align with the Fund’s overall M&E framework.
• Oversee third party monitoring provided by an external provider and ensure that findings are integrated into programme adaptations;
• Liaise with the FCDO MERL provider and MERL adviser to ensure that SSF III systems are in line with best practice and provide the information required to donors; and
• Keep abreast of political developments, brief the SSF III leadership, liaise with SSF III’s delivery partners, and other partners, gather information, cross check reporting, and provide analyses.

Key Skills and Background

• A minimum of 7 years’ experience of working on MERL on conflict and stability issues in Somalia or similar contexts;
• Knowledge of conflict and stability issues;
• Experience of managing external contractors and providing oversight and quality assurance of their work;
• Experience of working in Somalia is an advantage;
• Experience of FCDO and donor MERL requirements and donor liaison;
• Excellent coordination and organisational skills;
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, in writing and orally, with the ability to communicate complex concepts in simple terms and ensure their practical uptake; and
• Excellent stakeholder management.

The Head of MERL will be expected to be deployed full time, co-located with the Fund Manager in Nairobi. They must be willing to travel regularly to Mogadishu and federal member state capitals as needed, to fully engage with SSF III field staff, partners, and stakeholders.

Location: Nairobi with periodic travel to Somalia.

Applications: Please send a CV and cover letter demonstrating how you meet the job requirements to ssfrecruitment@firstcallpartners.org

State in the title of the email ‘Head of MERL application’.

Deadline for applications: 23.59 (East African time) 7 March 2025.

Interviews: week of 17 March