Mercy Corps Vacancy for Consultant – Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Systems,Abuja – Nigeria

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now and for the future.

Mercy Corps Nigeria (MCN) implements a variety of programs with the ultimate goal of building productive, secure and just communities. The organization’s programs are implemented in twelve states, mainly in north and north-east Nigeria and Lagos. Our work covers the following sectors: economic development, livelihoods/food security, adolescent girls & boy’s empowerment, financial resilience, conflict management and humanitarian response. Common themes include community engagement, inclusive development, gender, and working in partnership with local government, the private sector and civil society actors.

Purpose / Project Description:

MCN is seeking a consultant set-up CommCare in Nigeria, translate revised data collection tools to CommCare, train the MEL team on CommCare functionality and work with the selected cash & voucher management platform. The consultant will work closely with the MEL Systems Technician and Country MEL Advisor to build their knowledge of CommCare so they can effectively use the tool in alignment with their role and the country MEL strategy by the completion of the consultancy.

MCN is in the advanced stages of an organizational MEL restructuring which includes building a country-level MEL system using CommCare as its beneficiary data collection and management system. A consultant recently visited Nigeria to conduct reviews of MCN’s current data collection processes and tools and will deliver revised data process maps, tools and recommendations for development within CommCare. Concurrently, MCN is in the final stages of tendering a platform for cash & voucher distributions, which will also be linked to CommCare.

MCN is in the shortlisting phase of hiring a MEL Systems Technician who will serve as the team’s dedicated focal point for CommCare. S/he will be responsible for translating MEL tools to CommCare and maintaining their use thereafter, including training staff and troubleshooting.

Consultant Activities and Deliverables:

The Consultant will:

  1. Set-up CommCare for the Nigeria office.
    • Review revised monitoring tools with MEL focal points for all programs and propose application design(s) to teams
    • Draft and share a work plan with milestone activities that detail system set-up, review periods, trainings, and launch dates
    • Build forms and case management linkages within  CommCare platform
    • Test & refine all forms with data managers and relevant advisors to ensure resulting data outputs are aligned with reporting needs; prototype with Excel Dashboard or Google Sheets as requested
    • Test & refine all mobile applications with small refinement groups per programme to ensure usability for data collectors
    • Map out all required users (web, mobile) and set permissions for each
    • Set up initial worker reports and any automated emails required
    • Set up initial data export (form, case) templates and confirm accuracy with relevant stakeholders
  2. Build capacity of Nigeria MEL team.
    • Hold a Training of Trainers in Abuja on how to use the CommCare platform with select MEL team members.This includes advanced system management as well as how to conduct trainings for mobile users
    • Work closely with the MEL Systems Technician and Country MEL Advisor at all times to transfer knowledge on CommCare platform. The MEL Systems Technician and MEL Advisor should be able to run the CommCare platform at the conclusion of the consultancy.
    • Work with advisors to update existing training documentation and system manuals; generate new materials when needed
  3. Support CommCare and cash platform linkage.
    • Create forms + app structure within CommCare for linkage to cash platform (the automatic assignment of a case_id will be the UID for the cash platform).
    • Work directly with cash platform technical team to link platforms.
    • (The consultant will have access to remote support from Mercy Corps’ T4D Technical Support Unity).
  4. Align CommCare system with Tola rollout.
    • Ensure the CommCare platform links with the rollout of Tola (Mercy Corp’s agency-wide M&E platform).

Timeframe / Schedule: 

The timeline for this SOW is approximately 21 days inclusive of an in-country trip. The ideal candidate will be able to travel to Nigeria in early January.

Consultant Profile:

The ideal consultant will have the following skills and experience:

  • Five or more years of experience in designing MEL strategies, systems and/or frameworks.
  • Strong experience and knowledge of CommCareHQ.
  • Experience in developing MEL plans for complex programs.
  • Successful experience in developing capacity-building modules for MEL tools.
  • Experience in designing and delivering MEL trainings and/or workshops in person and/or remotely.

Application Procedure and Requirements:

CV and cover letter.

The Consultant will report to:

Reports to the Director of Development Programs, Nigeria.

The Consultant will work closely with:

Works closely with the Senior Advisor, Program Performance and Quality, Senior Advisor, Technology for Development, and Nigeria Country MEL Manager.

Apply