Tostan Mali

The Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) Volunteer has for a general goal to help Tostan systematize its MERL systems across regions and countries in which Tostan is operating.

Start Date:  April 2010

Minimum commitment: 1 year required, two years preferred

Hours per week: 40 hours/week, but must also be flexible to work/travel on weekends depending on tasks

Location: Bamako , Mali with frequent visits to the field (50%)

Direct supervisor(s): National Coordinator, Coordinator of International Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) Department                       

Collaborator(s): Assistant to the National Coordinator, International Programs Team, Volunteer Coordinator, and other staff and partners at the local and national levels
                       

• Working in a team to plan the project monitoring and evaluation cycle, including: creating monitoring and evaluation plans, logframe matrices, creation of indicators, review of past plans, etc
  • Investigate impacts and effects of Tostan programs in the field through village visits and participation in program evaluations
  • Working with international staff to review/assess tools that are used to monitor village-level activities (i.e. site studies, monthly data collection tools, report outlines, internal evaluation tools), suggesting improvements based on project, country, and donor contexts and needs
  • Synthesize and analyze baseline studies, monthly Regional Coordinator and Supervisor reports for entry into Tostan database. Produce graphs, charts and analysis to be used in quarterly reports
• Collaborate closely with the Volunteer Assistant to the National Coordinator to ensure timely delivery of data, data analysis, and MERL reports
• Research, write, and deliver quarterly reports to project funders (USAID and UNICEF), in coordination with National Coordinator and Executive Director
  • Submit project reports and status reports to Executive Team
  • Write village portraits and collection of anecdotes

• Assist staff to professionally present Tostan’s work, including during donor and partner visits, with local and national media, in the office space, etc.
• Initiate capacity-building activities for staff in ICT skills, report writing, statistical data collection and analysis, and English through trainings, workshops, and collaboration/critique
  • Conduct trainings for key field staff in Excel, report writing, participatory interview, data analysis, graph- and chart-making computer programs, and data collection techniques
  • Facilitate capacity-building for project supervisors (who work in villages participating in the program) when possible. This may include attending trainings linked to the implementation of the CEP, assistance with report writing, training in computer and internet skills, informal language instruction, etc.
  • Building capacities of employees in report writing, statistical data collection and analysis, and English
• Help to develop an organization and communications system within Tostan Mali to ensure that information is shared with the Executive and International Communications Teams
• Write and edit reports, proposals, articles, etc. for Tostan Mali , including translation when necessary
• Assist National Coordinator with various other miscellaneous tasks

• Electronic copies of all documents produced, edited, etc. to supervisor, incoming volunteer, and Volunteer Coordinator
• Final narrative report of individual activities for internal distribution
• Completed “Request for Volunteer” forms, submitted to the Volunteer Coordinator, as needed
• Other activities, as requested by Executive Team, Volunteer Coordinator, and other immediate supervisors and collaborators   

• Bachelors degree in social sciences, business, management, or related field required
• Master’s degree OR current enrollment in Master’s program (studies in International Development, Education, Gender Studies, Non-Profit Management preferred ); Masters’ coursework with research training preferred, specific training in M&E highly desired
• Previous experience with a non-governmental organization/non-profit; familiarity with M&E systems and NGO processes (6 months – 1 year of monitoring and evaluation experience preferred )
• Thorough understanding of Tostan’s programs and methodologies
• Strong written and spoken proficiency in both English and French (written samples in both languages required )
• Project management and data analysis experience preferred
• Capable of working with external stakeholders on planning and program implementation
• Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; experience with Access or other database software preferred
• Knowledge of Gmail, Google Groups, Google Documents, Google Calendars, and other Internet programs preferred
• Ability to be persistent and diplomatic, and to establish mutual respect among Tostan staff, project partners, and local community members
• Ability to work independently, self-motivate, and to manage multiple tasks at once
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Flexible to adapt to a multicultural environment, to work in varied conditions, to be considerate of limited resources, and to adapt work priorities to the immediate needs of the project or donor
• Ability to travel independently

Benefits

• Hands on experience with an internationally recognized NGO
• Development of curriculum vitae/resume
• Opportunity to develop highly sought-after skills in project management, training, and written and oral communication in a multicultural, multilingual environment
• Opportunity to collaborate and interact with communities, Tostan staff, international volunteers, and a variety of donors and partners

• Common volunteer housing and utilities
• Lunch Monday-Friday
• All work-related travel covered by Tostan
• Internet access in office during business hours

• Week-long volunteer orientation with other volunteers
• Introduction to national language skills
• Introduction to Tostan Community Empowerment Program
• Introduction to Tostan’s monitoring and evaluation system, including the use of site tools such as GPS and mapping tools
• Short introduction to software
• Other training, as deemed necessary and appropriate by supervisors
  

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