The position

The Program Officer is expected to lead the organization’s knowledge generation, learning and
operation processes that will inform and support evidence-based interventions and learning at Menya
Accelerator. The Program Officer will also support research and knowledge management to create a
comprehensive body of evidence, design effective communication and knowledge sharing channels that
advance Menya Accelerator’s mission and vision while also building local and international partnerships
that foster the implementation of innovative ideas.

Functions

Knowledge Management and curriculum design

• Lead knowledge production and management and curriculum design and internal processes of
  reflection and learning within and across programmes.
• Manage high-quality programme evaluations and knowledge development initiatives
  Provide technical leadership to research activities.
• Collaborate with technical leads and M&E Officer to support the development of field-level
  monitoring frameworks which are consistent with key research questions.
• Ensure the appropriateness and rigor of research methods, overseeing data collection and
  analysis.
• Lead in quantitative and qualitative methodologies, longitudinal tracking of beneficiaries,
  reporting, data quality assessments, data analysis and presentation.
• Ensure research results are useful and applicable for making programme design decisions.
• Identify and support the development of relevant research and analysis skills for staff at all levels
  to build organizational capacity for impact monitoring and assessment.

Programme management

• Provide leadership in the implementation of the Menya Accelerator programmes in accordance
  with the quinquennal strategic plan.
• Collaborate with programme managers to identify areas of growth, bottlenecks, and opportunities
  to grow and sustain the programmes.
• Demonstrate high-quality skills of programme management and leadership while focusing on the
  integration and translation of research knowledge.
• Provide quality inputs in shaping new projects, contributing to new strategic initiatives for
  influencing Menya Accelerator’s growth and developing programme strategies.
• Coordinate overall project implementation, budget management and staff supervision in liaison
  with the CEO.
• Develop and manage project annual work plans and budgets, preparation and submission of
  timely and quality project reports and contribute to monitoring of project performance in line with
  the monitoring systems and tools.
• Provide technical and management oversight in the coordination of programme(s) needs
  identification, design, implementation, and reporting.
• Lead and oversee partner coordination in the project sites, participate in stakeholder meetings at
  county and national level and coordinate periodic project reviews and reflections.
• Undertake periodic visits to project areas to backstop challenges and ensure project
  implementation is on course.
• In consultation with the Chief Executive Officer, manage communication with donors and ensure
  compliance with contractual requirements.
• Perform any other duties in support of project as assigned.

RECRUITMENT QUALIFICATIONS/COMPETENCIES

Education:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Science, Social Sciences, Economics, Education, or other relevant statistical, numerical discipline

Desired

• Master’s degree in Information Science, Social Sciences, Economics, or other relevant statistical, numerical discipline
• Advanced studies or experience in knowledge production management will be given additional consideration

Experience:

Required

• At least 3 years of job-related experience.
• At least 1 year at managerial level in knowledge management-innovation and in-depth understanding of applied research methods and project design.
• Knowledge of the issues in the relevant area.
• Proven ability to draft, edit and produce written proposals and results-focused reports.
• Proven experience working with civil society, international organizations and donors.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.)
• Demonstrated technical competencies in programme monitoring and evaluation and research design, operational research.
• Ability to develop and manage functional knowledge management systems and knowledge-sharing platforms to accelerate learning within and outside of the organizations.
• Proven project management experience and the ability to support diverse cross-functional
  teams.
• Demonstrated programme and staff leadership.
• A deep and genuine commitment to children’s rights.

Desired

• At least 5 years of job-related experience.
• At least 3 years at managerial level in knowledge management-innovation and in-depth understanding of applied research methods and project design.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in Knowledge of French, English and Kirundi.