Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Specialist

1. PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

Nepoworx is seeking an experienced and highly analytical Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Specialist to lead the monitoring, evaluation, reporting and performance management of its funded programmes and projects.

The successful candidate will be responsible for establishing and maintaining effective M&E systems that enable Nepoworx to accurately track programme implementation, beneficiary participation, employment outcomes, enterprise development outcomes, expenditure-linked performance indicators and overall programme impact.

The role requires a strong understanding of results-based monitoring and evaluation, donor/funder reporting, data quality management, evidence verification and programme performance reporting.

Previous experience working on Jobs Fund-funded programmes, Jobs Fund reporting requirements, or similar large-scale government/DFI-funded programmes will be a strong advantage.

2. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Monitoring & Evaluation Frameworks

• Develop, implement and continuously improve programme-specific M&E frameworks, plans and tools.
• Translate funding agreements, implementation plans and programme objectives into measurable indicators, targets and reporting requirements.
• Develop indicator definitions, data collection methodologies, reporting templates and evidence requirements.
• Maintain programme results frameworks, logical frameworks, indicator tracking tables and M&E calendars.
• Ensure alignment between programme implementation activities, contractual targets and reported outcomes.

Jobs Fund / Funder Reporting

• Coordinate the preparation and submission of accurate monthly, quarterly, annual and close-out reports to funders.
• Track programme performance against agreed targets, milestones and deliverables.
• Ensure that reported results are supported by appropriate and auditable evidence.
• Support responses to funder queries, verification exercises, monitoring visits and programme reviews.
• Maintain organised evidence repositories and audit trails for reported outputs and outcomes.
• Where applicable, support compliance with Jobs Fund reporting, verification and monitoring requirements.
• Flag potential underperformance or reporting risks before formal reporting deadlines.

Beneficiary & Employment Tracking

• Establish and maintain systems for tracking beneficiaries from recruitment and enrolment through training, employment, enterprise development and post-programme outcomes.
• Monitor learner and beneficiary attendance, completion, certification and progression.
• Track employment creation, job placements, jobs sustained and other employment outcomes in accordance with applicable programme definitions.
• Track participating SMMEs and enterprise development outcomes, including business growth and employment outcomes where applicable.
• Conduct beneficiary follow-ups and tracer activities to verify longer-term programme outcomes.
• Ensure beneficiary information is complete, accurate and appropriately supported by evidence.

Data Management & Quality Assurance

• Develop and maintain programme databases, dashboards and M&E trackers.
• Conduct regular data quality assessments and identify inconsistencies, missing information and unsupported results.
• Verify information submitted by project teams, training teams, employers, host organisations, SMMEs and implementation partners.
• Establish appropriate document-control and evidence-management processes.
• Ensure M&E information is captured and stored in accordance with POPIA and organisational data-management requirements.
• Maintain readiness for funder verification, internal reviews and external audits.

Performance Analysis

• Analyse programme data to identify trends, risks, performance gaps and opportunities for improvement.
• Compare actual programme performance against contracted targets and implementation timelines.
• Develop early-warning indicators for potential underperformance.
• Provide management with recommendations and corrective actions based on programme data.
• Support programme forecasting and target recovery planning where performance is behind schedule.

Impact Measurement

• Support the development of baseline, midline, endline and impact assessments where required.
• Measure programme outcomes beyond activity-level reporting, including employment, enterprise development, skills development and socioeconomic impact.
• Develop beneficiary case studies and impact stories supported by credible evidence.
• Support the measurement of Nepoworx's contribution towards national development priorities, the Just Energy Transition, youth employment, enterprise development and relevant Sustainable Development Goals.

Stakeholder & Team Coordination

• Work closely with project managers, training teams, finance, HR, employers, host organisations and external partners to obtain accurate programme information.
• Provide M&E guidance and training to programme staff and implementation partners.
• Clearly communicate reporting requirements, indicator definitions and evidence standards to relevant stakeholders.
• Participate in programme review meetings and present performance findings to management and funders where required.

3. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Monitoring & Evaluation, Development Studies, Economics, Statistics, Public Policy, Social Sciences, Project Management or a related discipline.
• Postgraduate qualification in Monitoring & Evaluation, Development Economics, Statistics, Research or a related field will be advantageous.
• Relevant M&E certification or professional training will be advantageous.

4. EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 3–5 years' relevant experience in monitoring, evaluation, programme reporting or impact measurement.
• Demonstrated experience working on funded development, skills development, enterprise development, employment creation or socioeconomic programmes.
• Experience developing M&E frameworks, indicators, reporting tools and performance dashboards.
• Experience managing beneficiary-level data and supporting evidence.
• Experience preparing reports for government departments, DFIs, donors, SETAs or other institutional funders.
• Experience participating in programme audits, verification exercises or monitoring visits.

5. STRONG ADVANTAGE

Candidates with the following experience will be particularly well suited to the role:

• Previous experience working directly on a Jobs Fund-funded programme.
• Understanding of Jobs Fund programme implementation, monitoring and reporting requirements.
• Experience tracking and verifying employment and job-creation outcomes.
• Experience managing evidence required to substantiate reported Jobs Fund outputs and outcomes.
• Experience supporting Jobs Fund monitoring visits, verification processes, audits or programme reviews.
• Experience with large-scale youth employment, SMME development, skills development or green-economy programmes.

6. TECHNICAL SKILLS

The successful candidate should demonstrate strong capability in:

• Results-Based Monitoring & Evaluation (RBM)
• Theory of Change and Logical Frameworks
• Indicator development and performance tracking
• Data collection and verification
• Data Quality Assessments (DQA)
• Beneficiary and employment tracking
• Quantitative and qualitative analysis
• Impact measurement
• Funder and donor reporting
• Audit and evidence management
• Advanced Microsoft Excel
• Power BI or similar dashboard/reporting tools
• Database and information management

7. KEY COMPETENCIES

• Exceptional attention to detail and data accuracy
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
• Ability to identify inconsistencies and interrogate programme data
• Strong report-writing skills
• Excellent organisational and document-management skills
• Ability to work with multiple programme teams and stakeholders
• Strong deadline management
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