Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) Ukraine Area Office North, Kyiv is seeking a data-driven and technology-savvy Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Technical Assistant (TA) who is passionate about making a social impact. We seek individuals who are not only curious and self-motivated but also possess exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, capable of efficiently synthesising and interpreting information.

Candidates should also have excellent presentation and writing skills, a keen attention to detail, and be proficient in planning. Overall, this role requires an adaptable all-rounder, skilled in or willing to learn data analysis and visualisation tools such as Excel, Power BI, and GIS, and who thrives in innovating data-driven solutions.

If you are keen to enhance learning, inform evidence-based programming, and strengthen the efficiency and quality of data collection, analysis, and reporting systems for improved project monitoring, oversight and implementation, we look forward to exploring your application and the unique qualities you bring to our dynamic team!

NRC

NRC is an independent humanitarian organisation helping people forced to flee. We provide assistance to meet immediate humanitarian needs, prevent further displacement, and support displaced people as they build a new future. Around 15,000 humanitarians work with the NRC. Most of us are hired locally to work in the field, and a small number are based at our head office in Norway, Oslo. Many of our colleagues were once themselves fleeing their homes. In 2022, we reached almost 10 million people across 40 countries.

NRC in Ukraine

NRC has been present in Ukraine since 2014. We provide life-saving assistance, such as food and basic relief items, to the most vulnerable. We have assisted hundreds of thousands of displaced people with legal aid and information on access to services, and we offer cash to people to repair damaged homes. Furthermore, we support schools to prevent a lost generation, ensuring that learning continues. The Core Competencies (CC) we work in are Shelter & Water; Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH); Education; Information Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA); and Protection. Since the escalation of the war in 2022, we have been continuously scaling up our response across the country.

Role Overview

The M&E TA is a foundational member of the AON Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Team, playing a dynamic role in supporting and reinforcing the effectiveness of NRC’s humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. Embodying the essence of an all-rounder, the M&E Technical Assistant adapts to various tasks with agility, supporting the team’s capacity for evidence-driven decision-making.

This role involves working closely with the team to support the development and coding of data collection tools, conducting periodic monitoring visits to project locations, and ensuring the integrity and accuracy of data collection. S/he contributes to the preparation of monitoring reports and preliminary analysis that catalyse programmatic learning and improvements. In addition, this position supports the accuracy of databases and aids in preparing data for visualisations.

Critical Interfaces

You’ll be joining a growing Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Team, working closely with an MEL Coordinator, an M&E Technical Officer (Information Management), an M&E Officer, and CC Technical Assistants who have an IM function.

At NRC Area Office North (Kyiv), you’ll be part of a diverse and highly motivated team of around 70 colleagues who are striving to make a positive difference in the vulnerable conflicted communities we work with.

What You’ll Do

As an M&E Technical Assistant, you will:

• Support Data Collection and Management: Work alongside the MEL Team to facilitate comprehensive data collection and contribute to the maintenance of databases. You’ll be involved in coding questionnaires, implementing data checks, and ensuring compliance with data security protocols.
• Conduct Monitoring/Learning Visits: Meet with project participants and carry Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and/or Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with various local stakeholders, including members of the community, representatives of community-based organisations, local government, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Assist in Reporting and Visualisation: Aid in compiling written reports that foster programmatic learning. Utilise your analytical skills to support data visualisation efforts, making complex information accessible and actionable.
• Enhance Data Systems: Collaborate in the development and upkeep of efficient and effective information management systems.
• Analysis and Interpretation: Engage in the descriptive analysis of datasets, interpret findings, and support the innovation of new reporting products tailored to a variety of stakeholders.
• Innovate and Collaborate: Recommend process improvements and support the integration of new technologies.
• Ensure Quality and Compliance: Ensure quality control of data, maintain timely backups, and adhere strictly to the NRC’s data protection policy.
• Support M&E Planning: Contribute to updating and maintaining M&E work plans and matrices, tracking indicators to align achievements with outlined targets.
• Facilitate Knowledge Sharing: Participate in sessions to review and interpret M&E data, ensuring clear communication and information flow between the M&E and programme teams.
• Document and File M&E Activities: Maintain and organise M&E-related documentation like monitoring reports and data collection methodologies, ensuring they are filed appropriately.
• Support Cross-functional Activities: Willingly take on a variety of tasks and responsibilities as needed to assist with team efforts and workstreams, ensuring smooth and efficient team and project progression.

Generic Professional Competencies You Will Bring

Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Human Rights, Law, or any related field from an accredited institution with 1-2 years of relevant professional experience.

We welcome applicants from all fields of study. Your diverse academic background should not deter you from applying if you are drawn to the vision of this position and can demonstrate the required technical and behavioural competencies.

(or)

A high school diploma/certificate with at least four years of relevant work experience
Technical Competencies You Will Bring/Be Willing to Learn

1. Microsoft Office Suite: Demonstrate proficiency in Excel for data organisation, analysis and visualisation; Word for efficient document creation and formatting; PowerPoint for designing impactful presentations; and utilise Teams for collaborative communication, as well as Outlook for effective email and calendar organisation.
2. Written and Analytical Skills: Showcase your ability to articulate complex concepts with clarity in writing. Employ strong planning abilities to organise work systematically and read critically to understand and interpret diverse informational materials effectively.
3. Data Tools: Be proficient or willing to quickly learn and apply tools such as Power BI, ArcGIS/QGIS, and Excel for map creation, data analysis and data visualisation (e.g., scatter plots, pie charts, bar graphs, line charts, heat maps, and histograms).
4. Qualitative/Quantitative Approaches: Demonstrate or develop familiarity with quantitative and qualitative research methods and analysis. Knowledge of, and experience of using mobile data collection tools, such as KoBoToolbox.
5. Collaborative Tools: Utilise collaborative and creative platforms like Miro for brainstorming, planning, and project mapping, enhancing team coordination and project visualisation.
6. Language Proficiency: Possess a strong command of English, NRC’s primary working language. Proficiency in Ukrainian and Russian is a must, aligning with the languages of the communities we support in Ukraine and enhancing our on-the-ground operations.
7. Reading and Comprehension Skills: Utilise strong reading skills to interpret, analyse and synthesise a variety of texts, extracting relevant information to inform technical discussions and strategy development.

Behavioural Competencies You Will Bring:

1. Analytical Mindset: Employ a logical approach to dissect complex issues, analyse data with attention to detail, and synthesise information for evidence-based decision-making.
2. Problem-Solving: Display innovative thinking and ‘out-of-the-box’ problem-solving capabilities while being open to new ideas and different approaches.
3. Resilience: Thrive in high-stakes environments, managing multiple tasks independently with strong organisational skills and the ability to meet tight deadlines.
4. Communication and Coordination: Articulate ideas clearly and coordinate efforts seamlessly, aligning actions with goals and bringing teams together.
5. Flexibility: Embrace changing circumstances with agility and a positive attitude, adjusting methods and strategies fluidly to meet new challenges.
6. Time Management: Prioritise tasks effectively, demonstrating punctuality and the capacity to deliver results within established timeframes.
7. Self-Motivated: Exhibit a proactive learning attitude, initiating actions without direction, and passionately improving data usability through innovative ideas.
8. Collaborative: Contribute to a supportive team environment, working together towards common goals and celebrating shared successes.
9. Positivity: Be a beacon of positive energy, uplifting colleagues practically and emotionally, while maintaining high ethical standards and professionalism.
10. Growth-Oriented Mindset: Commit to personal and professional growth, seeking and providing honest feedback, and approaching setbacks with a solution-oriented, reflective attitude.

Our Approach to Compensation

While we strive to be competitive, in the spirit of the humanitarian work we do, and given that most of our funding comes from global institutional donors on behalf of taxpayers, we do not offer salaries at the top end of the market. However, NRC salaries are informed by NGO pay market benchmarking and are subject to a yearly review.

At NRC, we believe that total compensation also includes work-life balance and positive well-being:

1. Social Protection: We enrol colleagues in a robust medical insurance program. This includes an opportunity for individual, confidential consultations with professional psychologists.
2. Paid Leave: Enjoy 24 days per year, in addition to public holidays, sick pay, and parental leave.
3. Pensions: Staff are affiliated with a pension scheme in line with local laws and systems.

Life at NRC?

We might not have Silicon Valley perks or a roller coaster in the office, but we offer an opportunity to be part of something meaningful:

Positive Impact: Enough said.
Culture: Our culture is candid, analytical, non-hierarchical, and agile. We strive to create a workplace where everyone can bring their authentic selves to work, feeling valued and respected. We balance the inclusivity of various cultures and experiences with upholding our core values of dedication, innovation, inclusivity, and accountability. We’re still learning, but we support each other and ensure we have fun along the way.
Voice: You can have a real say here. Through democratically elected staff representatives, you can raise concerns or issues to the senior management team, who actively advocate for positive change.
Learning & Development: We prioritise your ongoing development through training, coaching, and targeted learning programs. Our managers are invested in your success, working with you to excel in your current role and prepare for future challenges.

Hiring Process

Once you submit your application, our team will review your application and a rolling basis.

The overall hiring process consists of 3 stages and will take around 6-8 weeks. The prospective start date for this role is between 11th-25th March 2024.

We commit to informing all candidates of the outcome of their application within 10 days of the job advertisement closure. For those who reach the video interview stage and/or final stage, written feedback will be provided, regardless of the outcome of their application.

1. Candidates Submit Application (CV & Screening Questions)
   1. Please note that 2 screening questions, – instead of a cover letter – will be used to assess applications.
2. Self-Directed Video Interviews 
   1. Candidates will have 1 week to record/submit their interviews. Further guidance will be shared with shortlisted candidates.
3. Case Study Presentation & Final Interview (~1-1.5 hours)
   1. Finalists will have 10 days to prepare be given an in-person case study that reflects what the job will entail and be invited to the NRC Area North Office to present their case studies, learn more about the work we do, and ask us any questions they may have.
   2. Finalists will also take part in an online problem-solving game before their case study presentations.