Support Organization to Redesign Monitoring and Evaluation System
Activity/project background
Partner: Global Teachers Institute (GTI) (Local NGO)
The Global Teachers Institute (GTI) is a teacher development network of educators, schools and organizations in South Africa committed to developing high-quality teachers through school-based initial teacher education programs, international exchanges, and collaborative platforms.
To ensure that GTI effectively tracks progress, measures impact, and makes data-driven decisions, a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation plan that aligns with the objectives and goals of the Future Leader Program (FLP) – a two-year work integrated learning program that supports and offers professional development for teacher interns and mentors while they are placed in high-need African public schools – needs to be established and optimized. GTI is requesting the support of a Virtual Service Pilot Participant to analyze the M&E systems that GTI currently has, and provide support in updating their procedure, protocols, and policies to assist staff in ensuring best practices and providing thorough and reliable reports to sponsors.
Global Teachers Institute has not previously worked with a Peace Corps Volunteer or a Virtual Service Pilot Participant (VSP). They understand that the role of a VSPP is very different than a two-year Volunteer.
Virtual service engagement and tasks
The VSPP will engage in the following tasks, in collaboration with their Host Country Partners:
• Co-assess the current monitoring and evaluation practices in the FLP
• Co-design clear program outcomes and indicators that effectively capture the desired impact and results aligned with the objectives of the FLP
• Co-design a comprehensive framework that outlines the key components of the monitoring and evaluation process and data collection tools and systems to capture relevant information and indicators
• Train and mentor GTI staff in data collection and analysis
• Co-develop a structured reporting mechanism to share evaluation findings with relevant stakeholders
• Collaborate with GTI to utilize evaluation results to inform program improvements, strategic decision-making, and resource allocation.
This engagement is expected to be approximately 20 weeks. VSPPs are expected to engage on the tasks listed above for an estimated 5-15 hours per week.
Meetings between VSPPs and Host Country Counterparts will take place during normal office hours, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. South African standard time. Specific times will be determined during orientation.
The Host Country Counterpart will have access to Zoom, WhatsApp, and email for regular communication and collaboration.
Per the Child Protection Code of Conduct, when engaging online with minors (0-18), two adults must be present.
Optional additional activities
The Peace Corps mission is to promote world peace and friendship by fulfilling three goals:
- To help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.
- To help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.
- To help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.
Goal 1 will be achieved through the VSPP's engagement and completion of the above tasks. The counterpart and VSPP may also choose to identify an activity that aligns with Goal 2. Additionally, the VSPP may identify a Goal 3 activity to implement during their engagement. See recommendations and tools for Goal 3 activities.
Essential qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in any field
Experience:
• Experience in M&E
• Experience with developing M&E processes
Intercultural skills and motivation: Flexible, strong cross-cultural agility, high tolerance for ambiguity, able to work independently, resourceful, creative, and genuinely motivated and capable to serve virtually
Desired qualifications
Technical Skills:
• Familiarity with virtual engagement and communication
• Data collection and analysis
Experience: 3 years of experience in designing, implementing, and operating M&E tools and systems or related experience
Terms and conditions of engagement
VSPPs will be engaging with the host country partner, in coordination with Peace Corps post staff, remotely from the US. They should have access to a computer, internet, and telephone in order to enable direct engagement with the Peace Corps overseas office and the Host Country Counterpart assigned by the host country partner.
Orientation with the host country partner will be provided, within the designated virtual service hours, during the first week of virtual service via an online presentation and discussion. The host country partner will provide an overview of its organization, the local context, and how they envision collaborating with the VSPP.
The VSPP will have regular check-ins with their counterpart and bi-weekly check-ins with Peace Corps staff. Spending unstructured time with counterparts can be critical to relationship-building and is encouraged through activities such as coffee chats and informal calls within the weekly 5-15 hours.
Engagement-specific safety and security
The VSPP will receive an orientation on Peace Corps’ Child Protection Policy and how it relates to online engagement along with IT security best practices. The VSPP will be expected to follow safety and security guidelines for online engagement to ensure their safety and that of the Host Country Partner and their counterpart, and any beneficiaries of the engagement.
Supervision requirements
The VSPP will report to a designated Peace Corps staff member. The VSPP will be expected to abide by the Virtual Service Pilot Participant and Donation Agreement and Participant Principles of Engagement. The VSPP will also be expected to check in with the designated host country counterpart as assigned by the host county partner.
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