Monitoring & Evaluation Fellow | Solar Sister | Location – 2024

Monitoring & Evaluation Fellow | Solar Sister | Location – 2024

About the Organization:

Established in 2009, Solar Sister trains, recruits, and supports women entrepreneurs across rural Africa to kickstart clean energy businesses. Our mission is to create a pathway to prosperity for women entrepreneurs, engender climate resilience, and eradicate energy poverty in rural and vulnerable communities. We envision a more equitable, prosperous, and sustainable world powered by women entrepreneurs. Today, the Solar Sister model has been implemented in war-torn regions and has supported women from all backgrounds, including people with disabilities, internally displaced persons, and refugees, empowering more than 10,000 women entrepreneurs.

Solar Sister Website

Fellowship Description:

The Monitoring & Evaluation Fellow plays a pivotal role in our organization with two core responsibilities during the fellowship:

1. Assist in designing and implementing M&E activities, data collection and analysis, and knowledge management.
2. Design and complete an analysis of one of Solar Sister’s support programs to understand its scope, efficiency, and outcome which will include:
   • Supporting the design and implementation of data collection tools related to the program including interviews and surveys.
   • Developing an internal report on the outcomes for contribution to the organization’s learning agenda objectives.

There may be administrative tasks required related to these tasks above, and other small duties may be assigned.

Qualifications:

• Ability to work independently on self-led projects with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Experience in data analysis and reporting, especially related to grant-funded project reporting and monitoring.
• Proficiency in MS Office and Google Workspace, especially Excel/Google Sheets.
• Knowledge of M&E concepts, methods, tools, and best practices.

Time Commitment: 30 hours/week

SAMPLE COVER LETTER FOR A MONITORING & EVALUATION FELLOW

[Hiring Manager’s Name]

[Organization’s Name]

[Organization’s Address]

[City, State, Zip]

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the Monitoring & Evaluation Fellow position at Solar Sister as advertised. With a background in [relevant field or experience], I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the impactful work Solar Sister is doing in empowering women entrepreneurs across rural Africa.

Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a strong ability to [mention relevant skills or experiences], which I believe align well with the responsibilities of the Monitoring & Evaluation Fellow role. My experience in [specific tasks or projects related to M&E] has equipped me with the necessary skills to [mention how your experience aligns with the role requirements].

I am particularly drawn to Solar Sister’s mission of [mention mission or values of the organization], and I am eager to contribute to the organization’s goals of [mention specific goals or objectives]. I am confident that my [mention relevant skills or experiences] make me a strong candidate for this position, and I am excited about the opportunity to further discuss how I can contribute to Solar Sister’s success.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing this exciting opportunity with you further.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

HOW TO BE A SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT FOR THE MONITORING & EVALUATION FELLOW POSITION

1. Understand the Role: Familiarize yourself with the responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job description to ensure alignment with your skills and experience.
2. Highlight Relevant Experience: Showcase your experience in data analysis, reporting, and knowledge of M&E concepts to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
3. Tailor Your Application: Customize your cover letter and resume to emphasize how your background aligns with the requirements of the Monitoring & Evaluation Fellow position at Solar Sister.
4. Showcase Your Independence: Highlight instances where you have successfully worked on self-led projects with attention to detail and accuracy.
5. Demonstrate Proficiency: Emphasize your proficiency in MS Office and Google Workspace, especially Excel/Google Sheets, as well as your ability to work with data analysis tools.
6. Research Solar Sister: Familiarize yourself with Solar Sister’s mission, values, and recent initiatives to demonstrate your genuine interest in the organization.
7. Prepare for Interviews: Anticipate questions related to your experience in M&E, data analysis, and project management, and be prepared to provide specific examples of your work.
8. Ask Questions: During the interview process, ask thoughtful questions about the role, the organization, and its impact to demonstrate your engagement and interest.
9. Follow Up: Send a thank-you email after each interview to express your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the position.
10. Stay Positive: Maintain a positive attitude throughout the application process and be resilient in the face of challenges or setbacks.

Possible Monitoring & Evaluation Fellow Interview Questions With Answers:

1. Can you walk us through your experience with monitoring and evaluation in previous roles?Answer: In my previous role at [Company Name], I was responsible for designing and implementing M&E frameworks for various projects. I conducted regular data analysis to assess program effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
2. How do you ensure accuracy and attention to detail in your work? Answer: I prioritize thoroughness in all aspects of my work, double-checking data and documentation to minimize errors. I also seek feedback from colleagues and supervisors to ensure accuracy.
3. Can you provide an example of a challenging data analysis project you’ve worked on? Answer: During my time at [Company Name], I was tasked with analyzing a large dataset to evaluate the impact of a community development project. Despite facing complex data issues, I successfully completed the analysis and presented actionable insights to stakeholders.
4. How do you handle tight deadlines and multiple projects simultaneously? Answer: I excel in fast-paced environments and prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance. I leverage organizational tools and effective time management techniques to ensure timely completion of projects.
5. How do you communicate M&E findings to non-technical stakeholders? Answer: I use clear and concise language to convey complex data findings to non-technical audiences, supplementing presentations with visual aids such as graphs and charts to enhance understanding.
6. What strategies do you employ to ensure data integrity and confidentiality? Answer: I adhere to strict data management protocols and implement encryption and access controls to safeguard sensitive information. Regular audits and reviews help ensure data integrity and compliance with privacy regulations.
7. How do you stay updated on emerging trends and best practices in monitoring and evaluation?Answer: I regularly participate in professional development opportunities such as webinars, workshops, and conferences to stay abreast of industry trends and advancements in M&E practices.
8. Can you describe a time when you had to resolve a disagreement or conflict within a team?Answer: In a previous project, there was a disagreement regarding the interpretation of M&E data. I facilitated open dialogue among team members, clarified misunderstandings, and ultimately reached a consensus on the best course of action.
9. How do you prioritize M&E activities to ensure alignment with organizational goals? Answer: I collaborate closely with stakeholders to identify key performance indicators and establish clear priorities based on organizational objectives. Regular communication and feedback loops help ensure that M&E activities remain aligned with overarching goals.
10. How do you approach designing data collection tools for M&E purposes? Answer: When designing data collection tools, I start by clearly defining the objectives of the evaluation. I then select appropriate methods and instruments, ensuring they are tailored to capture relevant data. Iterative testing and refinement are crucial to developing effective tools that yield meaningful insights.

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    We wish you the best in your application process. Solar Sister is committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races and backgrounds in our continued effort to become a better development partner. We are an equal employer and do not charge any application/recruitment fee, whether refundable or not.