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
- Ability to translate complex data into clear management insights
- High level of integrity and accountability
- Ability to work independently while collaborating across teams
The ideal candidate is not simply a reporting administrator. Nepoworx is looking for someone who can own the M&E function, interrogate programme performance, identify risks early and ensure that every result reported to a funder can be supported by credible evidence.
A candidate who has previously worked on a Jobs Fund programme and understands the discipline required around beneficiary tracking, job outcomes, supporting evidence, reporting and verification will have a distinct advantage.
Pay: R20 000,00 - R24 000,00 per month
Work Location: In person
