Job Summary:
The Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Manager will report to the Deputy Programs Director (DPD) and will provide strategic direction for the development and implementation of USAID AFFORD’s MEL plan. They will also work with MEL specialists in countries with Mission buy-ins to support the design, implementation, and analysis of MEL activities.
Program/Practice/Department Overview:
The Advancing Food Fortification Opportunities to Reinforce Diets (AFFORD) program is designed to provide operational support to field Missions and other Operating Units (OUs) of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), contributing to the goals of the U.S. government Global Food Security Strategy (GFSS) through the implementation of programming aligned with USAID’s Large-Scale Food Fortification (LSFF) Results Framework. AFFORD seeks to safely and sustainably reduce micronutrient inadequacies and improve diets, particularly for women and children, through LSFF of staple foods and condiments.
Primary Functions & Responsibilities:
- Establish a framework, methodology, procedures, and responsibilities for MEL program performance in accordance with the logical framework and reporting requirements
- Plan and oversee MEL data collection and analyze such data to ensure relevancy and accuracy on a regular basis
- Lead the development of data capture, including visual data, for donor reports and coordinating with relevant team members as required
- Develop semi-annual progress reports for the donor, internal quarterly performance reports and other MEL presentations and graphics when required
- Implement systems to safeguard the collection and management of project data
- Undertake regular visits to the country sites to support training and implementation of MEL activities and to document project learning
- In collaboration with the Project Director and DPD, integrate MEL data into program planning and decision-making processes
- Develop a learning agenda and support a learning system for the project (collection, analysis, documentation, and dissemination)
- Organize reflection sessions (e.g., after-action reviews, learning to action discussions, etc) with project team members to capture lessons learned and best practices that can inform adaptive management and improved quality
- Integrate and manage an accountability feedback mechanism within ongoing MEL activities, and provide regular analysis based on feedback from project beneficiaries
- Share analyses and trends with project team members to help synchronize project work planning with MEL results
- Aggregate and share data for corporate metric tracking and reporting
- Train project and partner staff on MEL processes
- Advise on MEL resources needed for Mission buy-ins and oversee MEL activities in-country
- Coordinate with expanded country programs, both buy-ins and associate awards, to collect periodic data for reporting purposes
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree + 7 years relevant experience OR Master’s Degree + 5 years relevant experience
- 5 years of experience with MEL methods and approaches in an international development context, including designing, planning, and implementing MEL systems; analyzing and reporting using a logical framework; and other strategic planning approaches.
- Advanced proficiency with relevant data analysis software, including Microsoft Excel, SPSS, STATA, etc
- Familiarity with USG donor MEL and reporting requirements
Required Languages
- Fluency in English, verbal and written
Travel
- Ability to travel internationally up to 25%
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Ability to develop well written, cohesive analyses and reports
- Excellent data visualization skills
- Strong program solving and analytical skills
- Strong communication skills, including effective coordination with remote teams
- Knowledge of mobile surveys and tools (e.g., KoboToolbox)
- Demonstrable experience developing, managing, and analyzing large datasets is desirable
- Understanding of economic, nutrition or health metrics an advantage
