Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Advisor at FHI 360 | October 2024
Job Description
FHI 360 is a global development organization, with a rigorous, evidence-based approach to human development. Our team of professionals includes experts in education, health, nutrition, economic development, civil society, environment and research. FHI 360 operates from over 60 offices with more than 4,000 employees in the United States and around the world. Our commitment to partnerships at all levels and our multi-disciplinary approach allows us to have a lasting impact on the people, communities and countries we serve by improving the lives of millions.
We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Advisor for the anticipated USAID Tanzania Foundational Skills Activity. This position will be based in Dar es Salaam or Dodoma, Tanzania and is contingent on funder award of the project to FHI 360 and funder approval of the selected applicant in the position.
Project Description:
USAID Tanzania is planning a foundational skills activity to follow its (USAID’s) current Jifunze Uelewe project. No public information is available about this new activity yet; however, we expect it will focus on early grade reading, math and social-emotional skills, teacher professional development, local systems strengthening and community engagement. We anticipate a 4 to 5- year activity in the $25-50M range.
Position Description:
The MEL Advisor is responsible for establishing and managing the project’s overall monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) system and leading MEL staff to track all progress made towards meeting program/contract results, indicators, and targets, including impacts on access, retention, learning outcomes, community engagement, gender, and disability-inclusive measures, ensuring that they are being consistently and systematically documented, tracked and reported. The MEL Advisor collaborates with and oversees sub-grantees to provide feedback on data collection and indicators; analyzes data reported from sub-grantees; and supports training of MEL personnel in quality assurance methods. They will collaborate with the program team to design operations research to support learning, evaluation, and planning, and oversee the implementation, analysis, dissemination, and use of research products. The MEL Advisor shares MEL data and improvement plans and collaborates with staff and stakeholders on strategies for program improvements for greater program effects.
Job Summary/Responsibilities
Designs and oversees the monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities of the project; leads the design, development, planning, annual revisions, and implementation of the MEL plan and project evaluation activities, including the development and dissemination of tools, materials, reports, papers, and intervention-linked research
Develops systems for the timely collection, management, analysis, and reporting of valid and reliable data that meet donor reporting requirements
Works closely with the technical team to co-design monitoring tools, select indicators, and determine field monitoring responsibilities
Ensures tool compatibility and coordination within the MEL framework, and consistency with national and donor requirements
Leads the development of the project learning agenda, designs and implements learning activities and research studies
Focuses on strengthening the MEL system, building capacity of partners and staff, and improving alignment and support to host-country MEL systems
Co-coordinates the project’s Collaborating, Learning, Adapting (CLA) framework
Undertakes periodic reviews of program and/or country MEL systems, and participates in planning MEL system strengthening actions
Provides ongoing oversight and technical assistance to consortium partners in implementing monitoring and evaluation system, ensuring data and analysis are of high quality; coordinates knowledge sharing with the technical team
Provides guidance on information systems for quality assurance, as well as best practices for documentation and reporting
Ensures submission of datasets and other relevant reports and data to USAID knowledge management systems
Provides high quality and timely submission of all required project reports, including documentation of success stories, analysis of data for indicator calculation, summary of qualitative findings, etc.
Oversees the publication and dissemination of information on successful and promising approaches, lessons learned, and other program results to ministry counterparts, donors, program partners, and other key stakeholders
Required Qualifications
Master’s degree in evaluation, demography, social science, economics, or other relevant discipline
At least 12 years of experience related to monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on education or social-sector programs required; at least 5 years of MEL experience in the education sector preferred
Proficiency with relevant software (Excel, ODK/Kobo, PowerBi, Stata, SAS, SPSS, Epi Info, Atlas)
Demonstrated expertise in rigorous quantitative and qualitative methods, research, management information systems, reporting, data quality analysis and data analysis
Experience in design and implementation of MEL systems; with US Government-funded projects preferred
Experience with learning assessments, and particularly early grade reading assessments, strongly preferred
Expertise in education research and/or integrating gender equality and social inclusion into MEL systems
Experience with Collaborating, Learning and Adapting (CLA) Frameworks and related data utilization
Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with stakeholder counterparts, partners and FHI 360 HQ counterparts
Solid report writing, analytical, and communication skills, including oral presentation skills; ability to articulate technical information clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences
Solid facilitation skills for training enumerators, counterparts and project and partner staff; additional experience building the capacity of local partners preferred
Ability to collaborate effectively with program staff and supervise and develop junior staff
Experience in the education sector in Tanzania or the region strongly preferred
Oral and written fluency required in English
Oral and written fluency preferred in Kiswahili
This job description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.
We offer competitive compensation and benefits. Please visit the FHI 360 Career Center at http://www.fhi360.org/careers for a list of all open positions.
FHI 360 is an employer with equal opportunity and affirmative action. FHI 360 is committed to providing equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or veteran status in policies, programs, or activities.
This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.
FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.
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