FHI 360 is seeking an experienced Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Director to lead and manage the Backbone Support and Learning Contract. As a coordination, collaboration and learning platform, the Backbone Support and Learning program will contribute to all aspects of the RISE II results framework. In addition, it will make a central contribution to the RISE II transformative outcome of “Enhanced capacity to learn and adapt among beneficiaries, local partners and partner governments.” This position is contingent upon contract award. The expected period of performance is an estimated 5 years (duration of the program). This position will be based in West Africa (Niger or Burkina Faso).
The MEL Director will play a lead role in the design and implementation of a comprehensive MEL plan with appropriate indicators, implementing systems to safeguard the collection and management of program data, and recommending changes to annual work plans or data collection techniques as needed. S/he will also train staff and partners and liaise with USAID on MEL reporting requirements, project learning strategies and protocols for modifying the MEL plan. S/he will work closely with local partners to coordinate local data collection in the field and contribute to the development of monthly and quarterly performance reports.
- Manage and coordinate implementation of monitoring, evaluation and learning and research intervention for the project.
- Work closely with the Knowledge Management Director
- Prepares reports and papers summarizing results.
- Supervise and provide guidance to relevant project staff.
- Lead development of quality assurance systems for the project to ensure data quality.
- Ensure appropriate data collection tools and systems are in place and are being used correctly by staff and partners to collect required and accurate data for performance, monitoring, evaluation and learning.
- Oversee and guide development of the project’s management information system and database.
- Prepare and review program performance monitoring plan (PMP) as required by the funder.
- Operationalize the PMP, including data collection and verification and prepare project performance and data reports as required.
- Identify MEL technical assistance (TA) needs of partners, facilities and/or government counterparts and provide/organize TA through training, mentorship, and/or on-site supervision.
- Participate in program monitoring visits/forums with other project staff as necessary.
- Ensure all relevant project staffs are aware of and adhere to funder and government monitoring, evaluation and learning, and reporting guidelines and requirements.
- Assist in coordinating with stakeholders (national, international and donor) in various phases of the project (from MEL system development to reporting and dissemination) to ensure that the project fulfills its MEL requirements. This includes working with other entities involved in information systems to ensure the quality of data.
- Continuously review and analyze collected data and advise program management on needed program revisions.
- Primarily responsible for reporting on project outputs and for ensuring quality of interventions at all levels.
- Contribute to progress reports for the funder and other program deliverables as required.
- Advise and promote best practices in data management and M&E among project staff and partners.
- Serve as key contact person to liaise with the FHI HQ Strategic Information division.
- Provide timely information/data about products, consumer behavior, targets and promotional campaign.
- Write study designs for all surveys conducted by or for FHI 360.
- Advise Staff on field work planning and questionnaire designing for quantitative and qualitative work.
- Develop and review questionnaires required for data collection.
- Participate in workshops/meeting and present research findings conducted.
- Perform other related duties as assigned by supervisor.
- A minimum of 6 years of relevant professional experience managing monitoring, evaluation, and learning for complex development activities.
- Minimum of 10 years of overall experience in international development
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with communities, civil society, local government representatives and other stakeholders.
- Demonstrated expertise in the design and implementation of rigorous quantitative and qualitative research studies, rapid appraisals, etc., and methods for data analysis.
- Experience in knowledge management and dissemination of research findings.
- Proficiency in SPSS, Excel, Word and other MS Office software.
- Excellent report writing, analytical and communication skills, including oral presentation skills.
- Knowledge of MEL issues and indicator development for system strengthening/capacity building.
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate monitoring, evaluation and learning processes across multiple technical offices, local stakeholders and geographic regions.
- Experience with complex monitoring and evaluation procedures as well as with complexity-aware monitoring and evaluation models is desired.
- Ideally, the candidate will also have worked on USAID or other donor programs and be familiar with USAID’s approach to monitoring, evaluation and learning.
- Required to have strong oral and written communication and presentation skills in French.
- Past work experience in West Africa (preferably Niger and Burkina Faso).
Availability of position is contingent upon award to FHI 360. Selection of final applicant is subject to USAID approval.