Senior Specialist, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEAL)

Oversight and Management of MEAL Activities (50%)

• Develop and Implement MEAL Plan: Develop, revise, ensure USAID approval of, and implement the MEAL Plan. Report on MEAL indicators quarterly and annual donor reports. Manage and ensure success of USAID Data Quality Assessments (DQAs) and other donor reviews. Coordinate and facilitate, with support from the project MEAL Officers, development of the project’s annual work plans, as well as the preparation of quarterly, semi-annual and annual reports—according to donor and SCI requirements.
• Database Development: Conceptualize the structure/format of a MEAL database for the USAID Learn to Read project. This position will ensure the development of a robust, cloud-based data management system that, in compliance with the USAID’s operational policy (Automated Directives System or ADS) requirements, will meet reporting, accountability, learning and adaptation needs. The data management system will include data capture, processing, reporting and quality check-points. The MEAL Senior Specialist will develop the instruments for data capture and ensure that these instruments work well with the database and the indicators and disaggregations as defined in the approved MEAL plan.
• Evaluation: Manage and support a rigorous evaluation of project performance, impact, and cost effectiveness conducted by an external organization. The evaluation will include a baseline study (Year 1), midterm (Year 3), and final evaluations (Year 5), as well as a rapid cycle evaluation (RCE) in Year 2.
• Cost Capture and Cost Effectiveness: MEAL support, quality assurance, and reporting on cost, expenditure, and dosage in coordination with the finance and technical teams to support an external cost effectiveness analysis.
• Fidelity of Implementation: Develop and manage tools and system to track fidelity of implementation to support project performance and the external evaluation.
• Performance Management and Accountability: Ensure, in collaboration with the DCOP and COP, MEAL evidence regarding project performance including implementation fidelity and impact are used for management decision-making and continuous performance improvement. Responsible for reporting on progress toward achieving the project targets, translating strategic information into improved programming and delivery of services. Responsible for providing accountability for use of resources, and supporting internal and external capacity for using M&E for education targets.
• MEAL Leadership: Responsible for providing overall leadership, supervision and guidance on MEAL activities, and facilitate MEAL strategy implementation in support of two sub-awardees and SC staff—with assistance from the project MEAL Officers.
• Quality Project Documents: Ensure, with support of the MEAL Officers, that all project MEAL documents, data, and other information required for program strategic planning and reporting are documented, prepared and submitted on time and in compliance with the requirements of USAID.
• Management: Provide oversight, with support and guidance of the project Finance Director and COP, of MEAL budget and ensure effective and timely utilization for the appropriate MEAL activities.

As a member of the Senior Management Team, contribute to (20%):

• Supporting the development of an organizational culture that reflects our full spectrum values, promotes accountability and high performance, encourages a team culture of learning, creativity and innovation, and frees up our people to deliver outstanding results for children and excellent customer service for our members and donors
• Supporting the design and implementation of a coherent organizational structure that is consistent with agency practices and appropriate to program needs
• Supporting establishment of protocols, incentives and coordination, to ensure clarity and efficiency in how each team will work together within Laos and other Save the Children offices
• Supporting the establishment, maintenance, and improvement of an active and regular working relationships with: Lao PDR government authorities, partner agencies, USAID, and local and international NGOs

Staff Management, Mentorship, and Development (20%):

• Provide supervision, mentorship and professional development to SC MEAL staff, so that they have the required capacity to undertake their responsibilities.
• Identify training needs and participate in the development and implementation of training materials and courses for partner organizations as related to monitoring and evaluation (M&E).
• Recruit and manage the USAID Learn to Read MEAL team at the national and provincial levels
• Ensure clear succession plans are prepared and implemented
• Manage MEAL team; define expectations, provide leadership and technical support as needed, and evaluate direct reports regularly
• Incorporate staff development strategies and Performance Management Systems into team building process. Establish result based system and follow up.
• Manage the performance of all staff in the Program Implementation work area through: 
• Effective use of the Performance Management System including the establishment of clear, measureable objectives, on-going feedback, periodic reviews and fair and unbiased evaluations;
• Coaching, mentoring and other developmental opportunities;
• Recognition and rewards for outstanding performance;
• Documentation of performance that is at standard and above and less than satisfactory, with appropriate performance improvements/ work plans

Internal and External Engagement (10%):

• As part of CLA strategy, coordinate and facilitate learning events and ensure alignment of learning objectives and results to key priorities of government and other key stakeholders.
• Serve as a key expert and primary contact for M&E strategies and implementation for this program.
• Provide advice, guidance, and coordination to SC, the Ministry of Education & Sports (MOES), and other collaborating organizations in the implementation and strengthening of M&E systems for the education program activities supported by USAID.
• Participate and provide input on M&E issues at technical, policy and strategic planning meetings, including meetings with partners, local government and USAID.