USAID TAPS Monitoring Evaluation and Learning Specialist Office of Country Implementation

REFS Feed The Future - Office of Country Implementation

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialist

Background and Introduction:

Jefferson Solutions was awarded a five-year contract to provide technical, administrative, and programmatic support to the Bureau for Resilience, Environment, and Food Security (REFS). Through REFS, USAID works to advance inclusive agriculture-led growth, resilience, nutrition, and water security, sanitation and hygiene initiatives in priority countries around the world to help them accelerate and protect development progress.

The Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialist will conduct robust research, analysis, and technical engagement in support of their Office or Center objectives. They will conduct monitoring, evaluation and learning of RFS-related programs and activities, may collect and analyze data and develop decision support software, service, or products. The MEL Specialist will provide all functions needed to support Bureau or Operating Unit leadership and teams to operate effectively, and to meet overall objectives.

Position Summary:

The MEL Specialist will support day-to-day functions of the Technical Supervisor to which they are assigned for day-to-day work assignments. Daily activities will include aspects of program assistance and coordination, knowledge management, communications and outreach, budget formulation and monitoring, MEL, policy analysis, gender analysis, and program management.

Description of Role:

The Feed the Future Office of Country Implementation (FTF-OCI) offers technical expertise and assistance to field missions, the Bureau, and other stakeholders for regional and country strategic planning and programmatic implementation for USAID's investments in agriculture, resilience, nutrition, and water; in line with the Global Food Security Strategy. FTF-OCI works closely with other Bureau offices and centers to analyze performance data and disseminate learning. FTF-OCI also incorporates state-of-the-art approaches and innovations into country programs.

The MEL Specialist is a member of the Africa Division within FTF-OCI. The MEL Specialist is part of a team of MEL TAs and Specialists that provide technical assistance to support USAID's Missions' performance monitoring needs and systems for investments in resilience, agriculture, nutrition, and water, and manage the oversight of programmatic performance at the country level for Feed the Future. Travel is not a requirement for this position; however, the MEL Specialist may be asked to travel and provide in-person MEL support to USAID Missions.

Key Responsibilities:

Research and Analysis

• Contribute to or conduct the collection, aggregation, synthesis, analysis, and interpretation of data
• Contribute to or conduct quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods analyses and assess reporting data
• Review research, surveys, and or evaluation reports and make recommendations to improve quality
• Conduct review of data in the Development Information Solution (DIS) system

Program Monitoring, Evaluation, and Assessment

• Contribute to the design and review of monitoring and evaluation studies and plans including Performance Management Plans (PMPs) and Activity MEL Plans (AMELPs)
• Contribute to the review, evaluation, and assessment of programs designed by implementing partners, contractors, and research partners as appropriate

Presentation of Findings and Recommendations

• Contribute to the synthesis of evaluations and monitoring results and their presentation through written documents and oral presentations
• Provide input to and assist in the preparation of evaluation findings, reports, and articles for appropriate audiences

Technical Assistance

• Remain up-to-date and provide guidance on Bureau, Agency, and Federal policies affecting REFS programs and MEL activities
• Provide technical assistance for assessing, measuring, and/or evaluating programs, processes and/or policies
• Provide guidance to program and Mission staff to guide MEL activities
• Support development and management of data collection and aggregation systems

Collaboration, Communication, and Administration

• Collaborate with staff and contribute to efforts to support Mission program, project, and activity monitoring
• Contribute to evaluation projects/studies with other program and technical staff
• Develop templates and support preparation of PowerPoint slide decks, fact sheets, briefers, talking points, blog posts, newsletters and other communications materials in support of REFS activities
• Provide logistical support to organize meetings, schedule conference rooms as necessary and ensure proper equipment and materials are available for meetings at least one day prior
• Capture and distribute meeting minutes, summaries of conclusions, and action items

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree and a minimum of three years of professional experience (to include internships)
• In lieu of a Bachelor's degree may substitute an Associate's degree plus a minimum of 8 years' experience or a High School Diploma and 10 years' experience
• Ability to obtain a USAID facility access (Public Trust) clearance
• Experience using statistical software, programming languages, or other analytical platforms (e.g. Tableau, R, Python, STATA)
• Excellent oral, interpersonal, and written communications skills to effectively interact with government clients, high-ranking officials, and other stakeholders
• Strong prioritization and organization skills with keen attention to deadlines
• Understanding of metrics, indicators, data, data integrity
• Excellent anticipatory skills and proactive approach to work
• Positive and professional attitude and demeanor
• Detail-oriented and interested in producing quality work products
• Proficiency in Google Suite of products
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite of products including excel, word, and PowerPoint
• Experience with USAID, USG or other related organizations is a plus