Senior Evaluation Specialist, Mali Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Platform, Bamako, Mali

Overview

Social Solutions International, Inc. (Social Solutions), is a Hispanic- and woman-owned firm consulting firm dedicated to the creation of solutions to improve the health and well-being of underserved populations worldwide. Since 2005, we have worked in more than 70 countries to provide quality monitoring and evaluation; training and technical assistance; program development and implementation; and institutional support services. We are a mission-driven organization and were named the top USAID women-led business partner in 2018.

Social Solutions is seeking a Senior Evaluation Specialist for the upcoming five-year monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) platform (the Platform) to support the USAID mission in Mali. The purpose of this project will be to provide technical and advisory services to design and carry out various monitoring, evaluation and learning activities for USAID/Mali. This project will have three major components: 

1. USAID/Mali monitoring support through a Third-Party Monitoring (TPM) mechanism; 
2. Evaluation Services and Surveys; and 
3. Collaborating, Learning and Adaptive Management (CLA) and Communication Services. 

The MEL Platform will assist USAID/Mali and its partners to generate empirical data and to foster learning and knowledge management through a participatory process in order to support stronger results and improve evidence-based programming. These efforts will facilitate informed program management decisions, shape the longer-term strategic direction of programs and decision-making within the Mission. 

**Please note: All citizens are eligible for this position**

Overview of the Position

The Senior Evaluation Specialist will be the lead on all evaluation/survey activities. Therefore, they shall have knowledge and experience in performance and impact evaluation designs, methodologies and practical applications, including baseline data collection methodologies. The Senior Evaluation Specialist will be responsible for overseeing and coordinating all activities related to evaluation services and for ensuring production and completion of quality reports, in conformance with this SOW and all evaluation requests. They must ensure that all additional technical personnel for individual activities must have the appropriate technical knowledge and expertise on monitoring and evaluation related to their technical areas. This is a full-time position contingent upon donor award.

Responsibilities

The Senior Evaluation Specialist will work at the direction of the Chief of Party and work closely with the other members of the Platform team. The main responsibilities of this position include:

• Provide leadership for – and ensure quality of – the design, management, and implementation of performance and impact evaluations, analyses, population-based surveys and assessments.
• Support the design of performance and impact evaluation methodologies, development of participatory data collection methods and protocols, quantitative and qualitative analyses, and utilization of data quality verification techniques.
• Ensure the inclusion of gender dimensions in evaluations.
• Ensure adequate oversight of evaluation-related task orders under MMEMS.
• Lead/oversee the drafting and finalizing of evaluation reports. 
• Ensure evaluations are conducted consistent with USAID evaluation policies.
• Ensure all work is performed professionally and ethically while promoting a cohesive, positive working environment.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in international affairs, social science, or a related field. 
• At least eight (8) years of relevant prior experience evaluations preferably in Africa.
• At least five (5) years of project management experience.
• Previous experience managing data collection sub-contractors.
• Strong communication, writing and interpersonal skills. 
• Previous professional work experience supporting development or humanitarian assistance programs in the Sahel is preferred. 
• Familiarity with USAID’s objectives, approaches and operations, particularly as they relate to evaluations is preferred.
• At least Professional Working Proficiency in English.
• At least Professional Working Proficiency in French.

Equal Employer

Social Solutions offers competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits. Please submit your resume online at www.socialsolutions.biz.

Social Solutions is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.