Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Specialist

Position Description

EnCompass LLC is seeking a Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialist to support the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Designing Effective eVidence-based Engagement and Learning for Organizational Performance (DEVELOP) project. The MEL Specialist supports performance monitoring, documentation of learning and reporting for DEVELOP.

The MEL Specialist provides performance management expertise and leads efforts to construct and strengthen DEVELOP’s theory of change. The MEL Specialist contributes to continuous improvement and adaptive management, and deepens DEVELOP’s approach to MEL. The MEL Specialist effectively supports (and sometimes leads) data collection and analysis, manages DEVELOP’s data management system and ensures data quality, facilitates project performance review sessions with staff and sub-contractors, and contributes to quarterly and annual reports.

This full-time role based in the Washington, DC metro area; however, the position can be remote within the US in states where EnCompass is currently registered. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the US for any employer without sponsorship.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

• Provide subject matter and technical expertise on all aspects of MEL and CLA (collaborating, learning, and adapting) efforts
• Lead the DEVELOP project MEL working group with integrated attention to MEL requirements
• Create and maintain a comprehensive, USAID-compliant project-wide MEL plan, and supports implementation of DEVELOP’s learning agenda
• Develop a robust performance indicator tracking system, data collection instruments and protocols, supervises data management and quality assurance, and analyzes and synthesizes data
• Prepare high quality reports and technical resources (may include publishing or presenting significant work)
• Design evidence use strategies and facilitate “learning from data” sessions across the project
• Build and maintain high quality feedback loops that facilitate collaborative implementation and adaptive management across all facets of DEVELOP’s work plan
• Interface/work with the designated USAID MEL POC(s) to advance lessons learned and best practices.

Technical Contributions:

• Support the informed selection of performance indicators, targets, and related performance indicator reference sheets
• Deliver technical support for valid, reliable, and complete data reporting across DEVELOP’s workstreams and buy-in mechanisms
• Provide appropriate evidence and analyses of DEVELOP’s data sources and lessons learned to support strategic project communications and storytelling
• Serve as a technical expert/professional resource for project staff by supporting their awareness and use of tools and tips that help to build their performance monitoring and data use skills.
• Contribute to MEL best practices across EnCompass by participating in communities of practice and through engagement with professional networks/associations

Other:

• Engages fully as a member of the EnCompass staff team, including participating in staff meetings and other EnCompass events
• Supervise MEL/CLA consultants/STTA as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Position Requirements

Academic Qualifications

• Minimum of a Master’s degree and five years of post-academic experience in international development or a related field. Academic training in a social science, data science, organizational/management studies and/or certification in evaluation methods a plus.

Experience and Skills

• Experience leading the development of meaningful theories of change and associated MEL and CLA strategies
• Experience leading the development of MEL technical designs and data collection tools, mixed methods data collection efforts, data analysis, and the preparation of high-quality reports
• Experience implementing USAID monitoring, evaluation, and learning initiatives strongly desired.  Familiarity with USAID policy and guidance with respect to monitoring and evaluation a plus
• Strong qualitative and/or quantitative evaluation skills, with a demonstrated ability to synthesize complex data streams using appropriate analysis software
• Ability to think strategically and integrate diverse information from varied sources; adept at identifying and framing problems, setting priorities, and making recommendations
• Ability to bring a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion lens to all MEL designs, data collection and interventions, and bring a gender equality and social inclusion lens to all products
• Ability to work in an appreciative, strengths-based environment and to model that approach for clients, colleagues and stakeholder
• Excellent management, organization, communication (verbal and written) and problem-solving skills with the ability to prioritize assignments and meet required deadlines
• Ability to confidently engage with staff at all levels to define needs and expectations, collaborate on projects and communicate results
• Skilled in word processing (WORD) and presentation (PowerPoint) software plus Google Suite, database management (e.g., Access), spreadsheets (Excel), and data analysis tools (e.g., Tableau, e.g., NVIVO) and Web-based platforms (e.g., Power BI)
• Excellent written (report writing) and oral communication (presentation) skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact with individuals at all levels