Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning Manager – USAID/Civic DEFENDERS

DT Global is shaping a future where sustainable development and innovation empower individuals, communities, and nations. We work in partnership with local stakeholders to foster inclusive prosperity, social equity, and environmental stewardship. Our global team of 2,500 staff and experts work in over 90 countries to solve complex problems in the peacebuilding, governance, economic development, environment, and human development sectors. With a track record of technical excellence and more than 60 years of international development experience and relationships, we deliver innovative solutions that transform lives.

Purpose:

DT Global is seeking a Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning Manager for the anticipated USAID-funded Civic DEFENDERS (Digital Freedom Enabling Networks to Defend Rights and Security) Activity. Civic DEFENDERS will be a global program that supports local civil society, independent media, and human rights defenders to better prevent, mitigate, and respond to digital repression in their own contexts, particularly in closed and closing spaces. Civic DEFENDERS will focus on building long-term, local resilience among civil society and independent media through a networked approach involving global, regional, and local actors. The activity will likely provide technical assistance on digital security, digital governance advocacy and engagement, and censorship circumvention and anonymity tools.

Position Summary:

The MERL Manager will be responsible for day-to-day oversight and management of project MEL staff, as well as ensuring consistent learning, knowledge sharing, and results coordinating throughout the activity cycle. The MERL Manager will have demonstrated ability to work in complex environments, remote operating contexts, and management of diverse teams, with a demonstrated commitment to quality, compliance, and timeliness. The MERL Manager must possess the intellectual, communications, leadership, and managerial skills necessary to develop, articulate and assist implementation of the program.

The MERL Manager will report to the Chief of Party (COP). This position will be based in Washington, DC; considerations for alternate locations will be made on a case by case basis. Recruitment is contingent upon successful award of the project, and selection of final applicant is subject to USAID approval.

Responsibilities:

• Design and develop the project’s MERL systems including establishing a learning agenda, refining indicators, setting targets for all indicators, planning of all necessary data collection and analysis.
• Oversee and directly contribute to the development and implementation of MERL tools and systems to improve ability to collect, interpret and aggregate data that track tangible, measurable progress toward project results and the attainment of project objectives.
• Support data analysis and data use to promote evidence-based programming and provide timely feedback in relation to project targets, work plan activities and objectives, and address gaps in programming.  
• Develop and adapt MERL tools to meet program needs, which may include observation tools survey instruments.
• Liaise with USAID on the design of MERL tools and on modifications to the MERL system.
• Oversee one or more MERL officers and provide training to staff, primary stakeholders, and implementing partners on MERL components in project design, such as the monitoring plan, assessments, reviews, surveys, and evaluations.
• Oversee the application of Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) principles to inform program adaptive management, for innovative and effective programming.
• Design program learning plan; engage staff, government, partners, USAID, and other key stakeholders in identifying project learning opportunities.
• Oversee the publication and dissemination of information on successful and promising approaches, lessons learned and other program results to program partners, donors, government counterparts, and other key stakeholders.
• Provide high quality and timely submission of all required project reports, including documentation of success stories, analysis of data for indicator calculation, summary of learning agenda findings.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience required in economics, management, public policy and administration, finance, development administration or any related field.
• S/he has at least eight years of relevant professional experience in monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning.
• Experience managing and executing MERL activities for donor-funded programs, including experience leading MERL teams in large international development programs and prior experience conducting quantitative and qualitative research in field-based positions.
• Demonstrated ability to use MERL findings to inform adjustments to program in order to maximize project effectiveness.
• Demonstrated understanding of CLA and USAID evaluation policy and reporting guidelines.
• Experience coordinating with governments, ministries and/or local NGOs, as well as local communities, for design and implementation of surveys and other data collection techniques, including those that address capacity weaknesses, preferred.
• Experience with all necessary computer, database, statistical software, and analytical skills, particularly in issues related to monitoring and evaluation.
• Fluency in USAID’s policies and procedures concerning human resources, financial management, financial reporting, procurement processes, systems, and grant management.
• Personnel and resource management, coordination, and decision-making skills along with an ability to troubleshoot.
• Demonstrated leadership, flexibility, and resourcefulness in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing and implementing projects remotely and in insecure environments.
• Fluency in written and spoken English required; language proficiency in Spanish, Russian, or Arabic preferred.
• Must have the legal right to work and live in the United States.

Core Competencies:

TEAMWORK: Works cooperatively and effectively with others to achieve common goals. Participates in building a culture characterized by inclusion, trust and commitment.  

COMMUNICATION: Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts professionally. Demonstrates effective use of listening skills and displays openness to other people's ideas and thoughts.  

ADAPTABILITY: Adjusts planned work by gathering relevant information and applying critical thinking to address multiple demands and competing priorities in a changing environment.  

CUSTOMER/CLIENT FOCUSED: Anticipates, monitors and meets the needs of customers and responds to them in an appropriate and responsive manner.  

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION: Conveys respect for diverse individuals and perspectives; models inclusive behavior and treats everyone fairly.  

PROFESSIONALISM: Displays appropriate and ethical behavior, integrity and personal presentation in the workplace always; demonstrates respectful communication for others, both verbal and non-verbal.  

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

DT Global, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or national origin. DT Global, LLC prohibits discriminating against employees and job applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose the compensation of the employee or applicant or another employee or applicant.