Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) Manager, USAID/Bosnia-Herzegovina Countering Ethno-Nationalism in BiH Activity

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Position Summary:

DT Global seeks a highly motivated and experienced individual interested in serving as the Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) Manager for the anticipated USAID/Bosnia-Herzegovina Countering Ethno-Nationalism in BiH Activity. The purpose of the activity is to address the issue of ethno-nationalistic divisions that are hindering the prosperous socio-economic development of the country by implementing memorialization initiatives that counterbalance one-sided narratives of the past, increasing youth’s resilience to divisive influences, and generating media and narratives that combat hateful rhetoric and promote shared values. The MERL Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day oversight and management of project MEL staff and for ensuring consistent learning, knowledge sharing, and results coordination throughout the program. The MERL Manager will serve as a technical resource for other program staff, including training and mentoring in activity-level MEL procedures and standards, providing quality control, and managing key MEL activities. This position will be based in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and the successful applicant must be willing to travel to other locations as required.

Citizens of Bosnia-Herzegovina are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

Please note this position is contingent upon donor funding and the contract award to DT Global.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead the project’s Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, Learning and Knowledge Management (MERL-KM) efforts, ensuring that lessons learned are documented and utilized to inform adaptive management approaches and build on program success.
•  Design and develop the project’s MERL-KM systems, developing USAID AMELPs, including establishing a learning agenda, refining indicators, setting targets for all indicators, and planning all necessary data collection and analysis.
• Support data analysis, especially qualitative analysis, and use it to promote evidence-based programming, provide timely feedback on project targets, work plan activities and objectives, and address gaps in programming.  
• Support colleagues on activity-level MEL efforts, ensuring quality and consistency across activities.
• Travel to field sites to conduct MEL activities, training, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions, for staff and partners.
• Lead monthly report writing and responding to any information requests from USAID, the larger USG, or other donors to ensure collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Lead and coordinate regular assessments for performance indicators and share findings and lessons learned to develop best practices for project staff and local partners.
• Manage and train project MEL staff and grantee MEL on MEL systems, indicators, data collection, and quality assurance.
• Conduct internal learning sessions with the team to reflect on data and best practices.
• Serve on any evaluation or research teams as a team member, as needed.

Education & Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in social science research or a related field is required; Master’s degree in social science is preferred.
• Experience with outcome-focused MEL systems and working with large amounts of qualitative data is required,
• Experience with quantitative data and producing high-quality basic descriptive statistics is required, but working in advanced statistics is preferred.
• Five to seven years of experience is required; MEL for peacebuilding, youth and social cohesion, and/or related programming is strongly preferred.
• Solid understanding of using data for decision-making and learning to remain adaptive is preferred.
• Solid understanding on social media and traditional media data analytics, such as understanding reach and engagement
• Experience managing and executing MERL activities for donor-funded and grant-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 analyze and synthesize information both orally and in writing.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Remote management experience is preferred.
• Proficiency with software such as MS Product Suite; familiarity with artificial intelligence platforms for qualitative analysis and qualitative software, such as MaxQDA, NVIVO, and/or Dedoose are highly desired.
• Deep understanding of MEL tools and ways to utilize data for decision-making.
• Fluency in USAID’s policies and procedures concerning MEL, human resources, financial management, financial reporting, procurement processes, systems, and grant management.
• Experience working in the region is required; experience working in Bosnia-Herzegovina is required.
• Written and oral fluency in English is required; fluency in the local language is preferred.

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 (dt-global.com) 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 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.