Job Description

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Manager

Improved Basic Education in the Kyrgyz Republic

World Learning is a leading international non-profit organization advancing education, systems strengthening, and inclusive development through programming around the world. We are seeking an experienced Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Manager for the anticipated USAID-funded funded Improved Basic Education in the Kyrgyz Republic program, focused on improving early grade learning outcomes in the Kyrgyz Republic for 300,000 students in grades one through four, giving children a better foundation for educational achievement.

The MEL Manager will be responsible for designing and overseeing the implementation of the project’s MEL system and Collaboration, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) processes in close coordination with technical and programmatic staff. As part of the program’s senior leadership team, the MEL Manager will lead the overall learning agenda of the program, working closely with partners and other internal and external stakeholders.

Recruitment is contingent upon successful award of the project. Interested candidates should submit their CV or resume and cover letter (in English) to: recruitment@worldlearning.org. Please include the post title on the subject line as well as a note in the email body explaining your qualifications for the position. Only finalist candidates will be contacted. No telephone enquiries please. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis and qualified candidates should apply as soon as possible.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of the program’s M&E framework and information systems to track delivery against program targets, outcomes, and impacts, including clearly defined objectives, indicators, learning mechanisms, and the implementation of appropriate M&E procedures;
• Prepare and ensure timely submission of project performance monitoring plans, including developing and defining program indicators and sources of data, and contribute to annual work plans, quarterly and annual reports, and other project documents;
• Lead design and implementation of robust CLA approaches and processes; ensure use of existing evidence to promote improvements, collaboration, learning, and adaption, and identify solutions to promote data-based decision making among program and technical staff;
• Develop and oversee research components related to the project as needed;
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field;
• A minimum of 6 to 8 years of experience designing and implementing monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) systems for USAID-funded projects related to basic education, education achievement, instructional quality, and/or systems strengthening; experience managing MEL activities for projects of similar size and scope, preferably in the Kyrgyz Republic or the region
• Knowledge and prior experience with standard educational measurement approaches, such as early grade reading assessment (EGRA), early grade mathematics assessment (EGMA), and other measurement approaches on literacy and numeracy, as well as measurement of teacher training and capacity building is highly desirable;
• A strong understanding of and/or prior experience working in programs with a focus on improving education systems is highly desirable;
• Demonstrated expertise and an in-depth understanding of qualitative and quantitative research design, as well as prior experience of analyzing qualitative and quantitative datasets; prior experience using SPSS, STATA, NVivo, Atlas.ti, or other equivalent packages;
• Prior experience leading, designing, managing, and/or commissioning performance and outcome evaluations and other types of research, preferably in the field of education;
• Experience leading MEL and CLA implementation for basic education, formal and informal educational, and/or systems strengthening programs highly desirable;
• Ability to work across various teams with excellent interpersonal skills, with demonstrated ability to build consensus and navigate complex operating environments;
• Professional level of verbal and written fluency in English as well as in Kyrgyz and/or Russian; Kyrgyz Republic Nationals preferred;
• Commitment to the principles of inclusive approaches to programming that encourages full participation of individuals regardless of gender, disability status, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or other marginalized status.

World Learning is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action/veterans/ADA employer, committed to increasing the diversity of its workforce.

About the Organization

Why World Learning

Eighty years ago, a group of young Americans sailed to Germany on a cultural exchange program. They returned home with lifelong friendships, a broader understanding of the world, and the ability to empathize with people from other cultures. This was the beginning of The Experiment in International Living. It was also the beginning of World Learning.

The Experiment in International Living is still a vibrant part of World Learning today. But as global needs have grown, World Learning has grown too. Today World Learning operates the SIT graduate school, study abroad programs, and leads international development and civic activism programs throughout the world.

In 60 countries with an annual budget of $145 million, World Learning empowers people and strengthens institutions that help people learn, grow, and thrive.

Nobel Peace Prize winners and heads of parliament have earned master’s degrees at our School of International Training. College students spend a semester abroad in our Study Abroad program. Judges, police officers and other community leaders hone their skills through our international exchanges. Activists in Myanmar learn community organizing through our international development program.