Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Specialists - Ethiopia

Job Description

Background:

SoCha, LLC is preparing a response for USAID/Ethiopia’s upcoming opportunity for MEL and Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) services under its expected Highlands Resilience Platform for Adaptive Learning (R-PAL) Activity. The R-PAL mechanism will include platforms and processes that streamline collaboration, communication, and knowledge management for over 25+ USAID partners working to increase household and community resilience to shocks in the Highlands regions of Ethiopia. The primary purpose is to lead learning within USAID’s Transitioning into Graduation through Enhanced Resilience (TIGER) Project.

To provide quality MEL services, we seek qualified MEL professionals at the senior, mid, and assistant levels to include in our consultant and long-term technical assistance provider database.

Scope of Work

Illustrative Functions of the Position

Exact reporting relationships will depend on the program design that SoCha delivers. Positions would frequently report directly to a Chief of Party, Project Director, Senior Technical Advisor, or similar position.

The MEL Specialist(s) will work with USAID/Ethiopia’s program and technical offices to:

• Optimize evaluation statements of work;
• Select evaluation methodologies;
• Oversee evaluations in any sector where USAID works;
• Provide MEL support to USAID and its implementing partners;
• Provide dedicated capacity building assistance in MEL operations and quality assurance;
• Conduct MEL trainings;
• Advise USAID and implementing partners on their MEL plans;
• Lead data quality assessments;
• Participate in Mission portfolio reviews;
• Oversee the advancement of learning agendas and evidence that improves USAID’s programs;
• Contribute data and insight from evaluations at learning events; and
• Provide other MEL technical support as needed.

We are Actively Seeking the CVs of Specialists with Experience in One or More of the Following Areas to be added to our pool of consultants for future opportunities, on both short and long term contracts:

• Performance Monitoring, including:

o Developing performance monitoring plans

o Designing and optimizing quantitative and qualitative indicators for international development projects

• Evaluations

o Designing or conducting performance or impact evaluations

o Mixing qualitative and quantitative methods

o Applying evaluation results to inform future programming

• Data Management

o Collecting and analyzing performance and financial data

o Developing GIS maps

o Data visualization

• Capacity Building in MEL

o Training monitoring and evaluation (M&E) professionals

o Coaching and mentoring local organizations in M&E methodologies

o Working with country evaluation associations to professionalize MEL

• Collaboration, Learning, and Adapting

o Coordinating with stakeholders

o Hosting learning events for international development partners

o Building institutional capacity and memory

o Incentivizing learning and sharing

o Facilitating learning events

• In addition to the categories above, subject matter expertise and research experience in the following sectors is also sought:

o Resilience

o Agriculture and Food Security

o Economic Growth

o Financial Literacy

o Market Systems

o Gender

o Youth Development

o Nutrition

o Global Climate Change

o Natural Resource Management

Minimum qualifications and experience

• An understanding of international development sectors (Resilience; Food Security; Economic Growth; Health; Environment; Education; Peace and Security; Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance; and/or Disaster Assistance) as well as cross-cutting themes (gender, OVC, youth, etc.).
• English language fluency, Amharic language skills desired.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• For Senior-level, an advanced degree and 7+ years experience with directly related experience in one or more of the areas outlined above (performance monitoring, evaluation, data management, capacity building, and/or learning).
• For mid-level, a university qualification in a related subject and between 3-7 years of directly related experience.
• For assistant level, a university qualification with demonstrated experience coordinating research or evaluation tasks, providing management consultation services in the international development industry, or organizing formal training programs.
• All openings will require a Bachelor’s degree or higher.
• Prior experience working with USAID preferred (including on USAID-funded work).
• Ethiopian national citizens with the above skills are encouraged to apply.
• Experience with USAID’s program cycle, CLA (collaborating, learning, and adapting) approach, and/or knowledge management preferred.

Location:

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (anticipated)

About the Organization

SoCha (a portmanteau of Social and Change) is an independent Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (ME&L) firm that provides bespoke solutions to social challenges. We are a veteran-owned small business, registered in the United States, and headquartered in Mauritius. SoCha is structured to be nimble and flexible, where we can rapidly respond to evaluative and analytical requests globally and have a well-established network across Africa and Asia. Since our inception in 2010, we have grown from a consortium of globally recognized experts who specialize in evaluating the effectiveness of development assistance, to a full-fledged ME&L services firm that specializes in advancing innovative methodologies and changing the way donors find solutions to social problems.