FHI 360 is a global development organization, with a rigorous, evidence-based approach to human development. Our team of professionals includes experts in health, nutrition, education, economic development, civil society, environment and research. FHI 360 operates from 70 offices with 4400 employees in the United States and around the world. Our commitment to partnerships at all levels and our multi-disciplinary approach allows us to have a lasting impact on the people, communities and countries we serve by improving the lives of millions of them. We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Director for the anticipated USAID-funded Liberia Education Systems Strengthening Activity (the Activity). This position will be based in Monrovia and is contingent upon award.

Project description

The anticipated 5-year Liberia Education Systems Strengthening Activity, will work in partnership with the Ministry of Education (MOE) to address system-wide constraints and increase the MOE’s capacity to provide decentralized and inclusive education, monitor progress, and sustain improved learning outcomes for all children and youth. The activity will support the central MOE to improve education data, resource management, and accountability, and work to improve county-, district-, and school-level governance processes and systems in Montserrado, Margibi, Lofa, Nimba, Bong, and Grand Bassa counties. The activity will target education officials and professionals at the central, county, district, and school level with its capacity development interventions with the end goal of improving education outcomes for children and youth.

Job Summary

The Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Director will provide technical leadership and oversee the monitoring, evaluation and learning components of the anticipated project. S/he will lead the development of the MEL plan; design, implement, and maintain MEL systems and processes to capture program activities and results; and ensure the collection and analysis of quality, timely and valid data. S/he collaborates with the project team, partner organizations and government counterparts to support learning, evaluation and planning; oversee data analysis, dissemination, and use; and train MEL personnel. S/he reports on MEL data and develops strategies for project improvements for greater impact and sustainability. The MEL Director will build capacity of government counterparts and develop and implement a learning program to inform policy makers and other stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of the MEL plan for the Activity, including indicator selection and definition, target setting for all indicators, planning of all necessary data collection and analysis.
• Oversee and directly contribute to the development and implementation of M&E tools and systems to collect, interpret and aggregate data that track tangible, measurable progress toward project results and data that meet donor reporting requirements
• Develop and support the design and implementation of end of project evaluations, surveys and other components of the program M&E system.
• Develop high quality quantitative and qualitative methods and participatory methodologies to monitor program quality for performance and results; design appropriate feedback mechanisms to assess whether approaches implemented by the project are effective.
• Working closely with the COP, lead team of M&E officers and provide training to staff, primary stakeholders, and implementing partners on M&E components in project design; such as monitoring plan, assessments, reviews, surveys and evaluations.
• Provide ongoing oversight and technical assistance to consortium partners implementing monitoring and evaluation system, ensuring data and analysis are of high quality
• Contribute to collaborative, learning and adaptive approach throughout the entire project; design program learning plan, ensure that findings from all monitoring, assessment and survey activities are fed back into the project and disseminated to stakeholders and consortium partners for continuous program adjustments.
• Lead data systems strengthening efforts, building the capacity of government and other stakeholders
• Undertake periodic reviews of project MEL systems; provide guidance on for quality assurance, as well as best practices documentation and reporting.
• 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 qualitative findings, etc.
• Work collaboratively with members of FHI 360’s Research & Evaluation team to achieve project M&E goals.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; however a Master’s degree strongly preferred in monitoring and evaluation, education, international development, or related field from an accredited university.
• 8+ years of experience related to monitoring, evaluating and reporting on programs related to education in complex, resource-constrained settings
• Experience in design and implementation of M&E systems for USG-funded projects.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills and ability to articulate technical information clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated expertise in rigorous quantitative and qualitative research and analytical methods.
• Excellent report writing, analytical, and communication skills, including oral presentation skills.
• Demonstrated statistical analysis skills and use of relevant software (SAS, SPSS, Epi Info, Atlas).
• Experience in the education sector in Liberia or the region strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of US Government rules, regulations, policies and procedures regarding compliance and reporting on projects and programs.
• Fluent in English.

FHI 360 is an employer with equal opportunity and affirmative action. FHI 360 is committed to providing equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or veteran status in policies, programs, or activities.

This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

How to apply: Click the apply button below and register your account on the FHI360 Recruitment portal and apply. This position is open to all qualify candidates from all locations.