Embedded Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist – MoE

Introduction

Creative Associates International is a dynamic and fast-growing professional service firm that specializes in international development in the areas of education, democratic transitions, and stabilization in post-conflict environments. Based in Washington, DC, the firm has a field presence in 30 plus countries worldwide with a strong and diverse portfolio that includes global contracts with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and other clients including the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Defense. The firm has earned a solid reputation among its clients and missions worldwide and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.

Program Summary

The Technical Assistance Program (TAP), funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is a five-year education and youth program that seeks to transform the organizational culture and improve the abilities within the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Youth to ensure officials can implement desired reforms. Creative and its partners will provide technical assistance in the development, roll-out, and tracking of policies and procedures to incorporate international best practices for public education and youth programming. Among the many activities in the Jordan Technical Assistance Program, it will support curriculum development, promote inclusive learning techniques, improve the skills of teachers and school managers, and other tangible activities that ultimately support changing the organizational culture within the two ministries and relevant agencies. The program will further support Jordan’s outreach and behavioral change communications initiatives that are aimed at creating a culture of reading, the inclusion of vulnerable children, and increased youth engagement.**

Position Summary:

TAP is seeking applicants for a one-year embedded Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialist with the possibility of extension. The position will be based at the Ministry of Education M&E Unit of the Managing Directorate of Strategic Planning and Research.

TAP anticipates the embedded specialist will support the M&E unit to carry out its tasks and lead the Ministry’s monitoring and evaluation functions. In addition to guiding the implementation process of the M&E framework for the Remedial Program.

Position Responsibilities:

Providing technical assistance and embedded support to strengthen the existing M&E functions and frameworks across the MoE through the following:

· Support the Ministry’s M&E unit staff in improving the current M&E Systems.

· Support the Ministry’s M&E unit staff in implementing the M&E framework for the Remedial Program.

· Support TAP’s Capacity-Building efforts in the M&E area through assessing needs, liaising with other donors and development partners, and preparing and providing training to MoE staff.

· Liaison between the M&E Unit and Development Coordination Unit (DCU) to monitor and report programs and projects supported by the donors.

· Support the Ministry’s M&E staff in evaluating the School and Directorate Development Program.

· Design activities and workshops across the Ministry to review the results of M&E data, transfer knowledge and expertise, and make evidence-based decisions.

· Provide shadowing, coaching, and on-the-job support to the MoE staff.

· Support TAP in the overall program planning, implementation, monitoring, reporting, and oversight as per the USAID terms.

· Ensure that all MoE automated applications are in use and feed into the M&E system.

· Support TAP and its partners to liaison with MoE staff and ensure complementarity of efforts with other stakeholders and donors supporting MoE.

· Facilitate consultations, meetings, and reporting between MoE and TAP.

· Provide regular briefs and updates to TAP team.

Key Working Relationships:

· This position will administratively and technically report to TAP’s MEL Systems Planning Lead and part of TAP’s Systems Strengthening and Policy Reform Team.

· This position will coordinate with the head of the M&E unit at MoE.

· This position will closely work with all MoE units and directorates to facilitate and support TAP’s work.

Required Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s Degree in Development Studies, Education, Social Sciences, Evaluation Science, Business or Public Administration, or related field.

· At least seven years of demonstrated experience in M&E.

· Working experience with international agencies, NGOs, and/or government experience is highly desirable.

· Experience in working with the MoE is highly desirable.

· Knowledge of Jordan’s development context, challenges, and opportunities.

· Demonstrated ability to work with diverse stakeholders within the government and the donor community.

· Excellent research and report writing skills is a must.

· Proficiency with relevant computer software programs, especially MS Office.

· Proficiency in both Arabic and English languages is mandatory.

· Preferably have experience in training and.

Please note only finalists will be contacted. No phone calls please.