International Research and Exchanges Board
Who We Are
IREX is a global development and education organization. We strive for a more just, prosperous, and inclusive world—where individuals reach their full potential, governments serve their people, and communities thrive. With a projected annual portfolio of more than $100 million and more than 600 staff worldwide, we work with partners in more than 100 countries in four areas essential to progress: cultivating leaders, empowering youth, strengthening institutions, and increasing access to quality education and information.
Under the guidance of the Chief of Party, the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Lead will adapt and implement the MEL Plan, including integrating MEL/CLA activities into the annual work plan, updating the program theory of change (change process) annually or as needed, developing and refining data collection instruments and protocols, developing and implementing responsible data protocols (including secure, ethical, and inclusive data gathering and management), gathering and reviewing the quality of program data, following IREX’s MERL standards and guidance, updating program indicator results in IREX’s central database (Activity Info), and leading the CLA approach in close coordination with program leadership and USAID. The MEL Lead will also ensure mainstreaming of GESI throughout all MEL activities.
We are doers. Our decades of on-the-ground experience help us create greater impact, practical recommendations, and lasting partnerships.
Are you the next member of our team?
Your Background & Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in statistics, demographics, public policy, education, or related field.
- Minimum of seven (7) years of professional experience in Georgia implementing MEL activities, preferably of USAID or other international donor-funded programs; experience working on programs focused on higher education preferred.
- Knowledge of the major evaluation methodologies (e.g., qualitative, quantitative, mixed method, and impact) and data collection and analysis methodologies
- Experience in strategic planning and performance measurement, including indicator selection, target setting, reporting, database management, and developing M&E and performance monitoring plans.
- Familiarity with innovative MEL methods to ensure data collection in areas with minimal connectivity and with participants with minimal literacy skills.
- Experience in designing, managing, and implementing multi-disciplinary and results-based surveys, and developing and refining data collection tools.
- Must have proven track record in the advanced use of modern communications tools, internet, email, social media, and teleconferences.
- Ability to communicate professionally and provide written reporting in English is required.
- Demonstrated experience working with various parts of the data lifecycle: design/methodology, collection, management, analysis, learning, adaptation, dissemination, and use.
- Experience researching or working with complex data ecosystems or data from disparate sources.
- Experience working with data using spreadsheets, databases, or data analysis software.
- Experience defining and implementing ways to operationalize responsible data practices, including secure, ethical, and inclusive data gathering and management and engaging with data governance policies and bodies.
- Demonstrated understanding of best practices and approaches to digital development and data use. Familiarity with current research, technical frameworks, and on-the-ground implementation approaches.
- Experience with monitoring, evaluation and learning approaches, particularly in relation to digital development or digital transformations, and data use.
- Familiarity with USAID’s approach to MEL and CLA, including formats, practices, and policies.
- You must have unrestricted authorization to work in Georgia.
Your Daily Tasks
- Under the direction of the Chief of Party, create and manage processes for the planning, and implementation of the USAID Media Program, including monitoring, evaluation, and learning support, coordinating implementation, monitoring activities, and other duties as assigned.
- Refine and implement the program’s MEL/CLA plan across all program components including identification of process, output, and outcome indicators.
- Develop monitoring activities that capture necessary data to report on program results.
- Work with partners to ensure application of high-quality MEL activities and data collection; oversee partner capacity building as needed.
- Support virtual and in person events including developing content, facilitating sessions, supporting planning and logistics, and providing leadership and oversight, as needed.
- Regularly review data collection processes, perform data quality assessments, and adjust, as needed.
- Contribute to the implementation of key program activities.
- Produce and update program deliverables including materials, templates, and guides for program partners, program reports, and evaluations.
- Integrate MEL/CLA activities into the annual workplan and MEL plans.
- Support development and implementation of data use strategies, and lead assessments of organizational data and technology capabilities.
- Revise and refine the program theory of change (change process) annually or as needed in consultation with the program team.
- Develop and implement responsible data protocols (including secure, ethical, and inclusive data gathering and management).
- With the support of HQ MEL technical leads, follow IREX’s MERL standards and guidance update program indicator results in IREX’s central database (ActivityInfo) as needed for internal reporting.
- Be a primary MEL resource to the field office and field personnel; liaise regularly with IREX’s MEL team in DC.
- Conduct regular visits to program sites to provide technical assistance and ensure proper monitoring of program activities.
- Coordinate relationships with technology or data partners.
- Provide technical leadership for the program team and partners for all MEL/CLA activities.
- Lead engagement of the program team with MEL/CLA activities.
- Provide technical leadership in the use of technology to partners and other stakeholders, as needed.
- Other support duties as needed.
We conduct background checks on all successful candidates.
This position is not eligible for Immigration Sponsorship.
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
EOE – Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.