Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Associate

DRS is looking, on behalf of our client, an international NGO, for a skilled Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Associate or field research professional to join the NGO team in Muramvya, Burundi. MEL Associate will use collected data to improve NGO operations, develop your deputy, and coordinate Monitoring and Evaluation activities across different teams and programs. The MEL Associate will help inform decision-making for the NGO’s long-term strategy by working with the management team and the country team in Burundi.

The MEL Associate will be placed under the direction of the Deputy Director of Global Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) as well as the Director of Impact in Burundi. The MEL department at NGO operates as an internal research department and the results are used primarily to inform program decision-making and to rigorously measure program impact.

Job Title: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Associate

Location: Muramvya, Burundi

Reporting to: Deputy Director of Global Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design surveys and field-test survey tools.
• Innovate in the process of data collection and presentation of usable results.
• Analyze data to draw first and final conclusions and write reports with recommended actions.
• Work with field teams in other departments to ensure MEL results are understood and acted upon.
• Supervises the local MEL team, which includes a field activities coordinator and a data analyst, who support a team of over 30 full-time surveyors.
• Guide employees through field visits, meetings, training programs, and career reviews.
• Supervises the main MEL activities in the field, with the aim of achieving “perfect” quality standards.
• Monitor the quality and management of the data collection process.
• Oversee the hiring and development of department employees.
• Define the organizational strategy based on MEL results in collaboration with the management and program team.

Qualifications

• University degree in Public Policy, International Development, Statistics, Agronomy, Economics, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of professional or academic experience in MEL or field data collection, evaluation or research design and implementation, and analysis of results.
• Quantitative skills with experience with statistical analysis software (e.g., Stata, R).
• Logical and structured thinking skills with a clear and compelling written communication style.
• Experience in developing employee capacity
• Organization and coordination skills.
• Experience in leadership on the job and enthusiasm for learning and growth.
• Language knowledge – English (required), French (required), Kirundi (preferred).