Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL), Madagascar

Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Advisor

USAID Madagascar Early Grade Education Project

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 over 60 offices with more than 4,000 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.

We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Advisor for the upcoming USAID-funded Madagascar Early Grade Education opportunity. This position will be based in Madagascar — in Antananarivo or a field office in the project’s target Regions — and is contingent upon award.

Project Description

The anticipated project will address Early Grade Education and seeks to improve students’ ability to master key skills (literacy and possibly numeracy) in the primary grades. Activities may include pre- and in-service teacher professional development, PTA revitalization and improved use of data for decision making.

Position Description

The MEL Advisor is responsible for establishing and managing the project’s overall monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) system, tracking all progress made towards meeting program/contract results, indicators, and targets, including impacts on access, retention, learning outcomes, community engagement, gender, and disability-inclusive measures, ensuring that they are being consistently and systematically tracked and reported. The MEL Advisor collaborates with and oversees sub-grantees to provide feedback on data collection and indicators; analyzes data reported from sub-grantees; and supports training of MEL personnel in quality assurance methods. They collaborate with the program team to design operations research to support learning, evaluation, and planning, and oversee the implementation, analysis, dissemination, and use of research products. The MEL Advisor shares MEL data and improvement plans and collaborates with staff and stakeholders on strategies for program improvements for greater program effects.

Job Responsibilities

• Designs and oversees the monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities of the project; leads the development and annual revisions of the Activity, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan
• Leads the design, development, planning, and implementation of the MEL plan and project evaluation activities, including the development and dissemination of tools, materials, reports, papers, and intervention-linked research
• Develops systems for the timely collection, management, analysis, and reporting of valid and reliable data that meet donor reporting requirements
• Works closely with the technical team to co-design monitoring tools, select indicators, and determine field monitoring responsibilities
• Ensures tool compatibility and coordination within the MEL framework, and consistency with national and donor requirements
• Focuses on strengthening the MEL system, building capacity of partners and staff, and improving alignment and support to host-country MEL systems
• Co-coordinates the project’s Collaborating, Learning, Adapting (CLA) framework
• Undertakes periodic reviews of program and/or country MEL systems, and participates in planning MEL system strengthening actions
• May provide technical assistance to local partners to strengthen their MEL systems.
• Provides guidance on information systems for quality assurance, as well as best practices for documentation and reporting
• Ensures submission of datasets and other relevant reports and data to USAID knowledge management systems
• Contributes to quarterly performance and annual reports
• Oversees the publication and dissemination of information on successful and promising approaches, lessons learned, and other program results to ministry counterparts, donors, program partners, and other key stakeholders

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in evaluation, demography, social science, economics, or other relevant discipline
• At least 8 years of experience related to monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on education or social-sector programs required; experience in early grade reading research or assessment preferred; expertise in gender equality and social inclusion preferred
• Experience in design and implementation of MEL systems for USG-funded projects preferred
• 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
• Ability to collaborate effectively with program staff and partners and oversee junior staff
• Proficiency with relevant software (Stata, SAS, SPSS, Epi Info, Atlas)
• Proven supervisory experience
• Experience in the education sector in Madagascar or the region strongly preferred
• Fluency in French and Malagasy required; proficiency in English preferred

This job description 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.

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.

FHI 360 will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.

FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development and policies and programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others — and yourself.