Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Specialist

Company profile: SoCha (a name created by combining the terms Social and Change) is an independent MEL firm that provides bespoke solutions to social challenges. Since its inception in 2010, SoCha—a small, veteran-owned business—has grown into a full-service MEL and analytical firm that works with USAID Missions and implementing partners around the world.

SoCha LLC is recruiting for a future indefinite delivery indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract opportunity called the Digital Strategy Implementation and Programs Activity (DSIP). DSIP is an upcoming competitively bid procurement that USAID will award later this year. SoCha seeks qualified candidates who are interested in being bid exclusively as the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialist. The MEL Specialist is a “key personnel” position, which means that the proposed candidate contributes to scoring of SoCha’s consortium’s bid. The actual position materializes if SoCha’s team wins the DSIP IDIQ. USAID may issue awards to one or more prime contractors.

SoCha is looking for candidates who are interested in being bid when USAID releases the DSIP request for proposals (RFP). The RFP may have more detailed requirements for the MEL Specialist position than listed below, as the current description is draft.

The person must be authorized to work in the USA.

Background: DSIP Background: According to USAID, DSIP will be “a new mechanism designed to build the capacity of USAID Missions, Washington Operating Units (OUs), and partners to advance digital initiatives that enhance security and economic prosperity in partner countries while safeguarding individual rights, freedom of expression, and democratic norms and practices. The mechanism [will] advance the research, training, strategic thinking, digital-sector partnerships, and behavior change that will equip USAID for the digital age. It [will] also foster the effective and responsible use of digital technology…and support the growth of open, inclusive, and secure digital ecosystems in partner countries.”

Scope of Work, qualification & experience: The MEL Specialist must have:

• A minimum of ten (10) years of experience working on MEL under USAID.
• Experience collecting, analyzing, and reporting key reporting data, including:
• Performance Plan and Report (PPR).
• Context indicators.
• Other key annual foreign assistance programming and budgeting reporting requirements.

Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• Advising USAID on its research and collaborating, learning, and adapting (CLA) agenda.
• Managing the activity’s MEL plan.

Preferred experience includes:

• Research methodologies, research partnerships, and translating evidence.
• Knowledge management.

Location: Washington, DC, USA.