Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Specialist (Program Director)

Results for Development (R4D) is a leading non-profit global development partner. We collaborate with change agents around the world — government officials, civil society leaders and social innovators — to create strong systems that support healthy, educated people. We help our partners move from knowing their goal to knowing how to reach it. We combine global expertise in health, education and nutrition with analytic rigor, practical support for decision-making and implementation and access to peer problem-solving networks. Together with our partners, we build self-sustaining systems that serve everyone and deliver lasting results. Then we share what we learn so others can achieve results for development, too.

We have a unique and vibrant culture at R4D. Diversity, equity and inclusion are at the heart of our work environment and help advance our mission. Diversity—of ideas, identities, perspectives and backgrounds—is vital to who we are and what we do. We seek people who embrace these values and will help reinforce them. Our work culture is collaborative, creative and entrepreneurial. We operate based on trust and respect. Teams across the organization frequently collaborate on programmatic work and support each other in continuously building a better R4D.

R4D seeks a highly motivated and dynamic Monitoring, Evaluation, & Learning (MEL)Specialist at the Program Director level to play a key role in the Evaluation and Adaptive Learning practice on a USAID Djibouti Early Childhood Education (ECE) project.

This position is based in Djibouti for two years.

Opportunity:

R4D is looking for a MEL Director for a USAID-funded Djibouti ECE project. The Djibouti ECE project will improve access to equitable, safe, and inclusive ECE services; improve quality of services; and improve the enabling environment for Djibouti’s Early Childhood Development system of services.

The MEL Director will lead the monitoring, evaluation, learning and research efforts. S/he shall deliver the project MEL Plan and CLA activities with the support of a deputy, the Senior MEL Officer. These tasks include monitoring, evaluation and reporting against indicators, collecting baseline and midline data, measuring progress toward targets, and a plan to evaluate performance and produce timely, accurate and complete reporting.

The MEL Director will supervise the MEL team, work closely with the Program team in Djibouti, and coordinate with the DC-based colleagues. Candidates applying from outside Djibouti will be expected to live in Djibouti for two years.

Responsibilities

The MEL Director will be an experienced manager who will:

USAID MEL reporting requirements:

• Develop the MEL plan and PIRS according to USAID guidelines
• Lead on MEL deliverables, including the Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan (AMELP)
• Draft the MEL quarterly report and annual report according to USAID guidelines
• Evaluate implementation of the program’s new preschool curricula
• Collaboratively design and contextualize a school readiness assessment (e.g. adapted EGRA)

Adaptive learning and CLA responsibilities:

• Design rapid adaptive learning experiments to test and iterate on program interventions
• Facilitate workshops with implementing partners, government stakeholders, and community members to put evidence into practice
• Collaborate closely with program team on all relevant aspects of program implementation
• Build Collaboration, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) principles into the workplan and demonstrate ability to work within this adaptive framework
• Identify implementation research priorities and oversee activities to ensure rigorous, high quality research design and implementation standards
• Identify project learning priorities that meet the needs of key stakeholders and foster adoption of adaptive management approaches through extensive stakeholder engagement using innovative and collaborative learning methods
• Participates fully as a member of R4D by contributing, assisting and participating in projects, activities, and initiatives as requested by management.

Competencies

• Masters or other advanced degree in economics, data science, statistics, education, or a related field.
• At least 4 years of demonstrated experience designing and leading the implementation of MEL activities for a USAID project
• A deep knowledge and expertise in monitoring and evaluation systems, with deep understanding of social and behavioral change especially in early childhood education
• 10+ years of relevant experience in the design, management, and implementation of MEL activities with a proven record of generating actionable evidence to shape programs and policy
• At least 8 years of demonstrated experience in monitoring education projects
• Knowledge of Djiboutian education system a plus
• Prior experience implementing USAID or other government programs is required
• Excellent written and oral French and English communication skills required
• Knowledge of and experience working with USAID policies, strategies, priorities, monitoring and evaluation systems and CLA approaches is required
• Approachable management style focused on helping teams and projects succeed
• Strong quantitative and qualitative research background
• Ability to facilitate the cross pollination of learnings through a combination of past research and programming experience
• Exceptional writing and editing skills, and experience leading the production and timely delivery of high-quality technical products and deliverables
• Prior people and project management experience required, including coaching, mentoring, and capacity building
• Ability to prioritize and balance multiple activities/work streams, and the ability to communicate and delegate tasks clearly and effectively
• Impeccable time management, delegation, and prioritization skills
• High social/emotional intelligence, and able to give and receive direct feedback professionally