Monitoring Evaluation & Learning Advisor

POSITION TITLE: Monitoring Evaluation & Learning Advisor

LOCATION: Abuja

REPORTS TO: Chief of Party

BACKGROUND:
The MEL Advisor will oversee all monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities for the USAID Feed the Future Nigeria Agricultural Extension & Advisory Services Activity. The project, which works to increase smallholder farmers’ productivity, incomes, and household nutrition status in Kebbi, Niger, Kaduna, Benue, Ebonyi, Cross-River, and Delta states of Nigeria through strengthening sustainable agricultural extension and advisory services. The project particularly focuses on aquaculture, cowpea, maize, rice, and soybean value chains.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
 Responsible for all monitoring, evaluation, learning, and reporting (MEL) activities, including developing and managing the Activity MEL Plan; developing and maintaining systems to collect and analyze information on inputs, outputs, outcomes, and impacts of the Activity; and reporting results to USAID in a timely manner. This includes data analysis, reporting, and dissemination, and ensuring compliance.

 Provide general oversight of the M&E database, using it to track progress and trends, generate reports per USAID requirements, and conduct data quality checks.

 Oversee project Learning Agenda and Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) activities, including coordinating with the USAID/Nigeria Learning Project and working with the Research and Learning Coordinator to develop learning briefs, success stories, and other tools to evaluate project impact, trends, and other learnings. Provide comprehensive analysis of learning outcomes to inform project interventions.

 Strengthen M&E capacities across the project team, including but not limited to developing training curriculum and overseeing training activities related to data collection and reporting for field and partner staff.

 Develop decision-support tools and performance feedback mechanisms for project managers, partners, and beneficiaries.

 Supervise and mentor M&E staff, the Database/ Geographic Information System (GIS) Specialist, N-Power M&E interns, and partner staff engaged in M&E activities.

Qualifications and Requirements:
Education:
Master’s degree that includes substantial coursework in statistics and other analytical methods, including but not limited to sociology, economics, and public policy.
Experience:
 At least 8 years of experience managing monitoring systems for projects in Nigeria, USAID experience preferred.

 Strategic thinker, capable of understanding the “big picture” and working out detailed solutions.

 Experience using data to support evidence-based decision-making.

 Experience with DevResults system highly desired.

 Fully proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, MS Access.

 Experience working on an M&E team and managing M&E staff.

 Detail oriented.