Senior Learning Advisor – USAID/Europe and Eurasia MELDS

Background

Established in 1941, NORC at the University of Chicago is one of the largest and most respected social science research organizations in the U.S. NORC conducts groundbreaking research using innovative methods and tools, and advances principles of scientific integrity and collaboration around the world. Today, government, corporate, and nonprofit clients around the world partner with NORC to transform increasingly complex information into useful knowledge. NORC’s International Programs Department designs and implements evaluations, data collection, and other analytical projects in over 100 countries and has developed close collaborative relationships with researchers, survey firms, and policy think tanks.

NORC is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Senior Learning Advisor for an upcoming USAID Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning & Decision Support (MELDS) Activity. The Activity is expected to provide technical and advisory services related to the monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) of USAID/Europe and Eurasia projects and activities to help the Bureau meet Agency requirements, make better informed strategic and management decisions, and advance Agency learning. Target countries include Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Russia, Serbia, and Ukraine. Please not that this position is contingent on award and funding.

Job Summary

The Senior Learning Advisor will lead Collaboration, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) efforts for the Bureau, Missions in the Europe and Eurasia regions, their implementing partners, and other stakeholders. S/he will work to ensure that data collected and evidence generated are disseminated to and applied by MEL project stakeholders for more effective development programming. The Senior Learning Advisor’s responsibilities include:

• Oversee collaborative dialogue and learning among USAID, implementing partners, and other stakeholders around emerging issues;
• Ensure program information and knowledge is shared and effectively used through strategic learning processes to adapt and improve programming as well as bring new innovations to USAID’s work;
• Work closely with the USAID team to develop and maintain a knowledge management system for learning and adapting of development programs;
• Develop a learning agenda, with activities and best practices that promote learning to meet USAID’s goals and manage the promotion and use of the learning agenda;
• Advise USAID on strategies and processes for incorporating CLA throughout the Program Cycle;
• Develop learning products and tools for USAID staff and implementing partners, in line with USAID’s CLA practices;
• Design and facilitate MEL capacity building initiatives for USAID staff and implementing partners; and
• Other related duties as assigned.

The position will be based in Washington, D.C. Please note that the position is contingent upon award and funding.

Required Qualifications

The candidate must possess the following qualifications:

• Master’s degree in social science, organizational development, international development or a related field;
• At least five years of demonstrated experience leading organizational learning, change management, and/or MEL;
• Expertise in strategic planning and project design including in applying learning to improve development programs;
• Understanding of knowledge management as it relates to USAID programs;
• Demonstrated experience with USAID’s CLA practices;
• Strong interpersonal, teamwork, communication, facilitation, supervision, and management skills;
• Ability to travel within Europe and Eurasia as necessary; and
• Oral and written communication and presentations skills in English.

Preferred Qualifications

The candidate would be considered more competitive if s/he possess the following qualifications:

• Experience building capacity to implement CLA tools;
• Working experience in Europe or Eurasia;
• Familiarity with one or more of the following sectors: democracy and governance; economic development; energy; health; and/or youth, education, and vulnerable populations; and
• Language proficiency in: Albanian, Armenian, Azerbaijani, Bosnian, Croatian, Georgian, Greek, Macedonian, Montenegrin, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Turkish, or Ukrainian.

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement

As a condition of employment, all NORC employees and contractors – including those working remotely – must be fully vaccinated (as defined by current CDC guidance) against COVID-19.

Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) Statement

NORC is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer that values and actively seeks diversity in the workforce. NORC evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and other legally- protected characteristics.