Background:
SoCha, LLC is preparing a response for USAID/Malawi’s upcoming opportunity for MEL services under its expected Malawi Learn to Perform (L2P) Activity. SoCha is looking for qualified individuals to fill the role of MEL Specialist or MEL Advisor.
Scope of Work
Illustrative Functions of the Position
Exact reporting relationships will depend on the program design that SoCha delivers. Positions would frequently report directly to a Chief of Party, Project Director, Senior Technical Advisor, or similar position.
The MEL Specialist will work with USAID’s program and technical offices to:
- Optimize evaluation statements of work;
- Select evaluation methodologies;
- Oversee evaluations in any sector where USAID works;
- Provide MEL support to USAID and its implementing partners;
- Provide dedicated capacity building assistance in MEL operations and quality assurance;
- Conduct MEL trainings;
- Advise USAID and implementing partners on their MEL plans;
- Lead data quality assessments;
- Participate in Mission portfolio reviews;
- Oversee the advancement of learning agendas and evidence that improves USAID’s programs;
- Contribute data and insight from evaluations at learning events; and
- Provide other MEL technical support as needed.
We are Actively Seeking the CVs of Specialists with Experience in One or More of the Following Areas to be added to our pool of consultants for future opportunities, on both short and long term contracts:
- Performance Monitoring, including:
o Developing performance monitoring plans
o Designing and optimizing quantitative and qualitative indicators for international development projects
- Evaluations
o Designing or conducting performance or impact evaluations
o Mixing qualitative and quantitative methods
o Applying evaluation results to inform future programming
- Data Management
o Collecting and analyzing performance and financial data
o Developing GIS maps
o Data visualization
- Capacity Building in MEL
o Training monitoring and evaluation (M&E) professionals
o Coaching and mentoring local organizations in M&E methodologies
o Working with country evaluation associations to professionalize MEL
- Collaboration, Learning, and Adapting
o Coordinating with stakeholders
o Hosting learning events for international development partners
o Building institutional capacity and memory
o Incentivizing learning and sharing
o Facilitating learning events
- In addition to the categories above, SoCha seeks subject matter expertise with at least one of the following sectors and cross-cutting areas:
o Global Health;
o Economic Growth
o Education;
o Environment and Climate Change
o Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance;
o Food Security, including Agriculture and Nutrition;
o Gender
o Youth
o Orphans and Vulnerable children
Minimum qualifications and experience
- An understanding of international development sectors or cross-cutting areas outlined above
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
- For Senior-level**, an advanced degree and 7+ years of experience with directly related experience in one or more of the areas outlined above (performance monitoring, evaluation, data management, capacity building, and/or learning).
- *For mid-level*, a university qualification in a related subject and between 3-7 years of directly related experience.
- For assistant level, a university qualification with demonstrated experience coordinating research or evaluation tasks, providing management consultation services in the international development industry, or organizing formal training programs.
- All openings will require a Bachelor’s degree or higher.
- Prior experience working with USAID preferred (including on USAID-funded work).
- Experience with USAID’s program cycle, CLA (collaborating, learning, and adapting) approach, or knowledge management preferred.
- Experience with other donor funded programs, such as DFID, DFAT, GIZ, MCC World bank, or UN agencies beneficial.
More Information
- Job City Lilongwe
