Monitoring, Evaluation, Research & Learning (MERL) Manager 283 views0 applications

At the heart of Pact is the promise of a better tomorrow. A nonprofit international development organization founded in 1971, Pact works on the ground in nearly 40 countries to improve the lives of those who are challenged by poverty and marginalization. We serve these communities because we envision a world where everyone owns their future. To do this, we build systemic solutions in partnership with local organizations, businesses, and governments that create sustainable and resilient communities where those we serve are heard, capable, and vibrant. Pact is a recognized global leader in international development. Our staff have a range of expertise in areas including public health, capacity development, governance and civil society, natural resource management, poverty, fragile states, monitoring and evaluation, small-scale and artisanal mining, microfinance and more. This expertise is combined in Pact’s unique integrated approach, which focuses on systemic changes needed to improve people’s lives.

Department

Programs – Pact strives for a world where all people are heard, capable, and vibrant. The Programs Team helps realize this objective by bridging program management, technical support, and business development, enabling Pact to achieve its global strategy. We ensure program excellence through continuous learning, monitoring and evaluation and provide organizational and industry-wide thought leadership by leveraging a complementary set of cross-functional, multi-disciplinary skills, expertise, and experiences. The Programs team: influences progressive change through the development and implementation of global and regional strategies and business plans; supports advancement of innovative solutions; pursues new business opportunities; and drives effective internal and external engagement to maximize Pact’s impact across the globe. Across all aspects of its role, the Programs Department adheres to and promotes a culture of inclusion, accountability, and respect.

Position Overview

Pact seeks a Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Manager for the anticipated USAID/Zimbabwe Local Governance Activity , which will promote implementation of the devolution prescriptions in the 2013 Constitution and greater understanding among stakeholders of the associated rights and responsibilities. The activity may support legal and academic analysis of devolution and civil society efforts to enhance public understanding and participation. The activity may develop capacities of local organizations on devolution themes. This is anticipated to be a five-year activity. This position is contingent upon award.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the design and implementation of the project’s MERL system in coordination with Pact’s Results and Measurement (R&M) Team to develop key performance indicators, targets, tools, and appropriate MERL responsibilities across the project.
• Manage baseline assessments and support the implementation of research studies with Pact’s HQ R&M Team.
• Coordinate any external evaluation processes, including drafting evaluation ToR and selection of firm, in alignment with award.
• Develop and disseminate relevant M&E tools, formats and lead the provision of M&E specific technical training
• Oversee data collection, collation, storage, analysis, and reporting, ensuring that data is of high quality and audit worthy
• Supervise other M&E staff and oversee consortium partners’ compliance with MEL system.
• Ensure appropriate training and supportive supervision of all partners in monitoring and evaluation procedures, data collection tools, and data management practices in alignment with the MELP
• Work closely with partners to establish their internal MERL systems, M&E plans, and data quality management
• Strengthen staff and partners’ capacity in qualitative and quantitative monitoring and evaluation techniques through comprehensive staff training, mentoring, and/or coaching.
• Conduct and manage Routine Data Quality Assessments (RDQA); ensuring implementation of corrective actions to improve data quality and accountability of staff and partners
• Responsible for calculation and reporting of Pact’s Global Indicators through imPact, Pact’s instance of DHIS2, and calculation and reporting of project data into imPact
• Responsible for the data analysis, writing, and review of the results and learning sections of program reports in collaboration with program staff, before submission to donor and ensure consortium partners’ compliance with internal data quality requirements and timely submissions for reporting.
• Produce learning products and thought leadership pieces relevant to the project intervention; present in local conferences or on webinars regarding project’s MERL successes
• Other tasks as required to achieve the Program Objectives and Expected Results.

Basic Requirements

• Master’s degree in any of the following or related fields: social science, international development, public health, evaluation, statistics, or economics
• At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in designing, managing, and implementing results based MERL activities, with preference given to democracy and governance activities
• At least 5 years of supervisory experience
• Demonstrated relevant technical skills in analyzing and interpreting quantitative and qualitative data, and packaging the findings
• Excellent organizational as well as English oral and written communication skills
• Progressively responsible experience in monitoring and evaluation of local governance, program beneficiaries, and program staff.
• Experience in utilizing gender and social inclusion sensitive indicators and measures
• Extensive knowledge of reporting procedures, including USAID requirements, best practices, guidelines, and tools for monitoring, evaluation and learning, including impact evaluation.
• Ability to work well on a team and with various government officials, civil society leaders, community leaders, and program beneficiaries.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, i.e., Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc., and the ability to use various commercially available statistical software programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Fluency in one or more official languages of Zimbabwe (aside from English)
• Experience with DHIS2 platform and mobile data collection software
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with complexity-aware measurement approaches, such as Outcome Harvesting, Outcome Mapping and Most Significant Change
• Zimbabwe nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.

Pact is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, citizenship status, genetic information, matriculation, family responsibilities, personal appearance, credit information, tobacco use (except in the workplace), membership in an employee organization, or other protected classifications or non-merit factors.