Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Specialist 371 views

Global Communities is seeking an experienced Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) for the USAID DRC-funded Commercially Viable, Conflict- free Gold Project (CVCFG). The purpose of this project is to achieve a sustainable, conflict-free, ASM gold supply-chain originating in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) through a private-sector led approach. Through this program, we will identify scalable models for successfully linking ASM cooperatives, traders and responsible gold exporters to key international markets.

The three primary objectives of the program include:

• Increase co-investment in conflict-free ASM gold (Objective 1)
• Increase volume of exports of conflict-free ASM gold (Objective 2)
• Improve commercial-viability of ASM gold Cooperatives (Objective 3)

Global Communities is seeking a qualified Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) specialist, based at our office in Goma, to manage MEL activities for the project in partnership with the Goma based team and Global Communities MEL team based on its headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Responsibilities

The Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) Specialist will be responsible and accountable for the performance of project programmatic monitoring and evaluation systems. The MEL Specialist is responsible for 1) developing and maintaining the MEL systems, plans and tools; 2) monitoring program progress towards indicator targets and impact; 3) ensuring data quality assurance; and 4) supporting reporting. S/he is also responsible for responding to ongoing needs and queries for specific data, information and/or reports.

In particular, he/she will:

• Lead the implementation and regular revision of MEL Systems, as outlined in the Activity Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan (AMELP), to ensure program activities are tracked, reviewed in line with the overall program goal and implementation plan and have the desired impact to achieve program goals and objectives.
• Oversee performance, context and impact monitoring activities, including setting up data collection processes, tools and digital platforms.
• Establish and oversee the data management and collection systems, including the use of digital data collection and management software.
• Provide training, mentoring, and coaching to the project team and partners on the MEL System to ensure accurate data collection, monitoring, data analysis and interpretation and reporting.
• Lead data analysis and use data to promote evidence-based programming and provide timely feedback in relation to project targets, work plan activities and objectives, and addressing gaps in programming.
• Ensure adherence to compliance of M&E methodology and project data quality by performing spot checks, internal Data Quality Assessments and establishing mechanisms to verify the quality of data submitted by partners.
• Manage the mid-line assessment, end-line evaluation and other assessment or evaluation activities as needed.
• Lead CVCFG’s Action Learning Plan, with the support of the COP, which outlines the Activity’s Collaborating, Learning and Adapting activities.
• Support program staff, senior management, and key stakeholder groups to use data to make informed and timely decisions related to program implementation by producing analytical summaries including graphs, charts, tables, narratives and visuals to fulfill internal and external reporting requirements.
• Coordinate with other programs and stakeholders to share lessons learned, and facilitate internal and external learning activities and events as appropriate.
• Support the COP to regularly apply iterative learning and analysis to adapt programming to the changing conditions and/or identify new opportunities.
• Contribute to project reports for submission to USAID and HQ.
• Contribute to the Global Communities’ internal MEL newsletter and other journals and platforms as appropriate.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of all privileged information regarding both human resources and fiscal matters.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, sociology, economics, statistics or other related areas; advanced degree preferred.
• Experience working on a USAID funded program preferred.
• Minimum of 4 years’ experience in managing and reporting on the applications of quantitative and qualitative information management methods of local and international projects.
• A strong understanding of and experience with quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methods.
• Experience implementing, managing extensive data systems and tools from collection to analysis, including digital solutions.
• Experience in responsible minerals trade desired.
• Experience in program start-up and in establishing MEL systems a plus.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with professional contacts.
• Demonstrate flexibility, cultural sensitivity when working with NGO partners, and the ability to adapt Global Communities policies and procedures to the local context.
• Demonstrate the ability to work constructively in a team.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to interact clearly and effectively with donors and other organizations.
• Professional proficiency in written and spoken English, and French. Must be able to read and interpret documents, and communicate with others as necessary to perform job duties effectively.
• Ability to work in a conflict or post conflict zone, specifically Eastern Congo.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Citizens and residents of the Democratic Republic of Congo are strongly encouraged to apply.