Вакансія: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialist

ABOUT IREX          

IREX is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to building a more just, prosperous, and inclusive world by empowering youth, cultivating leaders, strengthening institutions, and extending access to quality education and information. Founded in 1968, IREX has an annual portfolio of over $90 million, offices in 20 countries, and a global staff of 400. We work in more than 100 countries worldwide. 

Starting August 2020, IREX implements the USAID-funded project, Ukraine National Identity Through Youth (UNITY) Activity (програма «Мріємо та діємо»). This five-year activity is designed to foster vested ownership among Ukrainian youth in their country’s democratic, European future by further mobilizing youth leadership around a values-based conception of Ukrainian identity grounded in innovation, engagement, and pluralism.   

POSITION SUMMARY

IREX seeks Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialist (hereinafter “Specialist”) that will lead day-to-day MEL and research activities of the UNITY program. He/she will be responsible for developing and coordinating MEL and research efforts with contractors and program teams, designing UNITY program impact evaluation methodologies (including randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental designs), program indicators, quantitative and qualitative research tools, support MEL training activities as well as leading data analysis and reporting. 

Please note that this is a temporary position for the period of maternity leave (estimated duration 6 months from the recruitment date). 

GENERAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

Monitoring and evaluation/Research 

• Jointly with Research and Learning team, support UNITY in planning and designing evaluations and program assessments.
• Participate in the development of program indicators, oversee regular monitoring and evaluation of UNITY, and ensure regular progress reviews of approved indicators.
• Oversee and/or conduct data analysis, including drafts of reports for internal research (using statistical software tools (SPSS/R), MS Excel, PowerPoint, or other similar applications).
• Design tools for evaluation studies and impact research.
• Lead/support design of quantitative or qualitative research methodologies, including relevant tools development (questionnaires, in-depth interviews/FGs scripts), to implement UNITY research projects.
• Jointly with Research and Learning unit, streamline monitoring and evaluation system through:
  • implementation of data standards for UNITY in line with the program data policy;
  • development of data collection flows to ensure data integrity and validity on the output and outcome levels;
  • secure storage of databases and other related materials and resources. 

Training/Coaching 

• Build MEL capacity of the UNITY partners through:
  • development of monitoring and evaluation toolkits and standardized data collection tools;
  • ad hoc training sessions with the UNITY implementing partners to foster evaluation and data collection skills;
  • ongoing communication and support to the program implementing partners.
• Provide ad hoc consultations to the UNITY staff as required. 

Administrative/Reporting 

• Manage evaluation contracts and agreements with outside vendors:
  • draft request for proposal (RFPs);
  • develop scope of work (SoWs);
  • maintain supervision and lead communication;
  • administer budget and coordinate with the UNITY financial team.
• Provide input, information, and statistics for the program semi-annual/annual reporting to the donor.
• Support DRL in drafting relevant monitoring and evaluation reporting narratives/presentations as required.
• Maintain and administer data collection protocols and instruments for the UNITY implementing partners (MS Forms/MS Dynamics CRM).
• Liaise regularly with IREX’s program team in Washington, D.C. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum five years of experience in monitoring and evaluation and data analysis.
• Experience in monitoring and evaluation for an international NGO.
• Master’s degree in statistics, demographics, public policy, sociology, or a related field.
• Knowledge and practical experience in research, monitoring, and evaluation methodologies (e.g. qualitative, quantitative, mixed method, and impact identification).
• Experience in strategic planning and performance measurement, including indicator selection, target setting, reporting, database management, and developing MEL and performance monitoring plans.
• Experience in planning and managing surveys, including the development of data collection tools from scratch.
• Experience in outsourcing and overseeing evaluations/surveys that are conducted by external vendors and managing communications with them.
• Experience with data quality assessments and oversight; knowledge of data cleaning processes.
• Advanced user of SPSS, R or Python.
• Advanced knowledge of MS Office applications (PowerPoint, Excel) and modern communications tools (internet, email, social media, and teleconferencing).
• Knowledge of multivariate data analysis.
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks.
• Strong command of English and Ukrainian/Russian.

TO APPLY

Please send your resume as an attachment in an email with “MEL Specialist – UNITY” in the subject line to [email protected]. No telephone inquiries will be accepted.

 Application deadline: Dec 14, 2021.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.  

IREX conducts anti- terrorism database clearances on candidates who accept employment offers. IREX is also an E-Verify Employer.  

IREX is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and inclusive hiring practice. IREX is an equal opportunity employer.