Director Monitoring, Evaluation, Research & Learning (MERL)

Job Description

IRC is seeking a Director Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) for a 4-year project in Pakistan. The Program aims to promote participatory governance, stability, and climate resilient development in the country.

The MERL Director will be responsible for developing and implementing the project’s MERL strategy, in accordance with IRC, USAID, and international best practices. The role holder will work closely with the Chief of Party (COP) and technical staff to ensure relevant data is collected, analyzed, and used to inform adaptive management and design decisions, and to provide project updates against impact targets and objectives. Recruitment is contingent upon successful award of the project, and selection of final applicant is subject to USAID approval.

Job Responsibilities

The role’s responsibilities include the following:

• Develop and manage a MERL system across all project components which leverages qualitative and quantitative data collection and assessment methods and draws from a variety of data sources – including client feedback - to measure progress and evaluate impact.

• Foster an environment of learning and adaptive management across the project staff in accordance with USAID’s Collaboration, Learning, and Adaptation method.

• Communicate information obtained through M&E activities to program staff, and external stakeholders, including USAID and relevant government departments, to develop lessons learned and best practices which inform strategic decision making.

• Liase with IRC’s relevant technical teams for the development and rollout of rigorous project evaluations

• Utilize standard data collection and visualization technologies tools to improve data collection, analysis, and reporting.

• Identify and develop learning agenda for the program and to ensure its implementation and sharing at relevant forums.

• Conduct regular visits to project sites, as possible, to provide technical assistance and ensure proper monitoring of project activities.

• Strengthen staff and partners’ capacity in qualitative and quantitative monitoring and evaluation techniques through comprehensive staff training, mentoring, and/or coaching.

• Work closely with partners to establish their internal MEL systems and design and conduct trainings to support capacity for MEL among partners.

• Produce M&E monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual reports for the COP and donors.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8-10 years of leadership experience in M&E for similar projects, preferably for USAID.

• Master’s degree in education, international development, or related field.

• Significant experience carrying out M&E activities & research/learning in conflict or crisis situations, preferably in Asia and/or Pakistan

• Strong familiarity with ICT4D MEL tools and programs for mobile data collection, analysis, and reporting, including KoBo / CommCare / other ODK-based tools and Power BI.

• Strong communication skills, both oral and written. Fluency in English required.

• Strong supervisory experience, particularly in remote operating environments.

Qualifications