Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Director

Job Description

The IRC has been working in Bangladesh for over 5 years implementing direct programming in the areas of WASH, education, livelihoods, reproductive health, gender-based violence, and child and youth protection and development. With an annual operating budget of over $ 1 billion (2021), IRC successfully runs a global portfolio of both humanitarian as well as development interventions and has significant experience implementing large-scale programs requiring substantial and sustained collaboration with multiple actors.

Position Summary

The IRC is seeking a Director for Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) for the anticipated five-year, $50 million USAID-funded Community Safety & Protection (CSP) Activity. This project will encompass a set of innovative interventions, with an overall goal of addressing the Human Rights situation in the country particularly for vulnerable minority communities. The project objectives will also include protecting and supporting the victims of violence and deprivation of rights and will create their access to justice system.

The MERL Director will lead the development and implementation of the project’s MERL strategy, in accordance with IRC, USAID, and international best practices. S/he will work closely with the Chief of Party (COP), Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) 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. The successful candidate must have significant international program management experience in managing donor and/or USAID funded projects in Bangladesh. They must have the ability to fluently converse and write in Bangla and English. 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 will include the following:

• Develop and manage a MERL system across all project components which captures qualitative and quantitative data collection, analysis and visualization from a variety of sources – including client feedback – ensuring comprehensive impact assessment and progress measurement.

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

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

o Oversee the M&E staff at the project and coordinate with IRC country program’s MEAL unit for smooth functioning, standard ways of operations and cross-learning between the project and country teams.

o Work closely with partners to establish their internal MEL systems and design and conduct training sessions to support capacity for MEL among partners.

• Develop and support an environment of learning and adaptive management across the project staff in accordance with USAID’s Collaboration, Learning, and Adaptation (CLA) model.

• Communicate information obtained through MEAL 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.

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

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

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

• Oversee and produce MEAL 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 MEAL activities & research/learning in conflict or crisis situations, preferably in Asia and/or Bangladesh

• 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.

WOMEN, MINORITIES, PEOPLE LIVING WITH DISABILITIES AND LOCAL APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

Qualifications