The Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist (SMES) will be responsible for leading and managing the technical work related to all four of the PMES components: 1) performance management; 2) evaluation services; 3) monitoring and evaluation (M&E) capacity building; and 4) collaborating, learning, and adapting (CLA). The SMES will report to the Chief of Party (COP). The SMES will also supervise the project’s M&E Specialist, Data Manager, and Third-Party Monitoring (TPM) Manager. The SMES will be based in Erbil with frequent travel to Baghdad.
Responsibilities:
- Design third-party (TPM) tools and TPM approaches, review TPM reports, and draft special reports based on TPM data, with responsibility for continuous improvement of TPM and responsiveness to Mission learning needs.
- Design and conduct quarterly field monitor training.
- Work closely with Headquarters, Data Manager, and TPM Manager to ensure quality design, adaptation, and execution of the data portal and data collection software.
- Update the Mission Performance Management Plan (PMP), including performance indicator reference sheets (PIRS).
- Provide technical support to implementing partners (IPs) in operationalizing Mission indicators which they have been assigned.
- Conduct data quality analyses of Mission and Activity indicators and draft DQA report.
- Work with the M&E Specialist to maintain DQA tracker.
- Draft the Mission’s Annual Performance Report
- Provide technical support to IPs on the development of their activity MEL plans.
- Design, implement, and complete all evaluations, assessments, surveys and special studies/analyses.
- Work closely with Mission staff to ensure that study designs are cost-effective and utilization-focused, incorporate gender/inclusion-sensitive approaches, and follow USAID quality standards.
- Recruit for and oversee evaluation/assessment team members and any subcontractors.
- Develop annual training plans and work with colleagues to ensure high quality MEL training for Mission staff and IPs.
- Provide CLA options for the Mission in collaboration with MSI and STTA experts.
- Take the lead in identifying, designing, and implementing learning events
- Design and implement the Iraq MEL Community of Practice, while working with the M&E Specialist.
- Oversee technical staff and teams to ensure the quality of all MEL activities.
- Foster a collaborative team spirit and collective productivity.
- Mentor PMES technical staff.
- Conduct all required weekly, monthly and quarterly reports as well as USAID meeting notes and ad hoc reports requested by USAID.
- Advise the COP on adherence to contract interventions and processes to fulfill required deliverables and tasks.
- Provide other assistance as requested by the COP to ensure PMES success.
- Serve as Acting COP when requested.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required. Master’s degree in the social sciences, economics, statistics, public policy, research methods, evaluation/measurement or another relevant field is highly desirable.
- Minimum eight years of technical experience required.
- Experience in monitoring, evaluation and CLA related to development programs is required.
- Experience in designing and implementing performance evaluations of development interventions is required.
- Knowledge of USAID MEL policy, standards and best practices is required.
- Experience in statistical analysis and experimental design is preferred.
- Experience in designing and conducting training is preferred.
- Experience in implementing CLA activities is preferred.
- Full professional proficiency in spoken and written English is required.
MSI is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We strive to develop and maintain a culture that honors the perspectives and identities of our employees, our communities and those impacted by our work.
We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute, including race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law. In accordance with applicable law, we make reasonable accommodations for applicants’ and employees’ religious practices and beliefs, as well as any mental health or physical disability needs.
MSI is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action/Americans with Disabilities/Veterans Employer.
Reasonable Accommodations:
MSI is dedicated to hiring an inclusive workforce. If you would like to request reasonable accommodations during the application process, please visit Tetra Tech’s Disability Assistance Page. Our recruitment team looks forward to engaging in an interactive process to provide reasonable accommodations for candidates.
Only candidates who have been selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.