Job Description
The World at Abt
Solving the world’s most pressing issues and improving the quality of life for people worldwide is what we do every day at Abt Global. Creating a more equitable world is no small task, but we are driven by big challenges.
We are a team of 3,000+ people in over 50 countries working in unison and focused on the bigger picture. Only by sharing our commitment, energy, and innovation do we affect change and push the boundaries of what’s possible. We welcome diverse ideas, backgrounds, and viewpoints – joining Abt means access to exceptional thinkers at the top of their game.
To thrive at Abt is to embrace flexibility and collaboration. Our open culture allows you to balance your work and personal life as needed to optimize personal well-being. Creating a more equitable world starts from within – we look after people around the world, and we’ll do the same for you.
Ready to embrace rewarding and meaningful work? Now’s your chance.
The Opportunity
Abt Global seeks a Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Director for the anticipated USAID-funded Feed the Future Value Chain and Markets Linkages activity in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This project will focus on food system value chains in selected priority geographic areas of the country.
The MEL Director will oversee the monitoring, evaluation and learning components of the anticipated activity. The MEL Director will develop and manage the Activity Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Plan and develop and maintain systems to collect data. He/she will lead data analysis to produce information on inputs, outputs, outcomes, and impact of the program. The MEL Director will collaborate with grantees to provide feedback on data collection and indicators; analyze data reported from grantees and support training of MEL personnel in quality assurance methods. In addition, the MEL Director will co-create, develop, and implement the Collaborating, Leading and Adapting (CLA) Agenda with the USAID and relevant local stakeholders to support and better inform programming and planning.
The position is anticipated to be full-time and based in Kinshasa. The position is contingent upon the activity’s award and USAID approval.
Core Responsibilities
- Designs and oversees the monitoring, evaluation and learning activities of the project
- Leads the design, development, planning, and implementation of project evaluation activities including the development and dissemination of tools, materials, reports, papers, and intervention linked research
- Develops strategies and tools for the design and implementation of monitoring of specific technical components
- Coordinates with the Chief of Party to think critically on the Activity Theory of Change and develop a Learning Agenda that tests key assumptions and contributes to any evidence gaps
- Develop and implement procedures for internal and external learning processes to improve activity learning and facilitate adaptive management.
- Works closely with the project leadership and component leads to co-design monitoring tools, select indicators, and determine field monitoring responsibilities.
- Works to ensure tool compatibility and coordination within the M&E framework, and consistency with the USAID’s requirements
- Responsible for providing technical assistance, developing and setting up systems for the timely collection, management, analysis, and reporting of valid and reliable data that meet donor reporting requirements
- Develop and lead the implementation of a robust learning agenda for continuous learning, collaboration and adaptation
What We Value
- Bachelor’s Degree + 12 years of relevant experience, or Master’s Degree + 10 years of relevant experience, or PhD + 8 years of relevant experience. Education background in statistics, research methods, information systems, or a related area
- At least 10 years of experience with M&E systems development and implementation for complex projects funded by donors – preferably USAID
- Expertise in quantitative and qualitative methodologies, research, management information systems, reporting, data quality assessments, and data analysis and visualization
- Proficiency in CLA frameworks, tools, and methodologies, including experience with USAID’s Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting Framework.
- Experience and familiarity with USAID’s standard indicators, including performance indicators specific to Feed the Future
- Expertise in data analysis and using tools such as MS Excel and statistical packages
- Experience managing and building capacity among a diverse team of professionals remotely and in-person
- Ability to convey results to non-technical stakeholders, and to generate interest in the use of MEL results and help staff to make programmatic improvements desired
- Demonstrated ability to establish and develop working relationships and a high level of trust with public/private organizations as well as prepare regular and ad hoc reports, activity documentation and briefing papers
- Demonstrated experience in strategic planning and using innovative approaches to solve complex problems
- Experience supervising staff and overseeing MEL activities for USAID funded contracts
- Fluency in French.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English required.
What We Offer
We foster an environment where you can Thrive Your Way. Our innovative total rewards programs are designed to help balance your work and personal life. The approach toward your wellbeing centers around comprehensive benefits and professional development. Abt Global is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce. Abt Global provides market-competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits. Local candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Disclaimer: Abt Global will never ask candidates for money in exchange for an offer of employment.
