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 $100 million, works in more than 100 countries worldwide with offices in 20 countries, and a global staff of 600.
Summary of Position:
IREX seeks qualified Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialist candidates to support the USAID-funded Promoting Positive Information (PRO-INFO) Activity. This five-year activity aims to address issues related to information disorders leading to the erosion of democratic values in Sri Lanka, with possible extension to Maldives. This would be achieved through the free flow of credible and accurate information from diverse media actors and sources while proactively countering information disorders by equipping citizens with the tools to consume media content and news critically and responsibly. Based in Colombo, the MEL Specialist will oversee and implement the programs’ Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) approach, MEL plan, and learning agenda.
Only citizens of Sri Lanka or permanent residents with work authorization will be considered.
This position is contingent on funding.
Summary of Responsibilities
- In coordination with our headquarters-based MEL specialist, and MEND COP/DCOP develop and manage a monitoring, evaluation and learning system across all program components, including indicators to report on program results.
- Provide training and mentoring in M&E planning, data collection and reporting to IREX program staff and partner organizations.
- Ensure that all MEL activities are implemented according to schedule.
- Ensure the data collection process is functioning in all activity locations to provide quality data within deadlines.
- Regularly review data collection processes, perform data quality assessments, and adjust as needed.
- Conduct visits to project sites to provide technical assistance and ensure proper monitoring of project activities.
- Produce narrative program performance reports.
- Compile quantitative and qualitative data for inclusion in quarterly, semi-annual, and annual reports.
- Format the quarterly, semi-annual, and annual reports.
- Communicate information obtained through MEL activities to IREX staff, and various external stakeholders, including donors and local beneficiaries.
- Liaise with IREX implementing partners that contribute monitoring and evaluation products for program activities.
- Develop M&E tools to measure and the impacts of newly designed MEND activities.
- Design tailor-maid evaluation toolkits to measure the impact of MEND activities.
- Coordinate with IREX/MEND trainers and consultants and provide necessary inputs for the development of M&E tools to measure the impact of their training.
- Review the reports of external consultants and trainers and coordinate with them the delivery of high-quality reports of MEND training and consultations.
- Train staff members of MEND and partner organizations on basics of M&E in light of approved MEL plan in coordination with COP/DCOP.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Skills and Qualifications
- Sri Lankan citizenship or residency with work authorization is required.
- A master’s degree in statistics, demographics, public policy, education, or related field with a minimum of six (6) years of professional experience in Sri Lanka implementing MEL activities, preferably in those funded by USAID or other international donors; or bachelor’s degree with eight (8) years of relevant experience also considered
- Experience working on programs focused on youth is preferred Proven success in designing, implementing, and operating program MEL systems from program initiation to closeout stages in Sri Lanka required
- Knowledge of the major evaluation methodologies (e.g., qualitative, quantitative, mixed method, and impact) and data collection and analysis methodologies
- Experience in strategic planning and performance measurement, including indicator selection, target setting, reporting, database management, and developing MEL and performance monitoring plans
- Familiarity with innovative MEL methods to ensure data collection in areas with minimal connectivity and with participants with minimal literacy skills
- Experience in designing, managing, and implementing multi-disciplinary and results-based surveys, and developing and refining data collection tools
- Experience with data quality assessments and oversight
- Experience managing and providing ongoing training to MEL field officers.
- A demonstrated commitment to creating a learning environment in a program.
- Must have proven track record in the advanced use of modern communications tools, internet, email, social media, and teleconferences.
- Ability to communicate professionally and provide written reporting in English is required.