Global Design, Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (DMEL) Manager: MEL At National Democratic Institute

Job Function: Washington DC
Department: Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning
Location: Washington, DC

Global Design, Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (DMEL) Manager: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning

Position Summary

The Global DMEL Manager supports the ongoing development and operationalization of DMEL systems and strategy globally across NDI through 1) leading and overseeing the execution of assigned DMEL projects, activities and processes; and 2) collaborating with and/or providing expertise and technical guidance on DMEL topics, e.g., project design, project startup/management, project evaluation, and learning, for GDMEL staff, Regional DMEL Leads, program leadership/staff, and partners/stakeholders; and 3) leveraging compliance with donor requirements and NDI’s institutional agenda and facilitating the sharing of relevant DMEL information and evidence-based programmatic learning and donor accountability across NDI.

Essential Accountabilities/Responsibilities

• Ensure the delivery/completion of Global DMEL activities that support project design, including providing oversight and required technical assistance/guidance to regional program staff, including regional DMEL Leads, in the design of complex democracy assistance programs using the logical framework approach (LFA) and development of key M&E documents (logical frameworks, performance monitoring plans, M&E narratives, etc.). Facilitate, as required, program design sessions, covering topics such as context, stakeholder, and problem analyses; the development of a sound Theory of Change; a problem-driven Logical Framework; and output and outcome indicators. Assist NDI staff in the application of innovative project design approaches, such as Complexity-Aware Monitoring and Most Significant Change; and spearhead efforts within the Global DMEL team to design inclusive and conflict-sensitive democracy assistance programs using inclusive and conflict-sensitive M&E approaches.
• Lead and/or oversee Global DMEL activities/Evaluators in support of the design and implementation of internal baseline assessments, providing methodological oversight for those consultant-led, working with the Global DMEL team and Regional DMEL Leads to ensure the assessment findings inform M&E and/or Complexity-Aware Monitoring systems and data collections and analysis tools and methods.
• Lead and/or oversee Global DMEL activities/Evaluators in support of the design and implementation of donor required and/or internal evaluations-including baseline and midterm–for institutional learning and donor accountability, providing methodological oversight for those consultant-led and/or that involve both regional and functional teams working on cumulative assessments. Support Global DMEL evaluative research efforts, and review and provide feedback on donor-commissioned evaluation terms of reference, inception reports, and final reports.
• Lead and/or oversee Global DMEL efforts in support of institutional learning and donor accountability by working in collaboration with the Global Learning Technologist and Global DMEL Officer to develop learning tools, guidelines and resources to guide staff in the design of sound and inclusive democracy assistance programs, such as capacity building workshops/webinars on various DMEL topics to varying audiences, e.g. M&E Leads/ officers, and program staff, to include topics such as project design, project evaluation/assessments, and M&E guidelines.
• Lead and/or oversee Global DMEL efforts in support of the analysis, visualization, and interpretation of program performance data to support its use in NDI decision-making, required donor reporting, and collaborative learning and adaptation. Work collaboratively with relevant regional staff (both DMEL and Program) to identify/implement corrective actions on specific projects or across projects.
• Develop DMEL tools, guidelines, and methodologies–including innovate approaches–for preparing for external evaluations and utilizing evaluation findings for institutional learning. Ensure such resources are developed and implanted across other DMEL topics as well, to include Collaborating, Learning and Adapting (CLA) for democracy assistance programming, and develop/conduct related training to enhance understanding and consistency in required application and usage across NDI.
• Ensure strategic and functional integration of all DMEL activities as well as active collaboration with donors, others employees and stakeholders. Lead and participate in NDI’s DMEL Community of Practice (CoP) to identify common donor trends/challenges; share innovation and best practice; contribute to institutional standard setting, data policy and governance activities; and leverage evidence-based programmatic learning and fundraising across NDI.
• Develop and foster effective working relationships within Global DMEL and across NDI, as well as with partners and other key stakeholders, to ensure collaborative and inclusive processes and effective/efficient execution of DMEL activities across NDI. Participate in external meetings and events, as needed, to support/gain knowledge of DMEL activities/requirements. Peripheral Accountabilities/Responsibilities (Non-essential)
• Act as a back-up for other team members as needed.
• Participate in cross-functional initiatives as needed.
• Actively seek and engage in professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge/competence in design, monitoring, evaluation and measurement, and related tools, as well as project/program management. Maintain a general working knowledge of relevant trends and issues occurring external to NDI.
• Perform other duties as required. Parameters
• Incumbent operates under general direction, plans or coordinates work in accordance with established objectives.
• Incumbent serves as a resource and provides guidance to lower-level staff.
• Incumbent regularly interacts with staff at all levels within NDI.
• Incumbent regularly interacts with NDI partners, funders and other stakeholders, including international development organizations, civic organizations, NDI’s network of volunteers, trainers, and experts, political leaders, and other key program contacts. Required Qualifications

  Education

Master’s degree in social science, such as statistics, economics, sociology, anthropology, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

Additional years (above minimum required) of relevant work experience may be substituted for educational requirement on a one-for-one basis.

Experience

• Seven years of progressively responsible experience in monitoring and evaluation, preferably in the Democracy, Rights, and Governance (DRG) sector. This includes experience developing and operationalizing SMART indicators, innovative M&E strategies, and baseline and midterm evaluations in challenging contexts; as well as experience in the implementation/execution of DMEL-related resources/tools, such as Collaborating, Learning and Adapting (CLA) plans; Research and Evaluative Learning Agendas, Complexity-Aware Monitoring (CAM) plans.
• Experience designing sound DMEL strategies as part of the proposal development process for the promotion of democracy, conflict mitigation, gender equity and/or the inclusion of marginalized groups is highly desired.
• Experience with establishing and maintaining DMEL systems in the international field locations is strongly preferred.
• Prior relevant international experience in country is highly desired. KSAs
• Advanced competence in designing and implementing DMEL systems from program initiation to closeout stages, both at the global and regional levels, and an in-depth understanding of the function/value of M&E within an implementing organization.
• Advanced knowledge and expertise related to monitoring, evaluation and learning requirements to support program life cycles, including related compliance with USAID, NED, DoS, and/or other donors’ MEL requirements.
• Knowledge and/or understanding of one or more of NDI’s international development programmatic areas, e.g., elections; governance; citizen participation; political parties; gender, women and democracy and information, communication and technology; and, familiarity of the political environment in at least one of NDI’s regional areas.
• Excellent analysis and visualization skills for identifying problems, collecting and verifying qualitative and quantitative data, and drawing evidence-based conclusions. Strong judgment and the demonstrated ability to think innovatively.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity to effectively interact effectively and diplomatically with individuals at all levels of the organization, as well as both domestically and internationally with foreign government personnel, members of donor organizations, funders and policy-makers.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively and project a professional image when giving and taking information in writing, in person, and through various communication media, as well as the ability to draft clear and concise documents, e.g. reports, strategies, plans, guidelines and present technical information in an understandable manner.
• The ability to develop and conduct presentations/training on M&E concepts and approaches to varying sized audiences, utilizing effective facilitation and presenting in a manner that influences and drives understanding.
• A strong attention to detail with a propensity to complete work accurately and with a focus on quality.
• High action-orientation with a high level of initiative and a superior level of proficiency in the ability to multi-task and prioritize, manage time, perform project management, problem-solving, and organization skills, as well as. the ability to adapt and respond to shifting priorities.
• Capacity to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team, along with the ability to mentor and provide guidance to others.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office to include WORD, Excel, and PowerPoint; Knowledge of Google Suite tools strongly desired.
• Ability and willingness to travel to internationally to regional locations, which are often remote and difficult to reach.**Desired/Preferred Skills and Abilities:**
• Demonstrated analytical and visualization abilities using qualitative and quantitative software, e.g., SPSS, STATA, Nvivo, Tableau, PowerBi, etc.
• Knowledge of Social Network Analysis (SNA) methodology.
• Understanding of innovative evaluation methodologies and approaches for complex programming in democracy, governance and human rights sector.
• Working knowledge of basic budget and accounting procedures.
• Fluency in a foreign language, e.g., French, Arabic and/or Spanish, and/or specialized/technical knowledge applicable to one of the international regions where NDI works. Certifications/Licenses (desired)

None required.

Work Environment

This position generally is performed in an office environment and may be suitable for partial telework.
Occasional evening and weekend work may be required, as well as attendance at external events.
Some international travel is required in this role, approximately 25% to NDI field locations. These locations often are in remote locations and may require significant time and varying modes of travel. Designated locations also may at times be considered less secure and with greater risk to NDI employees.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting/mobility-to work at a desk and move around work areas.
• Speaking/hearing-to engage orally in conversation with others and conduct presentations.
• Seeing-to effectively use computer screen and for reading and interpreting printed materials, memos and other paperwork.
• Reaching/handling-to input information into computer systems and retrieve and work with appropriate paperwork, equipment and supplies. ADA Notation

The physical demands and work environment that have been described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Comments

This is a union position to be represented by the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 2.

Candidates must be legally eligible and authorized to work in the U.S. NDI does not provide sponsorship.

As a result of COVID19, this position will start in a remote capacity. However, when the office re-opens, this position will be based in our Washington, DC office. NDI does not cover relocation costs for this position.

NDI welcomes and supports a diverse, inclusive work environment. As such, our commitment is to promote equal employment opportunities (EEO) for all applicants seeking employment and NDI employees. NDI makes employment decisions based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, personal appearance, military status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, political affiliation, educational status, unemployment status, place of residence or business, source of income, or reproductive health decision making. Additionally, harassment or discrimination based on these characteristics will not be tolerated at NDI. To perform the essential functions of this position, reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities and qualified individuals who have limitations due to pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or medical related condition.

To apply for this position, please visit the NDI website at: www.ndi.org/careers.

PI152807070

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