Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, Learning, and Adapting (MERLA) Director | Washington, DC | 2022 At Chemonics

Chemonics seeks a Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, Learning and Adaptation (MERLA) Director to support agile and sustainable WSSH programming in fragile contexts, with a focus on supporting locally-led approaches to address the reality that WSSH challenges confronting the world are highly nuanced and fast evolving—particularly as the adverse impacts of climate change continue to unfold.

Chemonics International Inc., a US-based international development consulting firm, is accepting applications for an anticipated USAID-funded program addressing the harmonization and strengthening of water security, sanitation, and hygiene (WSSH) in conflict and fragile contexts. Through this broad, flexible global support mechanism, USAID will fill critical gaps in partner countries’ ability to tackle longer and more common protracted conflicts, as well as more frequent and intense weather events and increasing rates of climate change-related migration through enabling a fundamental shift in the WSSH community’s approach to programming in fragile contexts. This will focus on strengthening water security for all uses and users, as well as adapting, providing, and maintaining WASH services, which is critical for achieving and maintaining development gains in communities and countries that face the compounding risks of climate change, conflict, and COVID-19.

The MERLA Director is responsible for leading the development of the data analytics framework, capacity building, and systems development for better WSSH performance data collection, reliability, and quality. The MERLA Director will also lead all program monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and evidence-based learning and outreach for both long-term programming as well as rapid response and surge support wherever the program is responding to a crisis. The MERLA Director will work closely with the Chief of Party to ensure consistent, regular collaboration, learning, and adaptation throughout the life of the program. This position informs the Activity’s approach to using real-time information and data analytics to continually inform and improve programming while leading overall monitoring and evaluation of activities.

Chemonics is seeking prospective candidates for a proposal effort, this is not an open position. Once a proposal is awarded and a position becomes available, all applicants must apply to be considered for the role. Chemonics International Inc. is a US-based international development consulting company, operating in over 95 countries. We are looking for individuals who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of people around the world.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee the design and implementation of the MERLA strategy and monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) plan, including data collection, data systems, and results reporting to meet USAID requirements
• Support Activity interventions to strengthen the evidence base and performance reporting for WSSH services
• Lead the development of collaboration, learning, and adaptation (CLA) mechanisms and incorporate these mechanisms throughout implementation to regularly adapt and modify approaches and interventions as needed
• Develop, with input from technical staff, baseline survey data points and methods for MEL per the Activity’s MEL plan and individual activities or events the Activity implements; ensure the inclusion of gender-sensitive indicators and results in MEL
• Provide evidence-based data and information to the technical team to develop progress reports, technical papers, success stories, case studies, etc.; recommend improvements to meet Activity goals
• Spearhead, guide, and supervise all database, survey, and assessment methodology documents (sampling frame, guides, instructions, surveys, and analysis) for quality assurance and adherence to USAID data quality standards and industry best practices
• Research on barriers and entry points for sustainable WSSH programming in fragile contexts, including best use of resources
• Distilling and documenting and/or introducing innovative best practices for WSSH assessments in fragile contexts
• Developing guidance documents and toolkits for effective engagement of local organizations and voices, including the perspectives of women and gender minorities, youth, persons with disabilities, and ethnic and religious minorities in WSSH programming in fragile contexts
• Identifying financial and operational best practices for WSSH service providers during complex crises
• Documenting and analyzing the evolution of WSSH service delivery over time, before, during, and after a complex crisis
• Manage team of local and international experts to ensure high quality implementation at the highest standards of professional conduct

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 10 years work experience in MEL, research, field analytics, and learning approaches
• Bachelor’s Degree in relevant area required, advanced degree preferred or comparable years of work experience
• Experience working with USAID MEL reporting systems required; knowledge of other donor MEL systems in crisis response, humanitarian assistance or peace and stabilization work is strongly preferred
• Experience working in WSSH programming in fragile contexts preferred.
• Knowledge of donor funded programming across the humanitarian, conflict, and development nexus strongly preferred
• Fluency in English required, additional language skills preferred
• Demonstrated leadership, versatility, and integrity