Performance Monitoring Specialist- USAID Europe and Eurasia MELDS At NORC

Background

Established in 1941, NORC at the University of Chicago is one of the largest and most respected social science research organizations in the U.S. NORC conducts groundbreaking research using innovative methods and tools, and advances principles of scientific integrity and collaboration around the world. Today, government, corporate, and nonprofit clients around the world partner with NORC to transform increasingly complex information into useful knowledge. NORC’s International Programs Department designs and implements evaluations, data collection, and other analytical projects in over 100 countries and has developed close collaborative relationships with researchers, survey firms, and policy think tanks.

NORC is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Performance Monitoring Specialist for an upcoming USAID Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning & Decision Support (MELDS) Activity. The Activity is expected to provide technical and advisory services related to the monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) of USAID/Europe and Eurasia projects and activities to help the Bureau meet Agency requirements, make better informed strategic and management decisions, and advance Agency learning. Target countries include Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Russia, Serbia, and Ukraine.

Job Summary

The Performance Monitoring Specialist will oversee technical assistance focused on monitoring project activities. S/he will support USAID and implementing partners staff with the development of project and activity-level indicators, theories of change, and MEL plans to be incorporated into performance monitoring plans (PMPs). S/he may be tasked with reviewing PMP data, and ensuring the quality and utility of all data. The Performance Monitoring Specialist will also be charged with developing and managing the Activity’s own MEL Plan. The Performance Monitoring Specialist may also assist USAID staff with audits and site visits to assess data quality and activity performance.

The position will be based in Washington, D.C. Please note that the position is contingent upon award and funding.

Required Qualifications

The candidate must possess the following qualifications:

  • Master’s Degree in a relevant field, such as international development, social sciences, public policy, public health, statistics, or economics;
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience designing and implementing performance monitoring systems of complex international development projects, preferably on USAID projects;
  • Experience developing PMPs, logical frameworks, results frameworks, and MEL plans at both the activity and program-wide level;
  • Experience in indicator development (including context indicators), data collection; data quality assessment; and data analysis;
  • Experience finding and collecting appropriate development data from third party sources;
  • Experience in the creation and use of spreadsheets and databases;
  • Experience using monitoring data to review programming, trends, and activity needs;
  • Experience adapting to respond to new information;
  • Interest in exploring innovative ways to embed Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) approaches across all aspects of the project’s work;
  • Excellent teamwork, interpersonal, communication, presentation, and facilitation skills;
  • Working experience in Europe or Eurasia.
  • Ability to travel within Europe and Eurasia as necessary.
  • Oral and written communication and presentations skills in English.

Preferred Qualifications

The candidate would be considered more competitive if s/he possess the following qualifications:

  • Strong familiarity with USAID’s Evaluation Policy and CLA practices;
  • Familiarity with USAID performance data information systems, or other such systems;
  • Understanding of knowledge management as it relates to USAID programs;
  • Experience in training and other capacity building activities;
  • Familiarity with one or more of the following sectors: democracy and governance; economic development; energy; health; and/or youth, education, and vulnerable populations.
  • Language proficiency in: Albanian, Armenian, Azerbaijani, Bosnian, Croatian, Georgian, Greek, Macedonian, Montenegrin, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Turkish, or Ukrainian.

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement

As a condition of employment, all NORC employees and contractors – including those working remotely – must be fully vaccinated (as defined by current CDC guidance) against COVID-19.

Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) Statement

NORC is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer that values and actively seeks diversity in the workforce. NORC evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and other legally- protected characteristics.

How to apply

Interested candidates should email a CV and cover letter to MELDS@norc.org. Please use the following subject line in your email: “MELDS Application – Performance Monitoring Specialist.” Please also contact us at this email with any questions.

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