Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) Lead – Guatemala GBV Project

Family Health International (FHI 360) is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) Lead based in Guatemala supporting an anticipated USAID-funded project aiming to reduce the negative social and economic impacts of gender-based violence (GBV) in targeted areas of Guatemala, contributing to longer-term stability of the country. The proposed activity aims to support women, children, adolescents and other vulnerable groups victims of gender-based violence and intrafamily violence in targeted communities with high rates of violence and migration. The main objectives of the project are: prevention of GBV at community, municipal and national levels increased; response to GBV strengthened by increasing capacity of key stakeholders; recovery and empowerment of GBV victims and survivors increased; improved research and analysis of GBV and its impact on development, national security, and migration.

The MERL Lead position will be based in Guatemala City, with anticipated project-funded travel to other locations within Guatemala. Availability of the position is contingent upon successful award of the project to FHI 360.

Overview:

The MERL Lead is responsible for overseeing all project research, Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA), and Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) activities, including design and implementation in close collaboration with other project teams as well as supervision of the M&E team. She/he will manage the Activity Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan (AMELP), learning agenda, and design and implementation of the MEL system. She/he will also lead on the gathering, analysis, and reporting of data and the integration of feedback and adjustments into project planning and implementation. The MERL Lead will work collaboratively with other team members to build understanding of tools, and ensure data is correctly collected, analyzed, disseminated, and used by relevant stakeholders. S/he is responsible for developing tools and building the capacity of subawardees and other project beneficiaries who will utilize data and report to the project for M&E purposes. The MERL Lead will also lead the project’s Knowledge Management functions and serve as the project’s Collaboration, Learning and Adaptation (CLA) lead. S/he will be a senior member of the project management team and be responsible, along with the Chief of Party, for overall technical quality of the project. The MERL Lead reports to the COP with support and specialized technical guidance from FHI 360’s MEL and research team based in Washington, DC.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, manage, and coordinate implementation of M&E systems and reporting requirements for the project, including progress against key indicators from the project Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan (AMELP), including selecting and defining indicators, setting targets for all indicators, planning data collection activities, and analyzing data to measure the results of the project and achievement of strategic objectives of USAID/Guatemala.
• Support the design and implementation of the CLA elements/components of organizational capacity needs assessments for USAID local partners.
• Lead the design and implementation of CLA technical assistance for USAID local partners including participatory curricula, interactive training interventions, and/or individualized technical assistance.
• Design, develop, and oversee implementation of M&E tools and systems to collect, analyse, and aggregate data that measure project impact and results against key AMELP indicators.
• Lead the design of impact assessments and qualitative and quantitative studies.
• Lead data collection design, analysis, and use of data to promote evidence-based programming, provide timely feedback in relation to project targets, work plan activities and objectives, and address gaps in programming.
• Support the design and implementation of continuous and / or end-of-project evaluations, surveys and other monitoring activities that capture necessary data to report on program results.
• Support the project’s CLA approach and activities in collaboration with the MEL staff, the Technical Director and the Chief of Party.
• Support the development and implementation of high-quality quantitative and qualitative methods and participatory methodologies to control the quality of the program in terms of performance and results; design appropriate feedback mechanisms to assess whether the approaches implemented by the project are effective.
• Work with senior management and project staff to ensure that project learnings are applied, and project activities are adapted, as needed, for innovative and effective programming.
• Provide technical assistance, training and mentoring to partners and grantees in the implementation of the monitoring and evaluation system, ensuring application of high-quality MEL activities and data collection and analysis.
• Contribute to training materials and conduct workshops for subawardees on their M&E requirements against primary project indicators and develop templates and reporting schedules/protocols for grantees as needed.
• Conduct regular visits to field sites to provide assistance and ensure proper monitoring of project activities.
• Communicate information obtained through MERL activities to project staff, as well as USAID and partners.
• Regularly review data collection processes, perform data quality assessments, and make adjustments as needed.
• Produce high quality and timely MERL reports for the project, FHI 360, and USAID, including documentation of successes, data analysis for indicator aggregation and reporting, summary of qualitative results, etc.
• Document successes, lessons learned, and challenges in implementation as well as reports of project activities and results to the project and donor, including routine quarterly and annual reports and other reporting requirements as requested.
• Develop and draft program work plans, reports and other documentation as needed, such as training and resource materials, presentations, and budget proposals.
• Troubleshoot to identify and resolve project issues and implement improvement plans to ensure project stays on schedule and within budget.

Minimum Requirements:

• Master’s degree or its international equivalent in international affairs, international development, public administration, social sciences, economics, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, statistics, research methods or a related field.
• At least eight (8) years of experience related to monitoring, evaluating, learning, and reporting on international development programs, including demonstrated experience in developing and implementing monitoring, evaluation, and learning plans and/or research protocols on international programs in Guatemala required; experience on GBV programs preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in research, evaluation and learning methods, including qualitative, quantitative, mixed-methods, and impact data collection and analysis.
• Demonstrated familiarity with and understanding of development and monitoring of output, outcome, and impact indicators.
• Knowledge of and experience with CLA approaches and providing technical assistance around adoption of CLA activities.
• Knowledge of USAID rules, regulations, policies, and procedures, particularly CLA.
• Experience with indicator selection, target setting, reporting, database management, and developing MEL and performance monitoring plans.
• Ability to set up a solid monitoring system to assess the fidelity of the implementation and the effectiveness of the program and use this data for adaptive project management.
• Familiarity with innovative MEL methods that can be effective in remote areas with little resources.
• Understanding of gender equality and social inclusion considerations for the Guatemalan context preferred.
• Experience designing and implementing surveys and other data collection tools.
• Experience working on multisectoral programs preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English and Spanish required.

This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

FHI 360 will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.

FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development and policies and programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others — and yourself.