Activity: USAID/Zambia Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Platform Activity

Implementer: SoCha LLC

COMPANY BACKGROUND:

SoCha (a portmanteau of Social and Change) is an independent Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) firm that provides bespoke solutions to social challenges. Since our inception in 2010, we have grown into a fully-fledged MEL services firm that specializes in advancing innovative methodologies and changing the way donors find solutions to social problems.

ACTIVITY BACKGROUND:

The Zambia Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Platform (Z-MELP) provides support to USAID/Zambia across a range of MEL-related tasks. In doing so, it supports the Mission to improve its program performance management and efficiency, enables the Mission to meet Agency requirements, and provides USAID/Zambia with the expertise and support required to make improved informed strategic and management decisions around program implementation, and to advance Agency learning.

Z-MELP provides the Mission access to technical and advisory services to design and carry out specialized MEL tasks, including practices, processes, and requirements that support Program Cycle implementation.  Z-MELP’s technical assistance is focused on five service areas: 1) performance monitoring support; 2) evaluation support; 3) data management support; 4) capacity building and strengthening; and 5) Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) support services.

POSITION & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Z-MELP’s MEL Advisor is expected to support the successful delivery of assigned MEL tasks. This includes serving as the technical team lead on a selection of these tasks, providing day-to-day management to ensure that assigned tasks are on track to be delivered in a timely manner and to a high level of quality. The MEL Advisor will provide oversight of key processes pertaining to data collection, data analysis, and the production and dissemination of written and visual outputs. On some tasks, the MEL Advisor will not be the technical team lead but will still be expected to support Z-MELP’s senior management in ensuring the completion of quality technical deliverables.

The specific responsibilities of the MEL Advisor are to:

• Provide day-to-day management and oversight of assigned MEL tasks, ensuring that these tasks are on track to be delivered in a timely manner and to a high level of quality. This includes developing and tracking MEL task budgets, work plans, and (where relevant) overseeing the work of short-term consultants in the production of work request outputs.
• Where requested, draft reports or develop other outputs (e.g., infographics) associated with assigned MEL tasks.
• Independently lead the implementation of Data Quality Assessments (DQAs); as well as reviews of USAID Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plans (AMELPs).
• Support Z-MELP senior management in the design and implementation of evaluations, special studies, and/or assessments.
• As requested, provide wide-ranging support to those MEL tasks necessitating logistical support (e.g., learning events, Mission meetings, MEL road shows, etc.).
• Provide notetaking support at key Mission learning events, Mission meetings, etc.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to the position;
• Three or more years of experience working in a MEL-focused role, preferably on a USAID-funded activity, and with direct exposure to project or program performance monitoring, as well as involvement in the planning and implementation of evaluations and/or assessments;
• Conceptual familiarity with USAID MEL standards and operational requirements is preferred;
• Qualitative and/or quantitative data collection and analysis skills;
• Excellent writing and communication skills;
• Proficiency in English; and
• Knowledge of MS Excel and Word.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:

Lusaka, Zambia, with occasional travel within Zambia

REPORTING:

Reports to the Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP)

ESTIMATED DURATION:

Between  mid- April and July  2024.