MERLA Director | Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | 2024

Chemonics seeks a Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, Learning and Adapting (MERLA) Director for the anticipated USAID-funded Jifunze Uelewe follow on activity in Tanzania. The Activity’s overall objective is to sustainably improve literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional skills for all pre-primary and standard 1 – 4 learners in target regions; strengthen the capacity of local and regional government to sustain improved learning outcomes; and increase community support for safe and inclusive learning environments.

The MERLA Director will be responsible for overseeing all MERLA-related functions of the activity. We are seeking individuals who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of people around the world.

Responsibilities include: 

  • Leads the development and review of the project MEL plan and associated workplans, as reflected in the results framework;
  • Provides cross cutting support including iteration, adaptation, and sharing learning on best practices within the education sector
  • Collaborates with the relevant communications teams to development and implement the Activity’s communication strategy and annual workplan for communications asset production, dissemination, and monitoring.
  • Leads the development of the project’s MEL strategy and monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) plan, and oversee data collection, data systems, and results reporting to meet USAID requirements.
  • Spearheads, guides, and supervises 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
  • Leads 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.
  • Develops, with input from technical staff, baseline survey data points and methods for MEL per the Activity’s MEL plan and individual activities.
  • Ensures the inclusion of youth- and gender-sensitive indicators and results in MEL.
  • Provides 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.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief of Party

Qualifications: 

  • Advanced degree (Master’s level or equivalent) in area of monitoring, evaluation, and learning or another relevant subject matter required;
  • Minimum (12-15) years of experience working with USAID and in data systems, knowledge management, international development, or another relevant field.
  • Experience in designing, using and implementing M&E methodologies and tools and the ability to train others in their use.
  • Excellent presentation skills and strong ability to communicate clearly and concisely in writing.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
  • Detail oriented, and ability to prioritize tasks.
  • Demonstrated leadership, versatility, and integrity.
  • Fluency in written and spoken English; fluency in Kiswahili preferred.
  • Qualified applicants from Tanzania highly encouraged to apply.

Application Instructions:  

Apply online here. This recruit is being conducted on a rolling basis, so please submit your application as soon as possible. No telephone inquiries. Finalists will be contacted. More information about Chemonics International can be found at www.chemonics.com.

Chemonics is an equal opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, age, or other legally protected characteristics.

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