Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning Director

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world’s largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 50 countries and more than 25 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you’re a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

The IRC began working in Afghanistan in 1988, launching relief programs for people displaced by the invasion of the Soviet Union. IRC continued to provide aid under Taliban rule and expanded its community development projects after the Taliban was ousted. IRC now works across eleven provinces. The IRC works with local communities to identify, plan and manage their own development projects; provides safe learning spaces in rural areas; provides uprooted families with basic necessities; and helps people find employment.

Scope of work

The IRC seeks a Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Director for an upcoming USAID-funded, $50-60 million, 5 year project in Afghanistan called ‘USAID Afghanistan Integrated Youth Activity (AIYA)’. The project aims to empower Afghan youth by equipping them with market relevant technical and soft skills. AIYA seeks to improve learning outcomes and economic opportunities for both young men and women. The goal is to ensure that Afghan youth, especially girls and young women acquire technical and soft skills to thrive in the market.

The MERL Director will be responsible for developing and implementing the project’s MERL strategy, in accordance with IRC, USAID, and international best practices. S/he will work closely with the Chief of Party (COP) and technical staff to ensure relevant data is collected, analyzed, and used to inform adaptive management and design decisions, and to provide project updates against the set targets and objectives.

Recruitment is contingent upon successful award of the project, and selection of final applicant is subject to USAID approval.

Job Responsibilities

The role’s responsibilities will include the following:

• Develop and manage a MERL system across all project components which captures qualitative and quantitative data collection, analysis and visualization from a variety of sources – including client feedback – ensuring comprehensive impact assessment and progress measurement.

o Utilize standard data collection and visualization technologies tools to improve data collection, analysis, and reporting.

o Identify and develop a learning agenda for the program and to ensure its implementation and sharing at relevant forums.

o Oversee the M&E staff at the project and coordinate with IRC country program’s MEAL unit for smooth functioning, standard ways of operations and cross-learning between the project and country teams.

o Work closely with partners to establish their internal MEL systems and design and conduct training sessions to support capacity for MEL among partners.

• Develop and support an environment of learning and adaptive management across the project staff in accordance with USAID’s Collaboration, Learning, and Adaptation (CLA) model.

• Communicate information obtained through MEAL activities to program staff, and external stakeholders, including USAID and relevant government departments, to develop lessons learned and best practices which inform strategic decision making.

• Liaise with IRC’s relevant technical teams for the development and rollout of rigorous project evaluations.

• Strengthen staff and partners’ capacity in qualitative and quantitative monitoring and evaluation techniques through comprehensive staff training, mentoring, and/or coaching.

• Conduct regular visits to project sites, as possible, to provide technical assistance and ensure proper monitoring of project activities.

• Oversee and produce MEAL monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual reports for the COP and donors.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8-10 years of leadership experience in M&E for similar projects, preferably for USAID.

• Master’s degree in education, international development, or related field.

• Significant experience carrying out MEAL activities & research/learning in conflict or crisis situations, preferably in Asia and/or Afghanistan

• Strong familiarity with ICT4D MEL tools and programs for mobile data collection, analysis, and reporting, including KoBo / CommCare / other ODK-based tools and Power BI.

• Strong communication skills, both oral and written. Fluency in English required.

• Strong supervisory experience, particularly in remote operating environments.

Women, minorities, people living with disabilities and local applicants are encouraged to apply