Overview
The American Institutes for Research (AIR) International Research and Evaluation group strives to improve the quality of life in developing countries by using rigorous research and evaluation to enhance education and social development. We conduct impact evaluations on a wide range of topics including cash transfer programs, early childhood nutrition and development programs, education interventions, health programs, women’s empowerment, and agricultural interventions. We partner with locally based researchers to provide context relevant policy analysis and to help build the research capacity in developing countries. Our work contributes to policy and financial decisions at the national and international level in countries around the world.
AIR is seeking a Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor for a 5 year, USAID-funded, Accountable Governance for Improved Service Delivery (AGIS) project in Zambia. The purpose of AGIS is to strengthen targeted accountability and transparency functions within the Ministries of Education and Health of the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ), to improve health and education outcomes. The Monitoring & Evaluation Advisor will be responsible for ensuring robust performance monitoring and evaluation that supports the achievement of the program objectives.
This position is contingent on funding.
The American Institutes for Research (AIR) International Research and Evaluation group strives to improve the quality of life in developing countries by using rigorous research and evaluation to enhance education and social development. We conduct impact evaluations on a wide range of topics including cash transfer programs, early childhood nutrition and development programs, education interventions, health programs, women’s empowerment, and agricultural interventions. We partner with locally based researchers to provide context relevant policy analysis and to help build the research capacity in developing countries. Our work contributes to policy and financial decisions at the national and international level in countries around the world.
AIR is seeking a Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor for a 5 year, USAID-funded, Accountable Governance for Improved Service Delivery (AGIS) project in Zambia. The purpose of AGIS is to strengthen targeted accountability and transparency functions within the Ministries of Education and Health of the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ), to improve health and education outcomes. The Monitoring & Evaluation Advisor will be responsible for ensuring robust performance monitoring and evaluation that supports the achievement of the program objectives.
This position is contingent on funding.
Responsibilities:
• Refine, update and manage the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan across all program components, including review of indicators and development of monitoring activities that capture necessary data to report on results, ensure monitoring activities are conducted on schedule
• Lead baseline assessments before implementation of activities, set annual targets, and create performance-monitoring procedures through the Activity Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan
• Track performance indicators related to youth, gender equity, and female empowerment
• Conduct relevant operational research to allow for evidence-based decision-making that will facilitate implementation of effective interventions and documentation of outcomes
• Communicate information obtained through M&E activities to program staff, various external stakeholders, notably donors and partners
• Be a primary M&E resource to the field office and field personnel; liaise regularly with AIR’s Research and Evaluation team in headquarters
• Ensure data collection process is functioning in all activity locations to provide quality data within deadlines
• Regularly review data collection processes, perform data quality assessments, and make adjustments as needed
• Conduct regular visits to project sites to provide technical assistance and ensure proper monitoring of project activities
• Produce M&E monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual reports to Chief of Party and donors, as needed
• Lead baseline assessments before implementation of activities, set annual targets, and create performance-monitoring procedures through the Activity Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan
• Track performance indicators related to youth, gender equity, and female empowerment
• Conduct relevant operational research to allow for evidence-based decision-making that will facilitate implementation of effective interventions and documentation of outcomes
• Communicate information obtained through M&E activities to program staff, various external stakeholders, notably donors and partners
• Be a primary M&E resource to the field office and field personnel; liaise regularly with AIR’s Research and Evaluation team in headquarters
• Ensure data collection process is functioning in all activity locations to provide quality data within deadlines
• Regularly review data collection processes, perform data quality assessments, and make adjustments as needed
• Conduct regular visits to project sites to provide technical assistance and ensure proper monitoring of project activities
• Produce M&E monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual reports to Chief of Party and donors, as needed
Qualifications:
• Masters or advanced degree in in Economics, Finance, Business, Public Administration or a related field
• A minimum of 7 years of experience on donor-funded projects, with a preference for experience in sub-Saharan Africa
• Minimum of 5 years professional experience in a senior M&E position responsible for implementing M&E activities of international development projects
• Demonstrated experience in working with government structures at central or sub-national levels
• Experience providing technical assistance, change management, mentoring, and training experience in public financial management elements, anticorruption, ethics, risk mitigation
• Proven success in designing, implementing, and operating project M&E systems from project initiation to closeout stages
• Experience designing and managing beneficiary monitoring and database systems
• Experience in strategic planning and performance measurement, including indicator selection, target setting, reporting, database management, and developing M&E and performance monitoring plans
• Knowledge of the major evaluation methodologies (e.g., qualitative, quantitative, mixed method, and impact) and data collection and analysis methodologies; experience with innovative and electronic, real-time monitoring methods highly desired
• Experience in planning and managing surveys, developing and refining data collection tools, and with data quality assessments and oversight
• Experience managing and providing ongoing training to M&E field officers
• Knowledge of the Zambian or similar region public financial management landscape
• Ability to communicate professionally and provide written reporting in English required
**Please submit a CV and cover letter with your application
• A minimum of 7 years of experience on donor-funded projects, with a preference for experience in sub-Saharan Africa
• Minimum of 5 years professional experience in a senior M&E position responsible for implementing M&E activities of international development projects
• Demonstrated experience in working with government structures at central or sub-national levels
• Experience providing technical assistance, change management, mentoring, and training experience in public financial management elements, anticorruption, ethics, risk mitigation
• Proven success in designing, implementing, and operating project M&E systems from project initiation to closeout stages
• Experience designing and managing beneficiary monitoring and database systems
• Experience in strategic planning and performance measurement, including indicator selection, target setting, reporting, database management, and developing M&E and performance monitoring plans
• Knowledge of the major evaluation methodologies (e.g., qualitative, quantitative, mixed method, and impact) and data collection and analysis methodologies; experience with innovative and electronic, real-time monitoring methods highly desired
• Experience in planning and managing surveys, developing and refining data collection tools, and with data quality assessments and oversight
• Experience managing and providing ongoing training to M&E field officers
• Knowledge of the Zambian or similar region public financial management landscape
• Ability to communicate professionally and provide written reporting in English required
**Please submit a CV and cover letter with your application
HOW TO APPLY:
AIR offers an excellent compensation and benefits package, including a fully funded retirement plan, generous paid time off, commuter benefits, and tuition assistance. For more information, please visit our website at www.air.org. To apply, please go to https://jobs-airdc.icims.com/jobs/9146/monitoring-and-evaluation-advisor.... Candidates must apply online for consideration. EOE.
