Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL)-Education Specialist USAID-Tunoze Gusoma (Schools and Systems) Activity
FHI 360 is a global development organization, with a rigorous, evidence-based approach to human development. Our team of professionals includes experts in education, health, nutrition, economic development, civil society, environment and research. FHI 360 operates from over 60 offices with more than 4000 employees in the United States and around the world. Our commitment to partnerships at all levels and our multidisciplinary approach allows us to have a lasting impact on the people, communities and countries we serve by improving the lives of millions. We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of MEL-Education Specialist for the Schools and Systems (S&S) USAID-funded project in Rwanda.
Project Description
The USAID Tunoze Gusoma (Schools and Systems) activity will strengthen the education system to enable all pre-primary and lower primary school and classroom environments to be of high quality, inclusive, and focused on the learning of foundational reading skills.
Specifically, the five-year activity will improve learning outcomes by focusing on increasing Kinyarwanda literacy skills of boys and girls through primary 3 (P3) through four intermediate results: (1) Pre-primary education system enhanced to develop, promote and improve emergent literacy, (2) Lower primary reading classroom instruction improved, (3) School environments improved for increased lower primary reading outcomes, and (4) Education management systems strengthened for improved literacy outcomes. S&S will include a focus on learning for children with disabilities to ensure project approaches reach all children.
Position Description
The MEL-Education Specialist will be an educational development professional with solid MEL expertise that will work under the supervision of the MEL Director to manage the technical process of collecting and analyzing both qualitative and quantitative MEL data and engaging technical teams in its interpretation and use to inform improvement of program implementation.
The Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Specialist is member of the MEL team and will work in close collaboration with the technical staff, project partners’ staff and government stakeholders on the implementation of the activity’s monitoring and evaluation system.
He/she will be responsible for collaborating with MEL team and Intermediate Results Leads to ensure that the learning from project implementation is well documented and used to measure project outcomes. S/he will support in the development and implementation of project fidelity of implementation and related data capitalization. He/she will also provide support to the Education Management Systems Strengthening component of the project by contributing to the capacity building of education systems actors in education data management.
Job Summary/Responsibilities
- Oversee the collection of both quantitative and qualitative data for project fidelity of implementation monitoring
- Jointly with project district decentralized coordinators, plan and implement district quarterly review meetings to reflect on monitoring data
- Based on monitoring findings, advise project technical team on strategies for improving quality of teaching and school leadership practices
- Support to analyze student learning assessment data and advise on remedial activities
- Contribute to the development of children learning assessment and classroom observation tools
- Support evidence-based learning efforts that link program components including girls’ and boys’ education, gender and social inclusion (including disability related topics), and social and behavioral change.
- Draft the terms of reference and report for project MEL activities
- Contribute to the quarterly and annual reports writing
- Contribute to the implementation of learning agenda
- Train other project staffs and external consultants on MEL tools and approaches
- Conduct regular site meetings/visits with/to partners/programs and ensure that good quality, meaningful data is obtained in a timely manner for integration into management decision making.
- Conduct a regular Data Quality Audit and monitor the regular implementation of audit recommendations by partners/programs.
- Supervise the project database management and ensure that partners are using it correctly based on the data collected.
- Provide support to technical staff to ensure quality reports are submitted on time for this grant/program.
- Review and analyze reports to identify causes of potential bottlenecks in project implementation and improve their quality.
- Participate in regular remote check-in meeting with the FHI 360 HQ-based M&E specialist
- Contribute to the data entry into the DIS/USAID database according to the required schedule and that all reported information is sufficiently accompanied by source data that has been verified
- Support IR 4 on data collection analysis and reporting on LEGRA data and support on use of CAMIS
- Collaborate with IR4 team in the development and implementation of the project’s learning agenda
- Prepare data submissions in Excel/Power Bi/Power Point, and Dashboard for all reporting needs.
- Play a role in compiling quarterly and annual USAID reports as needed.
- Prepare and train partners in the preparation of “Success Stories” for use by the project.
- Deputize the MEL Director
- Execute other tasks as assigned by supervisor.
Required Skills and Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily. The qualifications listed below are representative of the required knowledge, skills, and/or abilities needed to perform the principal duties.
- Bachelor’s degree in any education field with emphasis on measurement and evaluation; social or behavioral sciences with an emphasis on social research methods, statistics, Informatics or other MERL-related, field certification in a MERL-related area would also be an asset.
- A master’s degree is desirable.
- Proven experience in students learning assessment adapted for lower grades
- Proven experience in documenting learning, mentoring and monitoring in context of large-scale education projects/programme focusing on education official professional development
- IT and database skills with familiarity with modern databases and IT systems
- Analytical skills with proficiency in analyzing large amounts of data
- Problem-solving skills to be able to tackle problems under come up with actionable recommendations
- Advanced training in quantitative methodologies, including database management; experience in qualitative research techniques in addition preferred.
- Communication skills with excellent verbal and written communication
- At least 7 years of experience in MEL activities in an international organization (e.g., USAID, FCDO, the World Bank)
- Proficient with Microsoft Tools, including Excel and PowerPoint.
- Strong attention to detail and a self-starter attitude
- Excellent English and Kinyarwanda reading, writing and speaking skills
This job description 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.
Location of Assignment:
- The location of the assignment is Kigali, Rwanda with intermittent travel throughout the country.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work and are subject to modification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job.
This job description 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.
We offer competitive compensation and a package of exceptional benefits. Please visit the FHI 360 Career Center at http://www.fhi360.org/careers for a list of all open positions.
FHI 360 is an employer with equal opportunity and affirmative action. FHI 360 is committed to providing equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or veteran status in policies, programs, or activities.
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.
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