Manager, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning, United States Agency for International Development Scholars Activity, Grant Position

Reports to: Chief of Party

Purpose: The job holder is responsible for enhancing the overall accountability and transparency of the program through the development of a robust monitoring, evaluation and learning framework and system, and leading the research, documentation, reporting and impact assessment activities. He/she will provide strategic and technical support for the program planning, particularly in terms of setting clear and sound strategies, indicators, and targets, and identifying effective results such as outputs, outcomes, and impacts. Also, establish and implement an effective MEL system tracking all program activities, implemented by AUC or partner universities, to monitor its performance, progress and impact throughout the lifetime of the program, ensuring compliance with the USAID regulations and reporting requirements. In addition, develop and oversee the implementation of MEL strategies, instruments, and interventions throughout the life cycle of the program to generate sound and systematic evidence to support strategic and operational decision-making, foster learning for all stakeholders, and continuously enhance the achievement of planned results, targets, and impacts.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Lead the project’s MEL function as per USAID contractual requirements and guidelines, creating a framework, policies, and procedures for the monitoring and evaluation of project activities and results
• Develop, implement and report on a unified monitoring, evaluation, and learning framework across all program components, setting out specific quantifiable performance indicators and targets for overall objectives and activities to measure project progress; and including identification of processes, outputs, outcomes, and sustainability indicators
• Establish and implement a system and mechanisms for collecting and managing project data on the set indicators
• Ensure appropriate baseline data availability or gathering, periodic monitoring, adequate performance reporting, and other activities to facilitate the implementation of evaluations
• Institute a mitigation plan for any project activity, as needed
• Develop data collection tools to measure indicators using two specific methods of data collection; primary and secondary data
• Identify and address all data limitations to ensure that alternative measurements allow reasonable monitoring and evaluation
• Keep verification documents and a proper audit trail for reported data
• Manage the processes of Data Quality Assurance (DQA) and evaluations mandated by USAID/Egypt
• Develop and manage the learning agenda as per the MEL plan and USAID/Egypt’s requirements
• Engage and liaise with other project staff members to promote learning across sub-activities
• Review and maintain the project’s MEL Plan, oversee adjustments and revisions; after consulting with the project’s Agreement Office Representative (AOR) and USAID’s Program Office
• Coach, train and mentor the project staff and partners with the aim of fostering a culture of learning and continuous performance improvement
• Input all required information into the USAID/Egypt information systems on a quarterly basis and as needed
• Coordinate with COP and DCOP to collect and monitor activity-related outputs and results in all aspects of programming
• Contribute MEL system description to annual work plan and lead annual monitoring and learning planning, review, and update processes accordingly
• Plan and implement weekly project meetings to review progress, attend relevant meetings, collect data, present findings on learning questions, and facilitate evidence-driven decision-making
• Supervise data management in eight local project locations along with the local program site coordinators
• Work closely with the project team to check data integrity and validity and ensure that the documentation is in accordance with the MEL plan
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements:

Minimum Education Requirement:

• Bachelor degree in any field.
• M&E Certification is as asset.

Experience:

• Minimum 12 years of experience, including 8 years of experience in developing and supervising MEL plans in educational and/or scholarship management programs
• Previous experience in foreign-funded/USAID projects is required

Skills :

• Strong MEL skills, data analysis and report writing skills
• Resourceful through technology and research skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and relationship building
• Proficiency in Excel and other data management systems
• Excellent command of spoken and written English and Arabic
• Good attention to details with excellent follow up skills
• Demonstrated time management and multi-tasking skills
• Ability to work independently and take the initiative
• Excellent communications and interpersonal skills
• Ability to establish/maintain effective working relationships with project constituents
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Results-oriented and able to work effectively within a team
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills
• Very good computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint)

This position is open until May 11, 2022

Placement is based on the candidate’s experience and skills. Only candidates who make it to the short list will be contacted.

"The American University in Cairo is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply."

“We thank all individuals who have expressed interest in working at The American University in Cairo.”