Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Advisor – Zimbabwe

Background

SoCha LLC is preparing a response to provide Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) and technical services to the USAID/Zimbabwe Mission. The project has the following objectives:

1. Enhance USAID/Zimbabwe’s capacity to gather evidence and use it in strategic planning, project and activity design, and activity implementation.
2. Improve USAID/Zimbabwe’s performance monitoring, reporting, and communication to support informed program decision making and ensure compliance with USAID Program Cycle operational policy.
3. Enhance USAID/Zimbabwe’s inter- and intra-sector collaboration and integration.
4. Build the capacity of USAID/Zimbabwe staff and implementing partners in program cycle processes like monitoring, evaluation, learning, collaborating, and adapting.

SoCha is seeking a qualified individual to fill the role of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Advisor. The MEL Advisor position will be full-time and based in Harare. This role is for a proposal position and is contingent on award and funding.

Scope of Work

The MEL Advisor will provide technical leadership to the Mission so it can track progress, assess impact, and facilitate organizational learning. The MEL Advisor will have the following responsibilities:

• Design and provide guidance for evaluations by optimizing evaluation statements of work and selecting the optimal evaluation methodologies.
• Oversee performance and impact evaluations from inception to reporting phases based on approved scopes of work and in line with USAID evaluation standards.
• Develop and implement learning plans and after-action review plans to support teams in effectively utilizing evaluation findings and recommendations.
• Oversee sectoral and thematic assessments to inform USAID decision making and design. Tasks may include desk reviews and secondary data analysis.
• Design and deliver training programs and capacity-building initiatives related to MEL.
• Oversee data quality assessments using USAID quality standards and tools, review implementing partner MEL plans, develop and update Mission performance management plans (PMPs), and conduct third party monitoring where appropriate.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum of a master’s degree in a relevant field such as monitoring and evaluation, statistics, international development, or a related field.
• A minimum of six (6) years of demonstrated experience in designing and implementing MEL frameworks for international development projects, preferably USAID.
• Strong understanding of MEL principles, including the development of M&E frameworks, indicators, and data collection protocols.
• Strong understanding of MEL methodologies, including quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis, surveys, interviews, focus groups, and case studies.
• Experience in MEL and understanding of how MEL improves USAID’s programs.
• Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., Python, STATA, R) and MEL tools.
• Knowledge of USAID reporting and compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with project teams and stakeholders.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

Location

Harare, Zimbabwe with travel in the country at times.