Senior Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning/CLA Expert

ME&A • Bethesda, MD, United States • $200k - $250k / year • 2w ago

SUMMARY

ME&A is seeking a dynamic Senior Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning/CLA Expert. This role requires a seasoned professional with expertise in MEL and Collaboration, Learning, and Adaptation (CLA) to lead technical oversight, quality assurance, and business growth initiatives. The Senior Program Director is responsible for providing a significant level of project management and technical oversight and quality assurance to ME&A's MEL activities; contributing technical input to MEL and CLA activities; leading and participating in a significant level of MEL Practice proposal and business development activities, including writing the MEL technical language for MEL-related proposals, working in close collaboration with ME&A's business development team; and engaging in the strategic organizational development of ME&A and the MEL Practice. The Senior Program Director's contributions will lie primarily within the MEL Practice but might also range into cross-practice initiatives.

This position reports to senior management and is based in a hybrid work environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Management

Oversee all stages of the project management cycle, from start-up to close-out, ensuring quality and compliance at every step.
Act as the Project Director and primary home office contact for clients and project staff, establishing strong communication channels.
Ensure project compliance, manage the preparation and submission of deliverables, and oversee recruitment for project personnel and subcontractors.
Lead contract-level efforts, including scope of work development, LOE and budget tracking, and risk management.
Supervise home and field staff, including Chiefs of Party, Project Managers, and consultants, fostering a collaborative team environment.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of USAID and other client MEL policies, ensuring project activities align with donor requirements.
Provide strategic guidance to the CEO and COO on project implementation, staffing, and contract performance.

Technical Input

Provide technical oversight and short-term technical assistance on MEL and CLA activities, ensuring high-quality project deliverables.
Lead the design and development of MEL and CLA frameworks, methodologies, and tools, such as data collection instruments and learning agendas.
Contribute to project outputs by authoring, reviewing, and editing technical reports to ensure the highest quality.
Deliver MEL and CLA training to home office staff, field staff, consultants, and local partners.
Engage in qualitative and quantitative analysis to support project evaluation and learning activities as needed.

Business Development and Strategic Growth

Collaborate with the business development team to lead MEL/CLA components of proposals, including technical writing and strategic input.
Identify and pursue business growth opportunities, leveraging industry trends and competitor insights to refine ME&A's strategy.
Develop relationships with new clients and partners, contributing to ME&A's positioning as a leader in MEL and CLA services.
Support cross-practice initiatives, bringing MEL/CLA expertise to new sectors and markets as required by the company's strategic goals.

Organizational Development and Stakeholder Engagement

Represent ME&A at industry events, conferences, and workshops, building visibility and expanding networks with potential clients and partners.
Contribute to organizational learning by developing in-house MEL and CLA training programs for home and field staff.
Drive marketing efforts to highlight ME&A's MEL/CLA capabilities, developing content for proposals, reports, and public-facing materials.
Support ME&A's broader organizational strategy through collaboration on corporate-level initiatives and strategic planning.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Advanced degree in international development, public policy, economics, social sciences, or a related field.
Experience: At least 10 years of relevant experience, including leadership roles on USAID-funded MEL/CLA projects. Expertise in adaptive management, complex program design, and strategic growth is essential.
Technical Skills: Proficiency in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, data visualization, and performance monitoring.
Communication: Excellent written and spoken English; proficiency in an additional language (e.g., Spanish, French, Swahili, Arabic, Russian) is advantageous.
Leadership: Demonstrated ability to manage diverse teams, engage stakeholders, and build collaborative partnerships to advance project objectives.

All applications and CVs must be submitted in English.

ME&A, Inc. is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. ME&A will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. For our EEO Policy Statement and a copy of our EEO Policy Statement and information on your EEO rights under the law.

ME&A is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all applicants.

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