Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialist, Democracy Rights, and Governance (DRG) – USAID/Malawi Learn to Perform (L2P) Activity

Job Locations MW – Lilongwe

ID 2024-1993

# of Openings. 1

Overview

Banyan Global is an international development consulting firm focused on improving livelihoods through market-driven solutions. Headquartered in Washington, DC, Banyan Global operates across five practice areas: Global Health, Economic Growth, Gender, Youth, and Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning. The firm is currently implementing the USAID/Malawi Learn to Perform (L2P) Activity, now in its third year. The L2P activity strengthens USAID/Malawi’s capacity to make data-driven decisions to advance its Country Development Cooperation Strategy.

We seek a dynamic and motivated Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialist with a strong background in Democracy, Rights and Governance (DRG). The MEL Specialist will support performance monitoring, evaluations, assessments, and other analytical activities within the L2P project. The role is based in Lilongwe. Only Malawian nationals are eligible to apply.

Responsibilities

Evaluations, Studies and Assessments (ESA) technical support

• Initiate or support the development of scopes of work for evaluations, studies, and assessments (ESAs).
• Serve as task manager for DRG ESAs.
• Participate in ESAs as a team member (evaluation design, data collection, data analysis, report writing).
• Review and provide feedback on ESA designs, methods, and reports.

Other MEL technical support

• Provide technical assistance to USAID/Malawi and implementing partners in the development, review, and revision of MEL frameworks and data quality assessments.
• Design indicators and methodologies to monitor L2P’s MEL framework and USAID DRG sector initiatives.
• Perform data analysis using Stata, SPSS, Power BI, Excel or other relevant software.
• Develop and maintain MEL dashboards and prepare MEL reports and presentations.
• Support spatial data analysis using GIS tools like ArcGIS and QGIS, particularly for DRG initiatives.

MEL capacity building

• Participate in the development of MEL capacity strengthening resources
• Train, mentor, and coach USAID/Malawi, implementing partners, and government staff on MEL tools, data collection methods, reporting standards, and other MEL topics to strengthen MEL capacity.

Collaboration, Learning and Adapting (CLA)

• Lead or participate in post-ESA documentation, utilization and adaptation activities.
• Participate in the USAID/Malawi MEL Community of Practice activities, share best practices, and foster collaboration.
• Assist with designing, facilitating, reviewing, and writing reports for CLA events.

Consultant management

• Develop/review job descriptions for ESA consultants.
• Participate in ESAs consultants recruitment.
• Manage MEL consultants and ESA teams.

Compliance and Standards

• Ensure adherence to USAID MEL policies, including the Automated Directives System (ADS) 201.
• Maintain high ethical standards in data management, safeguarding the privacy and confidentiality of DRG data.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Monitoring & Evaluation, Statistics, Social Sciences, Public Administration, Governance, or related field. A master’s degree is preferred.
• Additional MEL-related training preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in monitoring, evaluation, and learning within the DRG sector, preferably on USAID-funded programs.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing MEL frameworks, with a strong understanding of USAID’s evaluation policies and procedures.
• Experience in capacity building and technical support to local partners, especially in DRG, or human rights sectors.
• Knowledge of Malawi’s political context and experience working with government stakeholders and civil society organizations.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong understanding of USAID MEL guidelines and best practices.
• Knowledge of DRG related analytical frameworks e.g. Political Economy Analysis.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting, with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience preparing high-quality reports and learning products.
• Fluency in English; proficiency in Chichewa is an asset.
• Knowledge of the USAID writing style guide is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, donors, and implementing partners.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with USAID DRG systems and indicators in the Malawi context.

Application Process

Banyan Global is an equal opportunity employer. Banyan Global is committed to diversity and inclusion in our workforce. We do not discriminate against employees based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation or gender expression. We recognize the importance of a diverse and inclusive workplace and intentionally strive for diversity and inclusion at all organizational levels.

To apply, please visit careers-banyanglobal.icims.com