Director - Learning, Monitoring and Evaluation (LME)

Project overview:

IPE Global is looking to deliver an anticipated four-year USAID-funded initiative, 'Empowered Communities Activity', in Ethiopia. This Activity aims to achieve better health and nutrition outcomes through improved community ownership of health and strengthened social accountability systems and platforms. The Activity will have a significant focus and engagement at the woreda and community level, supporting the strengthening of community platforms, enhancing citizens' voices and fostering greater accountability and quality health services. Implementation strategies will include engagement of local Non-State Actors (NSAs), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and attention to health system functionality, community health-seeking behaviors and care-seeking practices to improve and contribute to higher-quality, more client-centered health services at Health Post (HP) and Health Center (HC) levels. The Activity will be implemented in up to 30 selected woredas in three agrarian and one pastoralist region of Ethiopia, namely Afar, Amhara, Oromia, and Southern Nations, Nationalities and People's (SNNP).

Job Description:

IPE Global is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Director - Learning, Monitoring and Evaluation (LME) to lead the LME efforts for an upcoming USAID-funded opportunity focused on community engagement for health awareness. The Director LME will play a critical role in designing and implementing a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation framework to track project progress, assess outcomes, and ensure effective learning and adaptation consistent with the USAID results framework. The Director LME will establish and maintain systems to collect data and lead analysis to produce information on the program's inputs, outputs, outcomes, and impact. S/he will collaborate closely with project stakeholders to provide evidence-based recommendations for program improvement and contribute to the project's overall success. The position will be based in Addis Ababa and is contingent upon award and approval by USAID. Local candidates are encouraged to apply.

Key responsibilities:

• Design a robust LME framework that incorporates a clear collaborating, learning, and adapting (CLA) approach, responsive to the programme context;
• Develop key performance indicators (KPIs), data collection tools, and methodologies to ensure comprehensive and accurate monitoring, evaluation, and learning;
• Lead the development and implementation of monitoring and evaluation plans, including guiding data collection activities, analysis, and reporting;
• Conduct regular site visits and ensure the timely collection and reporting of high-quality data.
• Monitor project progress, identify challenges, and propose solutions to address them;
• Analyze quantitative and qualitative data collected from various sources, such as surveys, focus groups, and program indicators;
• Synthesize data and generate insightful reports, highlighting project achievements, challenges, and lessons learned. Present findings to stakeholders in a clear and actionable manner;
• Foster a culture of learning within the project team. Facilitate discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions to promote reflection, learning, and adaptive management;
• Collaborate with stakeholders to translate learnings into actionable recommendations for program improvement and inform future decision-making;
• Coordinate MEL efforts with relevant stakeholders to ensure alignment and integration of MEL activities within the overall project framework;
• Conduct regular data quality assessments, address any data discrepancies or quality issues, and develop strategies to improve data collection and management;
• Ensure compliance with USAID and project reporting requirements;
• Prepare and submit accurate and timely reports, including quarterly, annual, and ad-hoc reports as necessary.

Qualification:

• Master's degree in statistics, economics, research methods, international development, social sciences or relevant field.
• At least 10 years of experience in leading MEL efforts, including design and implementation of monitoring frameworks and/or impact evaluations and/or assessments of large and/or complex projects for USAID or similar international funding organizations, preferably in the health sector.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of MEL frameworks, methodologies, and best practices.
• Demonstrated expertise in quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methods, including experience with statistical analysis software.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to synthesize complex data and generate actionable insights.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely.
• Experience in facilitating learning and knowledge-sharing sessions with diverse stakeholders.
• Familiarity with USAID rules and regulations, including reporting requirements and compliance.
• Proficiency in relevant software applications, such as MS Excel, SPSS, STATA, or other statistical analysis software.