Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Expert – Mauritius

background

SoCha is looking for a qualified MEL Expert to support our growing number of country offices in producing high quality MEL products, manage the implementation of USAID MEL activities including evaluations and assessments, and support other business development activities. Working with SoCha offers the right candidate the opportunity to advance their international career by assuming leadership roles in technical quality assurance and business development, managing multiple MEL activities in the field, and gaining in-country experience by working directly with USAID missions in Africa and Asia.

This is a full-time position based at the corporate headquarters. The ideal candidate for this role is someone with a passion for MEL, at least five (5) years of MEL experience and strong technical skills, and a willingness to take the next step in their international career and support USAID missions. The position can be based in Mauritius (preferred) or work from home full-time.

Scope of work

The tasks of the MEL expert include:

• Providing project management support for MEL activities, including the award of main contracts and subcontracts.
• Regular visits to MEL project sites, including those in non-permissive environments (e.g. the Democratic Republic of Congo or Niger).
• Provide quality assurance and oversight of evaluations and assessments to local project teams and consultants working under contracts with SoCha’s USAID Mission Support Platform.
• Support the implementation of MEL activities, in particular evaluations and assessments, by monitoring data collection processes, conducting data analyses and co-authoring reports.
• Develop and conduct in-person and online training for USAID staff and local project teams on MEL topics, and support other capacity-building activities for local project teams.
• Support proposal development for assessments and other strategic MEL opportunities.
• Other tasks as required.

Minimum qualifications and experience

Necessary:

• Master’s degree in international affairs, international development, monitoring and evaluation, social sciences or a related field.
• At least five (5) years of proven experience in conducting evaluations and assessments in the international development sector, including at least one experience as head of an evaluation team.
• High level of competence in the use of qualitative and quantitative research methods for data collection and analysis.
• High level of competence in using at least one qualitative or quantitative data analysis software.
• Familiarity with evaluation and project management processes in the international development sector.
• Strong presentation skills.
• Excellent written and spoken English skills (native or very fluent).

Advantageous:

• Familiarity with USAID MEL-related policies.
• Experience in evaluating USAID activities.
• Experience in managing international development projects, particularly in the USAID context.
• Experience in designing and implementing training programs and capacity building initiatives in person and online.
• Knowledge of French or Russian.

Location

Mauritius preferred. SoCha will assist you in moving to Mauritius and obtaining the relevant work permit, including employment rights, if required.