Kyrgyzstan: Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Director

Project Description:

Creative is seeking a Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Director for an anticipated USAID-funded education project in Kyrgyzstan. Based in Bishkek, the project seeks to improve early grade learning outcomes in the Kyrgyz Republic for 300,000 students in grades one through four. To reach this goal, the project seeks to improve instructional quality in reading and math; improve formal and non-formal learning environments; and strengthen the Kyrgyz education system. The project will also include a focus on inclusive education and community engagement.

Position Summary:

The Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Director will ensure that performance monitoring, action research, and evaluations are consistent with program outcomes and track progress of activities in achieving goals and outcomes. It will also manage and coordinate field monitoring and expert assessments, and any other personnel responsible for monitoring performance, monitoring and collecting data and reports. The Director shall ensure that the methodologies proposed by the contractor to measure the impact of the program on access, retention, reading and learning outcomes, school safety, community involvement, gender, including disabilities, and conflict-sensitive measures, are consistently and systematically monitored and reported.

Reporting & Supervision:

The MEL Director will report to the Chief of Party and supervise a team of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) specialists.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop and update the project’s PMEP, including review of its results framework, potential indicators, relevant and applicable baseline data collection strategies and methodologies, and the financial and human resources needed to successfully implement the M & E strategy;
• Develop tools for data collection and protocols;
• Develop an advanced data management system, with the support of the M&E team;
• Analyze ongoing quantitative / qualitative data at different points in the program leading to the specific program / contract results;
• Conduct field visits, as necessary, to develop monitoring / performance management plans with project technical teams;
• Supervise technical assistance and training to provincial and district levels of education to support increased use of education data for decision-making;
• Regularly review project work plans to ensure the timely achievement of results related to USAID M & E;
• Elaborate annual project work plans related to the M & E component as well as budgets for relevant activities;
• Supervise and help build the capacity of project M & E staff at the provincial level to carry out project activities;
• Ensure regular communication of M & E activities to all key stakeholders and contribute to the quarterly, annual report and project reporting to USAID, with the support of the Communication Officer;
• Collaborate with the technical team to monitor the progress of the program in terms of the compliance requirements of USAID results and indicators;
• Work closely with technical staff and institutional partners to explain M & E processes and understand how these processes relate to the project's technical work, and to promote M & E-related training as needed;
• Manage M & E resources and ensure that M & E information and resources are up-to-date, available to staff and widely disseminated;and
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced (master's / doctoral) degree in education or research is preferred;
• Fluency in English is required, and professional proficiency in Kyrgyz or Russian is preferred;
• Training in qualitative and quantitative analysis.
• At least eight (8) years of work experience required, specifically to improve evidence-based initial reading programming for rural, ethnolinguistic, and underserved populations;
• Proven success and experience in monitoring results and indicators of access and quality of education, learning outcomes and community involvement;
• Must have five (5) years of experience in developing and implementing reading materials for evidence-based initial classes, training programs, classroom monitoring protocols and tests / assessments, including EGRA;
• Previous experience in USAID-funded programs, and a strong knowledge of USAID reporting requirements is an advantage;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and teamwork. Effective communication skills, able to make formal and informal presentations both orally and in writing and produce professional and analytical reports and program documents.

Local candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Position contingent upon donor funding.

Please apply on our website: https://recruiting.ultipro.com/CRE1010CREAI/JobBoard/b093422a-53ee-4b40-ae33-72edfc017f55/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=354ca0cb-b0bc-496f-a4fe-7bdc065eb049