Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Director - Advancing Women for Resilient Agriculture Supply Chains Project

Job

Job Title : Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Director

Contract : Advancing Women for Resilient Agricultural Supply Chains (AWRAS)

Level of Effort: Long Term Technical Assistance (LTTA)

Position Overview

DAI seeks Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Director for the USAID-funded Advancing Women for Resilient Agricultural Supply Chains (AWRAS) program. The MEL Director will develop and oversee the implementation of multiple gender and agriculture-related activities under the AWRAS program.

USAID has established a partnership with a cohort of private-sector actors to develop innovative approaches to addressing sustainability challenges in their agricultural supply chains by embedding gender-responsive activities in their core business, agricultural value chain, and sustainability strategies.

The partnership aims to establish a shared understanding of market-based, core business solutions that promote women’s equal access to and control over resources, opportunities, and decision-making authority in agricultural supply chains as a key strategy for achieving sustainability goals. Interventions will build upon the initiatives already led and implemented by partners, leveraging lessons learned and successful practices to enhance knowledge sharing and develop effective implementation tools. The partnership will align efforts between corporate partners and USAID to address constraints and capitalize on opportunities to advance environmental sustainability by embedding gender equality into core business operations. The partners involved in this activity were selected based on their ongoing work and significant learnings from gender equality and women’s empowerment initiatives and their commitment to sustainable agriculture. By building upon their current efforts, they aim to scale these initiatives within their own supply chains, share best practices, and influence the industry for greater impact. Their active engagement and experience in gender equality and women’s empowerment initiatives make them ideal contributors to this partnership.

By identifying and implementing a common theory of change and measuring outcomes, the project will foster synergy and coherence among the private sector partners and bilaterally with USAID.

The MEL Director will oversee AWRAS’ Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) activities in collaboration with USAID and private sector partners. This role involves developing MEL plans, ensuring timely and accurate reporting, and providing MEL support and expertise to AWRAS activity teams and USAID. Additionally, the MEL Director will lead efforts to ensure data quality across all AWRAS countries. A key responsibility will be building the capacity of MEL team members and contributors to implement AWRAS data quality standards effectively. The MEL Director is essential for optimizing data for analytics and reporting, as well as supporting informed decision-making processes throughout the project.

Responsibilities

In partnership with the COP, develop, finalize, and oversee implementation of the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning strategy and activities of the AWRAS program. Support the COP in setting the strategic direction of the AWRAS MEL function enabling the program to develop the robust intelligence and analysis needed to develop, adapt, and improve its program strategy on an ongoing basis. To achieve this the MEL Director will be responsible specifically for the following:

• Develop and oversee the implementation of a comprehensive MEL framework that aligns with project goals and objectives.
• Ensure that all MEL activities are systematically integrated into project planning and execution.
• Lead the design and execution of data collection methodologies, including surveys, interviews, and focus groups, in collaboration with AWRAS partners.
• Analyse and synthesize collected data to assess project performance, identify trends, and generate actionable insights.
• Prepare detailed reports on MEL findings, including progress towards objectives, key outcomes, and lessons learned.
• Present MEL findings to USAID, private sector, and other AWRAS partners.
• Facilitate learning sessions with project team, USAID, and private sector partners to disseminate insights and integrate feedback into future project implementation.
• Provide MEL support to partners in the implementation of local activities.
• Collaborate with Partnership Managers, AWRAS partners, and country teams in the implementation of MEL activities.
• Supervise MEL consultants, subcontractors, and at least one staff member.
  
  
  

Qualifications & Skills Minimum Requirements:

• Minimum of 15 years of international development experience with 7 years of experience designing and implementing MEL frameworks for large-scale international development projects, preferably with USAID or other international donors, and a college degree in monitoring and evaluation, statistics, social sciences, international development, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Strong proficiency in data collection and analysis methodologies, including quantitative and qualitative research techniques, as well as experience with MEL software and tools.
• Experience in private sector projects, including data collection and annual reporting, is also highly desired.
• Authorized to work in the US without sponsorship
• Based in one of the following U.S. locations where DAI is registered: District of Columbia, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Preferred experience in gender and agriculture projects.
  
  
  

Compensation & Benefits:

This position and any offer extended is contingent upon project funding and client approval.

For employees working the United States, the full-time equivalent annual base salary for this position is expected to be between $120,000 and $150,000. Actual offers will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, qualifications, relevant education, experience, skills, seniority, performance, and business or organizational needs.

Eligible U.S. based employees, will be able to enroll in medical, dental and vision insurance, plus a 401(k)-retirement plan with a company match. Additionally, employees will be eligible for company-paid annual leave (vacation & holidays), sick leave, parental leave; as well as short- and long-term disability coverage. Detailed information will be provided at the time a formal offer is extended.

For employees working outside of the United States, compensation and benefits will vary based on location.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or status as a protected veteran.

DAI and its employees are committed to confronting discrimination in all forms, nurturing respect for our interpersonal relationships, and holding ourselves accountable for positive change within the company and in the communities, cultures, and countries in which we live and work. DAI is committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races, ethnicities, and backgrounds in our continued effort to become a better development partner.

DAI upholds the highest ethical standards. We are committed to the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment as well as other ethical breaches. All our positions are therefore subject to stringent vetting and reference checks.