Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, Learning and Adapting (MERLA) Director

RTI International

 

RTI International

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Summary

• Vacancy: —
• Location: Anywhere in Bangladesh
• Experience: At least 12 years
• Published: 27 Jun 2024

 

Requirements

Education

Master’s degree and 12 years of experience or bachelor’s degree and 15 years of experience in education, research, statistics, development studies or a relevant field

Experience

• At least 12 years

Additional Requirements

• Five years experience in senior-level supervision and management roles
• Prior experience with quantitative and qualitative monitoring, evaluation, and research
• Prior experience in Collaboration, Learning and Adapting (CLA) for knowledge sharing.
• Experience managing a complex MERLA program component or portfolio of complex MERLA activities
• Experience with USAID or other major donors preferred.
• Prior experience in supervising the collection, analysis, and reporting on performance indicators
• Strong analytical skills to successfully use data and evidence to guide program adaptations
• Familiarity with, and comprehension of, core concepts in inclusive education, early reading, or education programs in developing countries
• Demonstrate knowledge of various learning agendas to best identify learning questions
• Ability to communicate effectively in a cross-cultural environment
• Demonstrated leadership, versatility, and integrity
• Excellent coordination and organizational skills and able to perform effectively within tight deadlines
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Commitment to inclusive programming that encourages the full participation of individuals regardless of gender, disability status, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or other marginalized status
• Ability to travel on field visits up to 20% time per month

Skills and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal/relationship-building skills
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel
• Excellent mastery of data management and analysis software (MS Excel; and SPSS or Stata, ArcGIS)
• Experience with a range of digital platforms for data collection, management, and data visualization, willingness to try new approaches and learn new software programs
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Bangla.
• Strong influencing and coaching skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines under pressure
• Ability to multitask
• Ability to work independently and within matrix project and program teams
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Culturally sensitive and respectful
• Able to work in a diverse and disability sensitive workplace
• Able to understand and appreciate differences in race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic status, national origin, and disability status
• Demonstrates commitment to RTI’s mission, vision, and values

Responsibilities & Context

RTI’s International Education Division supports education development around the world by strengthening education policy, management, and practice in order to achieve measurable improvement in teaching and learning. From our well-established reputation in education system strengthening, to innovative work in early grade assessment and learning, RTI is improving education quality, relevance, and efficiency through implementation of projects funded by USAID, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, LEGO Foundation, Asian Development Bank, and other donors.

RTI International has project experience in Bangladesh for 25+ years, providing technical assistance, institutional strengthening, program support, and research. We design and implement programs across a wide range of sectors to help low- and middle- income countries and communities address complex problems and improve the lives of their citizens. Working with local partners and stakeholders, our solutions promote sustainability, self-reliance and success at scale.

Project summary:

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Shobai Miley Shikhi Activity is a 5-year program that aims to increase learning opportunities for all children especially children with disabilities in government primary schools across Bangladesh. The Activity closely collaborates with the Government of Bangladesh (GOB) to strengthen existing education reforms to enhance inclusive school environments and instruction; increase parents’, caregivers’, and the wider communities’ ability to support inclusive education; and expand the government’s capacity to plan, deliver, and manage high-quality inclusive education. The Activity will develop user-friendly teacher support materials and methods that can be scaled and adapted nationwide and will carefully test these new approaches in some of the most hard-to-reach districts of the country.

Position Profile:

The Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, Learning, and Adapting (MERLA) Director will be responsible for leading all monitoring and evaluation, research, adaptive management learning cycle, data management, and partnership aspects of the project. The position will play a crucial role in supporting successful Activity implementation and management, leading a high-functioning team, and ensuring wide recognition of the program among the public, and positive relationships with stakeholders. The MERLA Director will help promote Government of Bangladesh ownership around data use, ensuring project data is routinely shared with stakeholders at central and de-centralized levels to help inform scale up. The position will ensure reporting against required Activity indicators.

Responsibilities

Essential Duties:

• Supervise and manage the collection, analysis, and reporting on performance indicators for client reporting.
• Mentor and oversee research, monitoring, evaluation, adapting, learning, and partnership functions and related project staff to ensure Activity implementation is effectively supported.
• Use data to inform decisions on program implementation. Utilize data- driven insights to see the big picture and inform the COP about ongoing program development and communicate achievements and areas for improvement.
• Oversee the implementation of the Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan as well as annual revisions as applicable.
• Manage and implement the project’s monitoring and evaluation systems and tools, including relevant performance evaluations, complementary research studies, and annual targets and ensure compliance to USAID requirements.
• Develop strategic relationships with GoB, USAID, UNICEF and other stakeholders for the execution of MERLA activities.
• Ensure adherence to USAID and RTI data quality principles, inclusive data collection approaches, and gender and disability inclusive reporting in all aspects of Activity MERLA.
• Lead the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual progress reports on the status of project implementation for timely submission; contribute to other project reports such as annual work plans.
• Provide monitoring, evaluation, and learning capacity-building for partner organizations and Government counterparts.
• Provide training to staffs and stakeholders as required.
• Plan, coordinate and participate in quarterly pause and reflect sessions, as well as yearly learning events.
• Regularly consult with relevant stakeholders to inform project communication approaches.
• Develop and oversee the implementation of effective approaches to communicating project progress and achievements in consideration of applicable Government of Bangladesh and USAID branding and marking plans and guidelines.
• Develop and share evidence briefs, data highlights and presentations for internal and external audiences on a regular basis.
• Develop and maintain effective partnerships with USAID Bangladesh, implementers, and other stakeholders, utilizing effective communication skills to foster coordination and collaboration and promoting joint research and learning agenda as applicable.
• Perform other tasks as assigned by the Chief of Party

Employment Status

Full Time

Job Location

Anywhere in Bangladesh

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