Monitoring And Evaluation Specialist

Project Summary:   The USAID Performance Management Plan in Lebanon Performance Management and Support Program for Lebanon (PMSPL) is tasked with developing and implementing comprehensive performance management, monitoring, evaluation and program reporting to ensure that USAID’s projects in Lebanon achieve their targets.  PMSPL works closely with the USAID Program Office to monitor and assess the portfolio of USAID funded projects in Lebanon.  Each funded project has a Monitoring and Evaluation Plan that guides the project to achieve its intended results.  PMSPL assists the projects in developing these M&E Plans so that the development interests of USAID and the Government of Lebanon are served.  PMSPL activities include assisting projects to establish project indicators, baselines and targets, reviewing the methodology for collecting and analyzing M&E Plan data, assessing the quality of program data, and providing training and technical assistance to local partners on M&E.  Each quarter PMSPL conducts, at the request of USAID, project site visits that monitor project compliance with approved work plans, confirms the inventories of provided equipment, and reviews the quality of data that are collected.   At USAID’s request, PMSPL also conducts formal evaluations of funded programs; as well as sector assessments that inform USAID project design.   Position Summary:   The M&E Specialist will serve as technical specialist to establish and implement project site visits, assessments, monitoring and evaluation services. Interfaces with senior level Mission and Implementing Partner organizations, representatives of government, public and private and institutions in Lebanon, including Municipal authorities and beneficiaries of USAID funded projects.   In collaboration with the Senior M&E Specialist prepares evaluation scopes of work, develops, tests, administers, and analyses quantitative and qualitative sample survey data collected to provide evidence for conclusions about project site visits, assessments, performance monitoring and evaluations. The M&E Specialist is the primary author of reports that are the result of project site visits, assessments, monitoring and evaluations.  The He/she may be asked to work in collaboration with visiting STTA experts to provide logistical support, carry out special studies, assessments, performance monitoring and evaluations. He/she may be asked to assist with the design and delivery of training on performance monitoring, statistical survey methods and performance evaluation.  The position reports to the Senior M&E Specialist, the DCOP and the COP.”    The position is located in Beirut, and requires frequent travel throughout Lebanon to visit Mission funded project sites.  This position is full-time with a 40-hour workweek approved. No overtime or premium pay is authorized. This key technical position will be accompanied by an appropriately competitive salary for an individual matching the desired experience and skills.    Responsibilities: Works with the Senior M&E Specialist, and/or the Deputy Chief of Party to develop, refine and implement USAID’s PMP. Specifically, inter alia, the M&E Specialist : Develops performance indicators Collects, collates and analyses performance indicators Establishes performance indicators baselines and targets in consultation with Development Objective Teams Monitors program performance and reporting Assists Development Objective Teams with mid-term and end-of-project/activity evaluations and assessments Supports information needs of the Knowledge Management Specialist Supports outreach and communication activities   Illustrative activities: Supporting the acquisition of indicator and PMP data needed for the AIDtracker +, Assisting implementing partners to develop project M&E Plans  Coaching project team members on M&E Plan use and associated data  collection and reporting, Training implementing partners on their role in M&E, e.g., tracking and reporting of relevant indicators, Conducting project site visits (PSV) to conduct inventory and use checks, data verifications, activity confirmation, Participating in the development of evaluation scopes of work, Conducting/participating in mid-term and final evaluations as requested, Conducting/participating in assessments and special studies as requested, Writing lessons learned and success story reports.    Qualifications: A minimum of 5 years of experience in Monitoring and Evaluation, analyses and assessments of development projects; Familiarity with one or more of the following development activities:  local government and civil society strengthening; income generating activities; educational strengthening; promoting citizen advocacy through CSOs, and/or improvement of water and wastewater services; Experience in the development of evaluation and assessment scopes of work; Experience in facilitating assessments, analytical reports and evaluations, including testing of the validity of results frameworks and other program logic models; Experience in identifying best practices and the preparation of lessons learned and success stories; Field monitoring, social surveys, rapid assessment techniques, and statistical analysis. Knowledge of Lebanon’s development challenges. Able to work comfortably with many types of people, from USAID representatives and senior-level officials to NGO representatives, to community service organizations and beneficiaries. Fluent English and Arabic strongly desired. Demonstrated excellent report writing skills. A Master’s degree or higher in relevant subject areas.