Monitoring Evaluation Research Learning Adapting (MERLA) Lead, Kenya Tusome Follow-On at RTI International

RTI is seeking a Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, Learning and Adapting (MERLA) Lead for the anticipated follow-on to the USAID-funded Kenya Tusome Early Grade Reading Activity. RTI has been implementing this project since 2014, reaching all public schools nationwide to improve learning outcomes for children in grades 1-3. The anticipated follow-on activity will likely continue and expand EGR support to schools, strengthen education system capacity, and address other needs in the community. The MERLA Lead will be responsible for designing, together with the Senior Technical Director, a robust MERLA plan and leading all monitoring and evaluation, research, adaptive management learning cycle, and data management aspects of the project. This position reports to the Chief of Party and is based in Nairobi, Kenya.

The position will be based in Kenya and recruitment is contingent upon successful award of the project and final USAID approval.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities of the MERLA Lead include, but are not limited to:

• Mentor and oversee research, monitoring, evaluation, adapting, and learning functions and related project staff to ensure implementation is effectively supported.
• Coordinate the development and oversee the implementation of the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan as well as annual revisions as applicable.
• Develop, 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 .
• Supervise the collection, analysis, and reporting on performance indicators by other team members and project counterparts.
• Design and coordinate activities that demonstrate education modalities, teacher and coaching efficiency, student enrollment and impacts of external factors on the program.
• Ensure adherence to USAID and RTI data quality principles, inclusive and crisis-resilient data collection approaches, and gender and disability inclusive reporting in all aspects of MERLA.
• Coordinate 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.
• Regularly consult with relevant stakeholders to inform project MERLA approaches.
• Organize and undertake frequent trips to program sites across Kenya to ensure sound implementation of MERLA programming and to verify results reported by staff, partners or consultants.
• Demonstrate professional behavior, including a commitment to conflict-sensitivity, gender sensitivity, and social inclusion and environmental protection and being a team player within the project, and growing and learning.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief of Party.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree and 12 years of relevant experience or a Master’s degree and 9 years of relevant experience in the following fields
• Knowledge of reporting procedures, best practices, guidelines, methods, and approaches for MEL.
• Excellent management, communication, and organizational skills (attention to detail is required); demonstrated flexibility and capacity to multi-task.
• Familiarity and experience with indicators relevant to the education sector preferred.
• Ability to articulate and apply CLA principles.
• Demonstrated experience in analytical skills and data visualization.
• Computer literacy, with ability to analyze and interpret data using Excel, online reporting tools, or statistical packages such as SAS, SPSS, or STATA.
• Experience with MEL that measures and promotes gender and social inclusion.
• Ability to work effectively, responsively, and collaboratively with government counterparts, development and private sector partners, civil society organizations, and academic/research institutions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in English required, additional fluency in Kiswahili preferred.