Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, Learning and Adapting (MERLA) Director, Ghana at Creative Associates International

Job Description

Creative Associates seeks a Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, Learning and Adapting (MERLA) Director for an anticipated USAID-funded project that seeks to strengthen accountability policies, systems and responsiveness of the Ministry of Education (MOE), Ghana Education Services (GES) and schools (School Management Committees and head teachers) for improved primary education service delivery and learning outcomes.  This project will work with the MOE and its agencies at the central, sub-national and local levels throughout the country, and may include the following focal areas: monitoring and supervision, national assessments, school inspection, education management information system (EMIS), and community engagement. 

The MERLA Director will be responsible for directing, managing and overseeing all monitoring, evaluation, research and measurement activities, focusing on monitoring activities, tracking of program results, creating systems of evaluation and operationalizing training, and changes, where necessary. In this capacity, the MERLA Director will design data collection procedures, tools, and process as well as oversee data collection efforts.

The MERLA Director will report directly to the Chief of Party and will supervise various monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) project staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all major MEL tasks related to the project, including designing, monitoring and evaluation processes, strategies and tools, setting learning agendas, designing research studies and training staff and counterparts on data capture, collection and evaluation;
• Create and roll-out a comprehensive MEL plan, including collection, evaluation and reporting against project deliverables, outcomes and targets;
• Ensure quality and accurate compilation of data and database management;
• Manage and oversee MEL program staff, building technical and operational capacity to manage and implement critical and detailed processes; and
• Promote knowledge generation, capture, and sharing through the company's operational business processes and systems by integrating knowledge and information systems.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in education preferred, or in related social sciences.
• Minimum seven (7) years of experience in monitoring and evaluating education programs;
• Demonstrated experience in monitoring results and indicators of education quality, learning outcomes, access, retention and community engagement is preferred;
• Experience collecting and converting data and information into knowledge;
• Experience and comfort developing and delivering trainings with diverse participants; and
• Previous experience working with USAID desired;
• Excellent written and spoken English;
• Experience in Sub-Saharan Africa.