Senior MEL Specialist, South Sudan MELS Activity
Management Systems International (MSI), a Tetra Tech Company, is a Washington, D.C. metro area management consultancy with a 40-year history of delivering results for our clients. Our expertise is in the fields of monitoring and evaluation; democracy and governance; peace and stability; rule of law and accountability; education; gender and inclusion; strategic communications; and leadership and organizational development. MSI has implemented projects in 90 countries around the world such as Colombia, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Syria and Ukraine, and works domestically. We support clients ranging from the U.S. Government (e.g., the U.S. Agency for International Development, U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Departments of State and Labor, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation) to large bilateral and multilateral donors (e.g., the World Bank and the United Nations Development Program). We also work with national and local governments, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), think tanks, foundations and universities. For more information, please visit our website at www.msiworldwide.com.
Project Summary:
The Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Support (MELS) activity supports the Mission’s implementation of USAID/South Sudan’s Strategic Framework (2020-2024) through effective monitoring and evaluation processes in support of adaptive management and ensuring alignment with the USAID Program Cycle, as well as supporting the Mission’s organizational learning and knowledge management agenda. The MELS activity serves as the Mission’s primary mechanism for monitoring, evaluation, and learning and adaptive management services for ongoing activities and programs. In a dynamic operating environment, MELS provides USAID/South Sudan with flexible, demand-driven technical, analytic, and advisory support in order to strengthen collaboration, learning and adapting (CLA); train and build the capacity of USAID staff with a particular focus on Foreign Service Nationals (FSN); promote institutional memory; produce monitoring, evaluation, learning products as appropriate; strengthen knowledge management and organizational learning (KMOL), organizational effectiveness and operational efficiency; and strengthen data-driven decision-making through an efficient use of GIS and other innovative spatial analysis.
**Please note: Only South Sudanese citizens are eligible for this position**
Position Summary:
The Senior Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialist will be a key member of the MELS team, responsible for enhancing the monitoring, evaluation, and learning functions to ensure the effective implementation and impact of USAID-funded programs in South Sudan. This role will require a strategic and analytical professional with a strong background in MEL practices, capable of driving data-driven decision-making and fostering a culture of learning and adaptation.
Responsibilities:
- Complete the Design and implementation of MELS internal MEL frameworks/activities.
- Oversee the development and refining of data collection tools and methodologies to ensure accurate and reliable data.
- Regularly track and assess MELS performance against established indicators and targets, providing timely feedback to the teams.
- Conduct in-depth analysis of quantitative and qualitative data to identify trends, patterns, and insights that inform program strategies.
- Prepare detailed reports and presentations for USAID and other stakeholders, clearly communicating findings, challenges, and recommendations.
- Ensure all reporting complies with USAID standards and timelines, maintaining high levels of accuracy and transparency.
- Develop and deliver training sessions and workshops to build the capacity of MELS staff and partners in MEL practices and tools.
- Provide ongoing technical support and guidance to enhance the MEL capabilities of the team and partners.
- Organize and facilitate learning events, such as workshops and seminars, to disseminate key findings and foster collaboration.
- Represent MELS in external meetings, forums, and networks related to monitoring, evaluation, and learning, building relationships and partnerships.
Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in statistics, social sciences, international development, or a related field is required.
- Minimum 10 years of experience in MEL with a focus on international development projects is required.
- Experience in data visualization tools is required.
- Understanding of USAID MEL policies, procedures, and best practices is required.
- Ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely is required.
- Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary team environment is required.
- Strong written and verbal communication as well as interpersonal skills.
- Strong proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, STATA, Excel) required.
- Fluency in English and knowledge of local languages, such as Dinka, Nuer, or Juba Arabic, is required.
**Application deadline – January 1, 2025**
MSI is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We strive to develop and maintain a culture that honors the perspectives and identities of our employees, our communities and those impacted by our work.
We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute, including race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law. In accordance with applicable law, we make reasonable accommodations for applicants’ and employees’ religious practices and beliefs, as well as any mental health or physical disability needs.
MSI is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action/Americans with Disabilities/Veterans Employer.
Reasonable Accommodations:
MSI is dedicated to hiring an inclusive workforce. If you would like to request reasonable accommodations during the application process, please visit Tetra Tech’s Disability Assistance Page. Our recruitment team looks forward to engaging in an interactive process to provide reasonable accommodations for candidates.
Only candidates who have been selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.
Project opportunity
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (International Development)