Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, Learning and Adaptation (MERLA)

RTI International / Research Triangle Institute (RTI) is both a global research institute and a leading international development organization. We combine these powerful capabilities with those of our partners to co-create smart, shared solutions for a more prosperous, equitable, and resilient world. Based in North Carolina, USA, RTI is one of USAID’s top implementing partners. A commitment to making meaningful change energizes our 6,000 staff who deliver results across eight international development sectors and in more than 80 countries. RTI's Sustainable Growth & Resilience (SG&R) technical unit within the International Development Group brings together RTI experts and capabilities across food security, agriculture, energy, environment, water, governance, and economic opportunity. SG&R will leverage RTI's experience designing and delivering multisectoral programming and technical solutions to respond to climate change, build resilience, and promote economic growth around the world.

Position Description

RTI is seeking a Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, Learning and Adaptation (MERLA) Manager for several upcoming USAID-funded opportunities in El Salvador in the sectors of governance, water, and energy. The MERLA Manager will lead the MERLA team and is responsible for ensuring the successful implementation of project performance monitoring plan by overseeing project results, reporting on indicators, and data management. This position will be based in San Salvador, El Salvador, and will report to the Chief of Party.

Position is contingent on award and funding.

Responsibilities

Provides technical oversight for the development of the Activity Monitoring and Evaluation Plan (AMELP), including the Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP), Learning plan/Agenda, and oversees its implementation and periodic revision.

Leads the development, implementation, refinement, and harmonization of the project’s MERLA system; develops and operationalizes indicators, set targets, and monitors progress in accordance with the activity contract.

Works with technical staff to oversee tools for data collection, storage, and analysis; trains staff and partners on MERLA system operations, collection methods, and tools.

Contributes to project efforts to build the technical, systems, and operational capacities of local partner organizations and other relevant stakeholders.

Spearheads Collaborating, Learning and Adapting (CLA) approaches, including providing leadership for the organization of Pause and Reflect and/or Results Review meetings.

Performs data analyses, generates reports of findings, and creates graphics and other visualizations, as needed, to contribute to reporting requirements and project communications products.

Together with the COP and other members of the Management Team, supervises the implementation of workplan activities under the contract to ensure that performance schedules are observed, and outputs are completed according to schedule.

Works closely with the Communications team to create an inward- and outward-facing learning agenda.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and 8 years of experience, or master’s degree and 6 years of experience.

Minimum 5 years of experience in MERLA and data analysis in international development programs.

Knowledge of reporting procedures, best practices, guidelines, methods, and approaches for MERLA.

Demonstrated experience with computer and/or web-based performance data recording and reporting systems and other technologies to improve the quality of monitoring system integrity and data collection/analysis/reporting/visualization.

Excellent management, communication, and organizational skills (attention to detail is required); flexibility and capacity to multi-task.

Demonstrated ability to lead design and implementation of monitoring systems, databases, and data collection tools.

Ability to articulate and apply CLA principles.

Experience and in-depth knowledge and familiarity with USAID development sector priorities and reporting requirements; experience with programs focused on governance, and/or GESI considered highly desirable.

Experience with MEL that measures and promotes gender and social inclusion.

Experience in providing technical assistance to local partners, organizations, and grantees.

Ability to work effectively, responsively, and collaboratively with government counterparts such as GOU ministries and anticorruption institutions, development and private sector partners, and academic/research institutions.

Excellent writing and communications skills in Spanish and English.

Regular Full-Time