MEL Systems Specialist - ACDI/VOCA

Since 1963 and in 146 countries, ACDI/VOCA has empowered people in developing and transitional nations to succeed in the global economy. Based in Washington, D.C., ACDI/VOCA is a nonprofit international development organization that delivers technical and management assistance in agribusiness, financial services, enterprise development, community development and food security in order to promote broad-based economic growth and vibrant civil society. 

Job Description

Overview

The USAID-funded Ghana Market Systems and Resilience Activity (MSR) is a five-year, $35.9M follow-on Activity to the USAID/Ghana ADVANCE II. The MSR Activity will leverage over a decade of experience linking smallholders to markets, inputs, and services in Ghana.

The Activity will strengthen commercial relationships between market actors, improve the rural entrepreneurship ecosystem to enable greater market participation, particularly for women and youth, expand the availability of agribusiness services, and link targeted policy initiatives to improved local economic governance.

These activities will result in competitive, stronger, and more resilient markets, thus increasing inclusive agriculture-led economic growth in northern Ghana.

Under its mission, ACDI/VOCA is seeking experienced and talented professionals for the MEL Systems Specialist position. The MEL Systems Specialist supports implementation of the MEL and Collaborative, learning and Adaptation (CLA) plan and learning agenda on technical and management processes.

They would report directly to the MEL/CLA Director and be responsible for the development and implementation of the MEL plans that incorporate CLA principles and components. Working with the MSR Activity’s technical teams and sub-contractors, the position provides capacity building for market actors to utilize the MSR Activity’s mobile data collection tools, ensures compliance and quality of all data collected and submitted for the Activity use.

The MEL Systems Specialist also supports documentation, sharing, and use of programmatic learning and results to drive adaptive management processes. They manage survey administration process, field data collection with contracted enumerators for annual surveys; reviews data collected and provides feedback on reports.

They would follow up and support Learning Evaluation and Analysis Platform (LEAP) users and provides support to ACDI/VOCA staff members and staff of partner organizations in the utilization and management of monitoring and impact assessment tools.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The MEL Systems Specialist is part of the core project MEL team. Under the supervision of the MEL/CLA Director, the key responsibilities of the MEL Specialist will include:

1. Design and Implement M&E Frameworks: Support the design and execution of a comprehensive Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) plan that incorporates Collaboration, Learning, and Adaptation (CLA) principles to improve program outcomes.
2. Data Collection and Analysis: Lead survey data collection processes, develop data collection instruments, and ensure that data is analyzed and summarized effectively for reporting and program improvement.
3. Ensure Data Quality and Reporting: Support  the implementation of effective data collection, monitoring, and reporting systems, ensuring data accuracy, validity, and timely submission to donors and stakeholders.
4. Provide Technical Assistance in MEL Tools: Provide training and technical assistance to project staff and partners in the use of monitoring, evaluation, and impact assessment tools to strengthen program effectiveness. Provide onboarding for staff and key actors on how their roles contribute to the Activity milestones.
5. Impact Assessments and Surveys: Support the completion of qualitative and quantitative impact assessments, including baseline, midline, and end line surveys, to measure the project's effectiveness on improving livelihoods.
6. Foster Learning and Knowledge Sharing: Promote the collection and dissemination of best practices, lessons learned, and maintain strategic relationships with stakeholders to enhance program learning and adaptive management.

Required Skills or Experience

• First degree in Statistics, Agricultural Economics, Business Administration or other related field from an accredited college or university. A master’s degree is an added advantage.
• Familiarity with the concept of learning, adaptive management/CLA, and demonstrated experience using a mix of information sources and research methods to analyze project progress, communicate findings to a range of external and internal stakeholders, and apply learning to work planning.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in implementing knowledge management and sharing/learning, using CLA principles and approaches.
• At least 5 years of professional experience in Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation in the international development sector, whether working for a donor agency, INGO, consultancy firm, research institute and/or business. Familiarity with USAID MEL requirements is highly desired.
• At least 5 years of experience in designing, implementing, and overseeing project M&E systems.
• Experience in managing large databases comprising data from multiple sources
• Experience in designing data collection tools on digital data collection platforms/software and use of analytical tools such as  Power BI Advanced Excel, Dedoose. 
• Experience in presenting data and findings in various formats and to a variety of audiences; experience in making use of M&E data for communication purposes
• Experience in applying innovative data collection and analysis methods, as well as using (digital) innovations and mobile phone technology desired.
• Experience in capacity building of project and partner staff in M&E
• Strong team player with experience in Project Cycle Management
• Ability to think analytically and critically; ability to solve complex issues and define a way forward
• Strong facilitation, moderation, and capacity-building skills
• Ability to liaise, negotiate and build positive working relationships with implementing partners, including service providers
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Ability to work under pressure, multi-task and meet tight deadlines
• Knowledge/Experience in the following areas desired:
  • Market Systems Development
  • Systems change assessment
  • Gender mainstreaming / Women and Youth Empowerment
  • Working in northern Ghana and experience with multicultural environments

Salary: Starts at $1000 monthly