Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Specialist (MEL) Specialist

PROJECT OVERVIEW

ECODIT is implementing the USAID Lebanon Diverting Waste by Encouraging Reuse and Recycling (DAWERR) Activity, a five-year project that will establish sustainable and replicable integrated solid waste diversion and valorization solutions in different rural areas in Lebanon, leading to improved social and economic well-being for Lebanon’s population.  Working concomitantly with municipalities, local communities, and the private sector, the Project will (1) develop sustainable composting value chains for organic waste, and strengthen existing recycling value chains (RVCs) for inert recyclable materials in select municipalities serving as pilots initially, and then support replication by other municipalities across Lebanon building on lessons learned from the pilots; and (2) implement integrated Solid Waste Management (SWM) solutions for unions or clusters of municipalities.  

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the overall management of the Chief of Party, the MEL Specialist is expected to:

• Lead the revisions/ updates of the Project MEL Plan and the Collaborating, Learning and Adapting (CLA) and Adaptive Management Strategy.
• Lead all work related to MEL data collection and management for the project which includes but is not limited to the following tasks:
  • Regularly update MEL procedures and a database management system for tracking performance indicators.
  • Maintain up-to-date data information system to track project progress.
  • Support partners (including subcontractors and grantees) to comply with MEL requirements and engage them in MEL activities.
  • Collect and analyze data to guide adaptive management and inform the preparation of progress reports; and
  • Upload data to USAID online reporting systems, as required, on a regular basis.
• Ensure that MEL is efficiently integrated into activity management and technical interventions.
• Provide technical guidance, training, and capacity building in MEL to project staff and partners.
• Lead the design and/or revisions/updates of MEL templates or questionnaires, in collaboration with other project staff, as well as partners and stakeholders.
• Analyze performance monitoring plan (PMP) data and provide PMP and other MEL updates for incorporation in monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting to USAID.
• Ensure that performance data collected meet USAID’s requirements for data quality.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in international development, monitoring and evaluation, learning, research methods, or related field;
• At least five years of experience in MEL, organizational development, adaptive management, capacity building, or other related fields – Experience on USAID-funded projects is a plus
• Demonstrated MEL technical skills, including assessments, performance evaluations, data collection, and analysis methods;
• Knowledge and skills in the MS office suite of products, and MS Excel in particular;
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; and
• Demonstrated professional oral and writing skills in English and Arabic.