Measurement, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) Advisor

Palestinian nationals are strongly encouraged to apply. Hiring for this position will be contingent upon funding from USAID.

POSITION SUMMARY
IYF is seeking a MERL Advisor to oversee the design and implementation of all MERL systems and activities for an anticipated four-year project in Palestine funded by USAID that aims to strengthen technical and vocational education and training (TVET). This position requires proven experience in designing, implementing, and managing MERL systems, tools, and approaches.

CORE JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategic:
  • In coordination with USAID, the Chief of Party, and the project team, develop the project's overarching MERL vision.
  • Oversee the development and implementation of the project’s MERL plan to capture project performance and results (e.g. theories of change, logical frameworks, performance measurement frameworks, data collection and analysis plans, and evaluation and learning plans).
• Decision-Making:
  • Make key decisions related to MERL activities for effective and efficient delivery of project results, in coordination with the Chief of Party, Technical Leads, and IYF Baltimore offices.
  • Oversee continuous project learning and ensure integration of monitoring and evaluation data into management decision-making, using data to inform project collaboration, learning, and adaptation.
• Functional:
  • Ensure high-quality implementation of MERL activities and consistency in protocols, information, and reporting systems in accordance with IYF’s MERL policy.
  • Develop and manage the flow of data and information for the project to ensure accurate and timely data collection, analysis, and reporting of project performance results. Ensure relevant data is entered into IYF’s organization-wide data management system on the Salesforce platform.
  • Ensure quality of data through data verification procedures, including routine data quality audits.
  • Analyze results to provide clear and accurate conclusions and recommendations to project staff and stakeholders to guide decision-making. Report results of MERL activities internally and externally and document progress toward achieving targets, as appropriate. With project and technical leads, conduct regular adaptive management sessions to guide project adjustments based on results.
  • Conduct targeted evaluations and operations research, including design, data collection, management, and analysis. Design and implement research and data practices that fully engage with youth.
  • Develop and oversee a strategic approach to learning and knowledge sharing within the project. This includes creating and implementing a project learning agenda aligned with IYF institutional learning agenda and contributing learning results to the institutional knowledge hub.
• Technical: Build the MERL capacity of project partners, working closely with their MERL and project staff. Develop and implement capacity strengthening plans. Develop tools and guides to facilitate knowledge transfer. Provide technical MERL training and support.
• Reporting: Ensure the development and timely submission of MERL reports, including funder reports and oral presentations on the project.
• External Representation: Cultivate strategic MERL relationships and alliances and represent MERL activities in public and professional circles through meetings, conferences, and presentations.
• Supervisory: Directly supervise staff as assigned, including providing regular professional support and coaching to supervisees, assessing their performance, and recommending areas for improvement to achieve annual objectives and project goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• A graduate degree in a relevant field, such as education, international development, or sociology, with a focus on evaluation methodologies.
• Seven years of relevant experience in designing and implementing MERL systems, preferably within TVET strengthening, workforce development, youth development, private sector engagement, capacity strengthening, and/or education projects in Palestine or similar settings.
• Experience in relevant technical areas, such as survey and research tool design, data collection, statistical analysis, qualitative research, and dissemination of results.
• Experience on the use of MERL systems to support a learning agenda and evolve a theory of change to maximize impact.
• Strong collaborating, learning, and adapting (CLA) skills and experience.
• Experience building capacity of local organizations, such as educational institutions, governmental systems, and NGOs.
• Demonstrated strong management, coordination, teamwork, and planning skills with proven ability to function effectively with multiple counterparts in private, public, and NGO sectors.
• Strong understanding of MERL policy and compliance requirements.
• Strong technical skills, including ability to process and analyze data using one or more statistical software packages, including at least one of the following: SPSS, MS Access, STATA, SAS, or other.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including excellent facilitation skills and demonstrated technical writing skills for publication.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse international teams.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task, meet deadlines, and work effectively in a complex environment.
• Spoken and written fluency in English and Arabic required.
• Excellent computer skills using MS Office products including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.

To be eligible for this position, applicants must have the legal authority to work and reside in Palestine; this position is a local hire position in Palestine. Applications will be reviewed as received.

The International Youth Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

How to apply:

Please submit your resume in English to jobs@iyfglobal.org with the subject line Palestine-MERL Advisor.