Location: Amman, Jordan
International Advisory, Products and Systems (i-APS) is a consulting firm that helps organizations measure, adapt and deliver through a proven, people-first approach. A U.S.-based, minority and woman-owned
business, i-APS leverages global expertise with local presence to transform organizations and communities into partners for change.
i-APS is seeking a full time Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP)/ Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Technical Lead to be based in the Middle East region. Under the guidance of the ART Chief of Party, the
DCOP leads and provides technical oversight to the evaluation, data collection and data analysis teams that will be responsible for gathering data in support of routine monitoring and evaluation,
verification, and research of USAID SAP programs. The DCOP works closely with USAID/SAP Implementing Partners (IPs) based in the region and coordinates the activities of ART field data collection
teams, the dedicated data analysis unit, and STTA advisors as needed. The DCOP will ensure that the ART project achieves its goals and the objectives on time, and will contribute to helping IPs establish
their performance measurement frameworks, strengthen their M&E Systems, and identify opportunities and strategies to build IP capacities to undertake quality, robust M&E. The DCOP will ensure high
quality quantitative and qualitative research and M&E activities and is responsible for the oversight of all research and M&E related information, to ensure its availability in a timely, effective
and efficient manner in close coordination with other project team members. The position requires technical expertise in performance monitoring, program and impact evaluation, and research including
development of theories of change, results or logic frameworks, indicator design and selection, data collection protocols and outside-the-box strategies, data quality assessments (DQAs), evaluation
design using quantitative, qualitative and mixed methodologies, and using data-driven, emergent learning for adaptive management. The position also requires a high level of cross-cultural competence
and experience with development and stabilization programs.
Essential Duties/Tasks and Responsibilities:
- Design and implement MEL systems, evaluations, and research studies for all USAID/SAP project activities
- Assist IPs with the development of MEL frameworks, performance indicators, data collection protocols and effective reporting
- Provide technical oversight, assistance and/or coaching to USAID/SAP IPs in efficient, high quality data collection, analysis and reporting
- Supervise data collection field team staff and data analysis unit, fostering a culture of pro-active problem-solving and collaboration
- Ensure data collection and analysis is aligned with USAID/SAP policies and needs, and improve protocols and processes to ensure high quality and timely data quality and reporting
- Coordinate the development and regular update of research agendas, identify and prioritize knowledge gaps for research used to improve activity outcomes
- Communicate MEL findings and research results through high quality, clear, concise and timely reports using language and technical level appropriate for a variety of readers including USAID,
IPs and other stakeholders
- Ensure dissemination and encourage use of performance data, evaluation findings and research results among IPs at the regional and local levels
- Design, and implement systems analysis of the operating context as a contribution to research and analysis deliverables
- Contribute to the identification of MEL training needs of IPs and ensure Capacity Development Plans are implemented effectively
- Provide technical expertise and feedback with the ART project team in the design of data dashboards
- Manage and coordinate data collection teams, resources, budgets, and logistics
- Support the development of surveys and data collection tools tailored to ensure optimal utility to address research/evaluation questions, measure activity performance, and/or address USAID’s
data needs
- Develop and manage a detailed work plan of ART’s MEL and research activities
- Identify means and develop appropriate tools (e.g., reports, fact sheets, case studies, PowerPoint presentations, briefing notes, abstracts, scientific articles, success stories, etc.) for effective
dissemination of data results and analysis for a variety of audiences as needed
- Develop and coordinate the implementation of an accountability system that ensures data security, subject anonymity, safeguards against bias, and establishes a mechanism for mitigating risk and
addressing issues related to data collection activities
- Contribute to the development of training materials and follow-up advising/coaching related to MEL procedures targeted at the IPs such as data collection, quality assurance, performance analysis
for action, reporting, learning and operational research, accountability mechanisms, etc
- Represent the ART project team with stakeholders, USAID and IPs as needed and requested by the COP and serve as acting COP as needed
- Travel required 50% of time to establish and maintain relationships with IPs and staff, ensure data quality, troubleshoot and resolve data and technical issues, report on deliverables and other
essential duties of the position
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s degree in social sciences, business management, international development, economics, political science, public administration or related field required
- At least 7 years of progressively responsible management experience is required, including some experience with USAID funded M&E projects
- 5 years of experience conducting monitoring, evaluations and/or assessments in developing countries
- At least 3 years of experience leading project management teams
- Previous experience in performance and impact assessment designs, data collection and analysis methodologies and practical applications, including knowledge management and learning processes
- Strong analytical skills and experience in program monitoring and evaluation, and in designing and/or conducting research studies
- Strong skills and familiarity with quantitative and qualitative data analysis software such as SPSS, STATA and NVivo
- Effective communication and writing skills for a variety of audiences, with proven ability to produce reports, technical briefs, and to present findings at a professional level expected by USAID
as well as concise writing in language that can be effectively translated
- Oral and written fluency in English and Arabic required
- Proven team leadership, including the ability promote full inclusion and equity within an intercultural team, inspire enthusiasm, build team competencies and confidence, and mitigate team conflicts
by example, all within a challenging development context
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Working knowledge of relevant sector (ie, governance, infrastructure, stabilization) and regional development indicators
- Experience managing large, complex, multi-partner programs
- Experience working in conflict-affected environments
- Familiarity with USAID’s objectives, approaches and operations, particularly related to MEAL, is a plus