Monitoring Evaluation Research Learning and Adapting Officer (MERLA Officer) at Creative Associates International

Creative Associates International is a fast-growing, social impact company that specializes in the areas of education, economic growth, democratic transitions, and stabilization in post-conflict environments. Based in Chevy Chase, Maryland, this global development organization has a field presence is more than 25 countries and a strong client portfolio of that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department. Since its founding in 1977 by four enterprising women, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike. Creative Associates International has been working in Nigeria for more than a decade to support education programs in Nigeria.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Monitoring Evaluation Research Learning and Adapting Officer (MERLA Officer)

Job ID: 2022-2801
Location: Sokoto
Category: Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning

Program Description

• Funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development and in close partnership with federal partners and select Nigeria States (designated as legacy [Bauchi and Sokoto], launching and technical assistance), the five-year Leveraging Education Assistance Resources in Nigeria (LEARN) project will support sustainable improvements in reading outcomes for first and second grade pupils.
• The goal of LEARN is to strengthen and scale early grade reading (EGR) best practice by ensuring that standards-based, context-appropriate assessment, materials, training, and administrative supports needed to improve literacy skills for P1-2 pupils are embedded within the federal policy, funding, and monitoring frameworks, and state and local authorities have the implementation protocols, capacity, and resources to carry out and sustain standards-based, data-driven EGR reform.
• The project objective is to instill ownership in and build capacity of school-community, local, state, and federal systems to establish a base for adequate, consistent data-driven funding, monitoring and performance that increase the equity, inclusion, and wellbeing necessary to achieve sustained EGR gains. LEARN will therefore be building on lessons learned from prior Nigeria reading programs to introduce a flexible, cost- efficient EGR intervention model that can be tailored to state contexts.

Position Summary

• Support MERLA implementation, data collection, and reporting. Support data collection and entry. Support CLA activities

Reporting & Supervision:

• The Monitoring and Evaluation Officer will report to the Regional Advisor with dotted reporting line to the Sr. MERLA Advisor.

Primary Responsibilities

• Based on project results and standard, develop appropriate models and tools for data collection, analysis, and synthesis.
• Train staff in the use of these M&E models and tools.
• Develop and implement project level performance monitoring plans for gathering, reporting, and analyzing performance data.
• Work closely with the management team to ensure that plans capture the scope and content of LEARN to Read results and objectives.
• Ensure technical coordination of state-level M&E activities and obtain support from directorates and local government authorities as needed.
• Work closely with the Chief of Party and M&E Advisor to manage support staff and consultants as needed to ensure the feasibility, appropriateness and timelines of all M&E plans and interventions.
• Ensure the timely production, coordination, and reporting of all state-level data: quarterly reports, M&E data, financial information, etc.
• Support and coordinate all project research and assessment activities in the state.
• Participate in regular meetings and maintain regular communication with state level team counterparts, and with the Chief of Party, to ensure coherent planning, M&E practices, and project troubleshooting.
• Represent the project in major state meetings and events as appropriate.

Qualifications
Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Undergraduate Degree in Data Systems, Statistics, or related field preferred, Master’s required.
• At least three years’ experience relevant to this position required, with at least two years designing and delivering
• education monitoring / assessment systems.
• At least six months of supervising experience required if supervising employees.
• International development experience, particularly in monitoring and evaluation
• Strong planning, organization, critical and strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional communication (verbal and written) and presentation skills with a dynamic, engaging facilitation style.
• Prior experience with supporting civil society-based monitoring of literacy outcomes required.
• Advanced proficiency in written and spoken English required.
• Proficiency in Hausa, Igbo, or Yoruba preferred.

Preferred Experience & Skills:

• Previous experience in similar role.
• Proven experience directly and indirectly supervising and managing staff and teams.
• Experience with a USAID-funded or other international organization implementing a program operating in insecure areas is desired.
• Strong ability to deploy and use various forms of tracking tools.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills are required.
• Excellent record keeping, and documentation skills are required.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.