Job type: Full-time
USAID TANZANIA MONITORING, EVALUATION, LEARNING AND ADAPTATION ACTIVITY (USAID T-MELA)
POSITION DESCRIPTION: MONITORING SPECIALIST
Office Location: Tanzania – USAID T-MELA Office, Mwai Kibaki Rd. 395 Ursino Building, 4th Floor – Morocco, Kinondoni, Dar es Salaam – Tanzania.
Contact: Please send your application by e-mail to ([email protected])
Deadline: 1ST November 2024.
PROJECT OVERVIEW:
Background: On January 19, 2023, USAID/Tanzania awarded IBI a contract for the Tanzania Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Adaptation (USAID T-MELA) Activity. T-MELA is a fouryear contract aimed at assisting the USAID/Tanzania Mission with strategy- and activity-level performance monitoring, evaluation, and learning. This activity will also provide data gathering and verification, data visualization (including Geographic Information Systems), data quality assessments, impact and performance evaluations, assessments, organizational learning, and collaboration among USAID’s implementing partners and DO teams. T-MELA has four components: i) Performance monitoring ii) Assessments and Evaluations iii) Collaborating, Learning and Adapting and iv) Capacity building for local M&E Organizations. The MEL Support Platform will also implement a capacity-building agenda for the mission, develop a baseline of M&E knowledge within the mission, and tailor a curriculum to provide skills development to mission staff.
Position Objective: The Monitoring Specialist will be responsible for supporting the T-MELA activity by implementing Task 1 Of the activity: Support Mission Performance Monitoring and Management.
Position Summary: The Monitoring Specialist will be critical in leading data quality assessments (DQAs) and related activities for USAID projects. This includes conducting DQAs, delivering
DQA debriefs, preparing DQA reports, and presenting high-level findings to USAID Mission, Implementing Partners (IPs), and the Government of Tanzania (GOT). The specialist will also support data analysis and assist the Mission with Performance Plan and Report (PPR) processes and Annual Portfolio Reviews (APR). Expertise in developing interactive dashboards is essential. Experience in reviewing Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plans (AMELPs) for IPs and building the capacity of stakeholders on DQAs, AMELPs, data analysis, visualization, and monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) is also required. Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) will be an added advantage.
Position Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Reports to: Senior Monitoring Specialist Key Responsibilities:
Data Quality Assessments (DQAs):
- Lead the design, planning, and execution of DQAs for USAID-supported activities.
- Conduct DQA fieldwork, ensuring adherence to USAID and GOT standards.
- Provide high-level debriefings on DQA findings to the USAID Mission, IPs, and GOT stakeholders.
- Write comprehensive DQA reports with actionable recommendations to improve data quality.
- Present DQA results through detailed, professional presentations to stakeholders.
Data Analysis & Reporting:
- Support data analysis to generate insights and trends from IP’s data.
- Collaborate with the USAID Mission to prepare Performance Plan and Report (PPR) submissions and conduct Annual Portfolio Reviews (APRs).
- Analyze performance data across fiscal years, tracking targets vs. actuals, and identifying areas for programmatic improvement.
Dashboard Development:
- Develop and maintain dashboards to visualize project performance data, including targets vs actuals, deviations, and trends.
- Provide interactive visualizations that support data-driven decision-making at the Mission, IP, and GOT levels.
Review of Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plans (AMELPs):
- Review and provide technical input on AMELPs submitted by IPs to ensure alignment with USAID MEL requirements.
- Support IPs in refining indicators, setting realistic targets, and developing robust MEL frameworks.
Capacity Building: Lead capacity-building initiatives on DQA methodologies, AMELP development, data analysis, and data visualization for USAID Mission staff, IPs, and GOT counterparts.
- Facilitate training on using data for programmatic decision-making, emphasizing practical applications in monitoring, evaluation, and learning.
Minimum Qualifications and Experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Monitoring & Evaluation, Statistics, Data Science, Public Health, International Development, or a related field. Master’s Degree
- At least five years of experience in monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) in an international development context, preferably with USAID-funded projects.
- Demonstrated expertise in conducting DQAs and preparing detailed reports and presentations.
- Proficiency in data analysis Experience with Excel, R, or Python is a plus.
- Experience developing interactive dashboards using Power BI and Tableau.
- Familiarity with PPR processes and conducting Annual Portfolio Reviews (APR).
- Experience reviewing AMELPs and guiding MEL best practices.
- Strong training and capacity-building skills, particularly in DQA, data visualization, and data use for decision-making.
- Knowledge of GIS tools (ArcGIS, QGIS) is a plus.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with experience presenting to highlevel stakeholders.
Competencies:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, international organizations, and local partners.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, while meeting deadlines.
Professional Behaviour
- The candidate should work well with others and understand people from different backgrounds. They need to be open to feedback and manage changes. Being independent, yet a good team player is key. He/she should act ethically, and respect confidentiality.
Application Process and Deadline for Submission:
Interested candidates should submit their applications- a detailed CV and a cover letter electronically to: ([email protected]) with the subject line of the position.
Please note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. Closing date for submission of applications is end of business day on November 1, 2024.
IBI is an equal opportunity employer and participates in E-Verify. Tanzanian citizens and women are strongly encouraged to apply.
