Counterpart International is currently seeking a Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Manager to support the anticipated Kyrgyz Republic Deepening Linkages in Civic Participation Activity, which seeks to enable horizontal and vertical networks of individuals and organizations to advocate for and bring about change across issues that resonate with local communities and increase government responsiveness and accountability in the Kyrgyz Republic. The MEL Manager will provide technical support including: design of project Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plans, establishing/strengthening monitoring and evaluation system. The MEL Manager will work with the US MEL team to analyze data, and to use data visualization tools to demonstrate program impact. In addition, oversee and maintain the project DevResults platform, ensuring data accuracy and completeness. This is a full-time  position, reporting to the Chief of Party.

The MEL Manager will be responsible for all aspects of program level monitoring, evaluation, and learning and related reporting, research, and communications. The proposed candidate will be responsible for the project’s MEL plan and related reporting as well as the research and learning agenda. In addition, the MEL Manager will lead the implementation of regular learning activities and all MEL reporting and communications. The successful candidate will be a leader who will provide local staff and partners with the evidence, capacity, tools, technical assistance, and/or services required to design, implement, monitor, and/or evaluate program interventions as well as implement learning activities. Reporting to the Chief of Party and working closely with the leadership team, this candidate will have experience working on USAID-funded activities, broad knowledge of Collaborating, Learning and Adapating (CLA), participatory MEL approaches, and possess strong analytical writing skills. The position may involve supervising a MEL Assistant. Further, the MEL Manager will be responsible for the following:

• Develop, implement, and oversee the program’s performance management and reporting system, ensuring alignment with the project’s MEL Plan.
• Facilitate adaptive management and learning throughout the project life cycle using flexible and responsive mechanisms.
• Establish, maintain, and provide comprehensive training on data collection and management systems to in-country project staff.
• Design and oversee internal assessments and evaluations to assess program impact.
• Collaborate with  external evaluators for  independent studies, assessments, and evaluations of the project.
• Ensure the collection and integration of high-  quality quantitative and qualitative data  into the MEL Plan, utliszing effective data collection methodologies, cross-referencing, analysis, and  periodic data quality assessments.
• Ensure data integrity throughout the process of data collection, storage, entry, verification, cleaning, analysis and reporting
• Ensure these frameworks effectively track progress, measure outcomes, and assess impact.
• Identify and define key performance indicators (KPIs) for monitoring project progress and outcomes.
• Ensure these indicators are measurable, relevant, and aligned with the project’s strategic goals.
• Conduct regular on-site visits to ensure effective monitoring and provide technical assistance for project activities.
• Aggregate, analyze, and synthesize data for comprehensive reports to USAID and Counterpart HQ
• Implement quality control measures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of data collected.
• Work in close collaboration  with the COP and HQ staff to review program performance, incorporating best  practices and insights into project adjustments.
• Accurately enter and maintain relevant information into USAID platforms.
• Identify knowledge gaps and opportunities to enhance knowledge and practice within the project scope.
• Produce high quality, accessible written analyses to inform stakeholders and guide project priorities.
• Lead the development and implementation of a Learning Agenda, including a learning dissemination strategy and  regular learning activities to address critical knowledge gaps .
• Regularly report on program progress on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis to all  project participants.
• Develop and conduct staff trainings on data collection, MEL processes , and participatory MEL approaches.
• Lead the MEL staff performance by establishing annual and monthly workplans, debriefing with team regularly, mentoring and building/strenghtening capacity of the MEL team.
• Conduct periodic evaluations (baseline, mid-term, end-line) to assess the effectiveness and impact of the project.
• Communicate MEL findings and engage stakeholders in discussions about project adjustments and strategy.
• Make data-driven decisions to modify and improve project strategies and activities.
• Address any privacy, consent, and data protection issues related to MEL activities.

DevResults Management:

• Oversee and maintain the organization's DevResults platform, ensuring data accuracy and completeness.
• Regularly configure and update indicator frameworks, dashboards, and reporting templates in DevResults based on project needs.
• Lead data uploads and manage data quality control within the platform.
• Train and support staff and partners on DevResults functionalities, ensuring optimal platform usage
• Work closely with MEL teams to ensure that indicators in DevResults align with project result framework or Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plans (AMELPs).
• Assist in the design and implementation of M&E processes that integrate with DevResults, enhancing data flow and reducing duplication.
• Collaborate with program teams to analyze data, drawing insights to inform program strategy and implementation.
• Assist in the design of data collection tools, including questionnaires, discussion guides, and more.

• Master’s Degree in international development or other relevant social science. 
• Minimum 8 years of experience working in international development programs.
• Experience managing MEL/CLA functions for international development programs, including designing and implementing MEL results frameworks; developing AMELP, work plans, and indicators; developing and implementing learning agendas and activities; and monitoring on-going programs for USAID or other large donor organizations;
• Experienced in training and capacity-building and fostering a collaborative relationship with MEL and other program staff.
• Experience with data analysis and presentation using Excel, Kobo Toolbox, and advanced data analysis and visualization packages. Additional software and technical skills (databases, mobile technology, GIS, and statistical packages) preferred.
• Experience conducting research and analysis for technical programming.
• Demonstrated ability to work with the Gender Specialists on staff to develop gender-sensitive indicators and program approaches for activities that focus on minorities and marginalized groups.
• Knowledge of, and experience applying varied CLA methodologies is strongly preferred.
• Exceptional analytical writing abilities, capable of producing clear, concise, and impactful reports and communications.
• Experience working effectively with government officials, non-governmental partners, and USAID and/or other donors; 
• Advanced oral and written communication skills in English required.
• Proven leadership skills with the capability to guide, mentor, and possibly supervise a MEL Assistant.

Counterpart is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, age, or other legally protected characteristics. 

Accessibility Notice: If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a physical or mental disability, please send an email to recruiting@counterpart.org. Please view Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here.

Only finalists will be contacted. No phone calls, please.