Senior Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialist (DRG-HATO)

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Bixal is a consulting company based in Fairfax, VA, working alongside governments and organizations to help them deliver better services and experiences to the communities they serve. Using evidence-based knowledge and technology, Bixal empowers clients to deliver on their missions more effectively by fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement.

Bixal is a consulting company based in Fairfax, VA, working alongside governments and organizations to help them deliver better services and experiences to the communities they serve. Using evidence-based knowledge and technology, Bixal empowers clients to deliver on their missions more effectively by fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement. 

Bixal is seeking a Senior Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialist (DRG-HATO) for the USAID/Uganda Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (UMEL) Activity. This program supports USAID/Uganda and its partners by strengthening MEL processes, conducting high-quality evaluations, knowledge-sharing, and adaptive management to improve programmatic decision-making in the country.

• The Senior Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialist (DRG-HATO) will support the Director of Performance Management with the collection of primary performance data on CDCS outcome indicators; compiling contextual data; validating and analyzing performance data; developing monitoring tools; providing technical support for data quality assessments; training and mentoring A/CORs and IPs' MEL staff on performance reporting systems; and creating data visualizations for effective learning by the Mission and IPs. They will serve as the primary point of contact (POC) to the Democracy, Rights, and Governance, and Humanitarian Assistance Offices (DRG-HATO). The Senior MEL Specialist will further serve as a thought partner to their respective technical office. Additionally, they will proactively integrate USAID's learning cycle processes into a cohesive project management approach, leading toward collaboration, learning, and adaptation (CLA) for improved development results.

• Develop and continuously review the Performance Indicator Reference Sheets (PIRS) for DRG-HATO indicators.
• Collect primary performance data on selected health CDCS outcome indicators that implementing partners may not have the capacity to collect.
• Identify and compile relevant contextual data to facilitate DRG-HATO’s understanding of its contribution to wider national and agency development priorities.
• Validate and analyze periodic performance data of DRG-HATO performance indicators reported by USAID/Uganda implementing partners in a timely manner.
• Develop high-quality, inclusive, and cost-effective monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) tools and processes for DRG-HATO and its implementing partners.
• Provide technical support to A/CORs and IP MEL staff to implement data quality assessments for a targeted number of selected implementing partners.
• Work with the Data Analyst to develop the capacity of newly onboarded implementing partners to utilize the agency-wide performance reporting system, Development Information Solutions (DIS).
• Collaborate with the Senior Capacity Building Specialist to develop the capacity of Agreement and Contracting Officers’ Representatives (A/CORs) and IP MEL Specialists to effectively perform their designated MEL functions.
• Work with the Senior GIS and Visualization Specialist to develop various data visualizations using DIS and other relevant data sources, such as UN OCHA, to facilitate learning by the Mission and implementing partners.
• Provide technical direction to project teams to ensure the technical quality of MEL processes and deliverables.
• Support technical initiatives to systematize quality across the organization.
• Support the development and delivery of MEL training and contribute to Bixal’s MEL Community of Practice.
• Serve as an initial point of contact and escalation for project issues, including responding to clients, resolving issues, and solving problems under the guidance of the Director of Performance Management.
• Supervise junior-level team members, providing MEL Officers/Data Analysts with feedback and support.
• Support the business development process, including drafting proposal responses, updating corporate capability statements, and arranging discussions with partners.
• Assist different teams in recruiting and hiring consultants and/or subject matter experts, including screening candidates, writing terms of reference, and processing purchase orders/billing.
• Contribute to business development and thought leadership through content creation, industry presentations, and identifying growth opportunities in federal sector OD and talent management.
• Perform other duties as required.

• Bachelor's Degree in relevant field, plus 10 years of related experience; or Master’s Degree, plus 5 years of related experience.
• Written and spoken fluency in English.
• Understanding of USAID development programming.
• Understanding of development partners and Uganda government development landscape, key stakeholders, and potential USAID partners within respective health focus areas.
• Extensive knowledge of USAID project management processes and overall program cycle, including monitoring, evaluation, and learning practices and policy.
• Clear communication skills in both written and oral forms. additional fluency in any of Uganda’s local languages preferred.
• Ability to work independently and excellent time management skills. Ingenuity, ability to generate ideas for a variety of activities, propose new courses of action, and suggest appropriate, mitigated risks.
• Strong relationship-building skills, with the ability to understand and respond to project management needs and develop trust.
• Synthesis skills, including the ability to gather information from disparate sources, connect the dots to form a coherent picture of project progress and external circumstances, and tell a compelling story with evidence.
• Proactive approach, with the ability to take on new tasks with little direction, chart a course of action, and advise clients, colleagues, and supervisors on possible opportunities and challenges.
• Collaborative mindset, with the ability to work with colleagues and partners across sectors and outside traditional functional expertise to catalyze activity toward shared objectives.

• Additional fluency in any of Uganda’s local languages preferred.

Please note that candidates selected may undergo a background investigation and, if applicable, meet eligibility requirements for suitability.

Bixal is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, national origin, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, genetic information, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within our organization and beyond.