Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialist - HEPI Project (USAID)

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 11 October, 2024

SALARY AND BENEFITS: Competitive

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: 

The Higher Education Partnership Initiative (HEPI) is a five-year $6 million project funded by USAID Indonesia, in partnership with Arizona State University (ASU). Funded through 2027, HEPI aims to build sustainable partnerships between universities and industries in the US and Indonesia. This initiative brings together a dynamic consortium of U.S. and Indonesian universities, government agencies, and industry partners to strengthen science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs in Indonesia.  The project aligns industry-linked curricula to provide work-ready STEM graduates and elevate the quality of STEM education in Indonesia to meet international accreditation standards. Additionally, HEPI fosters innovative partnerships between higher education institutions (HEIs) in the U.S. and Indonesia, creating pathways for Indonesian students to pursue degree and short-term programs in the United States.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialist will be responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing the MEL framework of ASU’s Higher Education initiative in Indonesia, known as the USAID Higher Education Partnership Initiative (HEPI). The Specialist plays a pivotal role in driving data-driven decision-making, capturing lessons learned, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement across the project.

Key responsibilities include tracking, measuring, and reporting on program objectives. The MEL Specialist will collaborate closely with project teams, partners, and stakeholders to collect, analyze, and report data. Additionally, the Specialist will facilitate learning across the project by ensuring that insights from data are integrated into ongoing activities.

Working with the project leadership team, the MEL Specialist will contribute to research design and planning, and will oversee the execution of data collection, data summarization and reporting for both qualitative and quantitative data. Responsibilities include conducting literature reviews, performing research, acquiring and analyzing relevant documents, conducting field observations and focus groups; and overseeing local data collection and monitoring efforts.

The MEL Specialist will report to Program Manager for Operations in Jakarta, Indonesia. This position is based in Jakarta and is expected to run through 2027. Employment is contingent upon sponsor approval and continued funding.

SCHEDULE & PLACE OF WORK:

·         Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:00AM - 4:00PM

·         Place of Work: This position is based in Jakarta, Indonesia, with the expectation of working from the office a majority of the work week.  The office of Arizona State University is in Jakarta, Indonesia. The MEL Specialist is expected to travel within Indonesia and abroad on occasion to meetings as may be required and/or as instructed by the Country Director.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Design and Implement MEL Framework

   • Develop and implement the MEL framework for HEPI, ensuring alignment with USAID guidelines and organizational requirements.

   • Design data collection tools and processes to measure program effectiveness, including key outcome and impact indicators.

   • Integrate MEL plans into project work plans and activities from the beginning to ensure continuous monitoring and evaluation.

1. Data Collection, Analysis, and Reporting

   • Lead the collection, management, and analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data related to HEPI activities.

   • Maintain accurate,  up-to-date data records to support program reporting, learning, and adaptation.

   • Generate regular reports on program performance, providing actionable insights and recommendations for improvement.

   • Collaborate with QA expert and project staff to ensure timely, accurate reporting to USAID, including quarterly and annual reports.

1. Learning and Knowledge Management

   • Facilitate a culture of Collaboration, Learning and Adapting (CLA) within the project by organizing learning sessions, workshops, and reflection activities to evaluate progress and share best practices.

   • Capture lessons learned from project activities and integrated them into program strategies to improve performance and outcomes.

   • Develop knowledge products, such as progress summaries, dashboards, and reports to disseminate lessons learned internally and externally.

   • Provide training and technical support to HEPI staff and partners on MEL principles, tools, and processes.

   • Build capacity among partners to collect and analyze MEL data, ensuring their effective contribution to the overall MEL framework.

   • Ensure partners are equipped to meet USAID MEL reporting requirements.

1. Collaboration with Partners and Stakeholders

   • Collaborate closely with project partners to ensure their active participation in the MEL process and that their contributions are accurately captured.

   • Assist partners in identifying opportunities for improvement and adaptation based on MEL data insights.

   • Foster strong collaboration between HEPI’s MEL activities and USAID/Indonesia’s MEL frameworks to ensure alignment and effective coordination.

1. Continuous Improvement

   • Regularly review and update the MEL framework and tools in response to evolving project needs, USAID requirements, and lessons learned from implementation.

   • Support adaptive management by ensuring program adjustments are data-driven and aligned with overall project goals.

   • Contribute to the development of program strategies and recommend adjustments based on emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities identified through MEL data.

1. Compliance and Data Quality

   • Ensure all MEL activities comply with USAID’s guidelines, policies, and quality standards.

   • Conduct regular data quality assessments (DQAs) to ensure the accuracy,  reliability and validity of data collected.

   • Maintain high standards of confidentiality and ethical in the handling of data and reporting.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Monitoring and Evaluation, Social Sciences, International Development, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).

  
  

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in monitoring, evaluation, and learning in international development, education, or a related sector.

  
  

• Strong knowledge of MEL methodologies, including both qualitative and quantitative data collection, analysis, and reporting.

  
  

• Experience working on USAID-funded projects or familiarity with USAID MEL frameworks and reporting requirements, or other international development agency.

  
  

• Proven experience in developing and implementing MEL frameworks for large-scale programs.

  
  

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret and present data effectively.

  
  

• Strong writing and communication skills, capable of producing, high-quality reports and knowledge products.

  
  

• Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., Excel, SPSS, NVivo, etc) and MEL platforms.

  
  

• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and collaborate effectively with diverse teams and partners.

  
  

• Experience in capacity building and providing MEL training to partners and stakeholders is preferred.

Deliverables

• Quarterly and annual MEL reports in line with USAID requirements.

  
  

• Updated MEL framework, including data collection tools and processes (if needed).

  
  

• Regular learning sessions and workshops for HEPI staff and partners.

  
  

• Knowledge products, including case studies and success stories, derived from MEL data.

  
  

• Data quality assessment reports and actionable improvement plans for continuous improvement.

Working Environment

·         Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities, which may include resolving conflicts as necessary.

·         Clear verbal and written communication, with the ability to read, write, see and hear to perform essential functions effectively.

·         Regular use of standard office equipment, including but not limited to a computer workstation/laptop (keyboard, monitor, mouse), printer, fax, calculator, copier, telephone and associated computer/technology peripherals.

·         Regular evaluation of completed tasks to ensure alignment with established objectives.

ASU Statement

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions intellectual and cultural diversity and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.