Performance Monitoring Specialist - USAID Laos

LocationThis role will be based in Vientiane, Laos. You must be legally authorized to work in Laos.

What will you do?Bixal seeks a Performance Monitoring Specialist for an anticipated monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) contract for USAID/Laos. The Performance monitoring Specialist will be responsible for leading and managing the technical work related to performance monitoring and data quality analyses under this contract. The Performance Monitoring Specialist will provide expert-level support and advice on MEL assignments and have knowledge of the technical sector portfolio in Laos. They will be a strong writer, capable of synthesizing both qualitative and quantitative data with a high level of quality. A mid- or senior-level professional —will provide technical oversight on all types of MEL deliverables. They will be solution-oriented, resourceful, engaged, and able to work closely with and advise USAID.

Important Note:This position is contingent upon contract award.

Responsibilities

• Leading and managing all technical work related to performance monitoring.
• Conduct Data Quality Assessments (DQAs)in accordance with USAID ADS 201.
• Lead the review of Activity MEL Plans and support USAID’s implementing partners (IPs)to ensure the quality and utility of performance monitoring data.
• Support the development and implementation of Performance Monitoring Plans (PMPs)
• Support the annual Performance Plan and Report (PPR) process, annual Portfolio review, and quarterly analysis of outcomes across the Mission by gathering, analyzing and sharing information about Mission’s activities and outcomes.
• Work with the Mission technical offices to create a better system for capturing the outcomes information for analysis and adaptive management.
• Support field visits by reviewing reporting methods, conducting training needs assessments, designing reporting tools, and advising technical offices on ways to improve field monitor performance.
• Participate in the design and delivery of MEL trainings to Mission staff and IPs.
• Support activity design teams during technical assistance as needed (e.g. development of theories of change, results frameworks, monitoring and evaluation plans, indicators, etc.).
• Capture lessons learned from strategy refresh processes through participation in programmatic strategy retreats and meetings.
• Assist in the development of programmatic maps using GIS mapping.
• Support the development of standard operating procedures for data collection in USAID’s Development Information Solution(DIS)and provision of DIS training to Mission staff and IPs as needed.
• Support communications for results reporting and learning.
• As appropriate, play an active role in new client acquisition by supporting business development initiatives to enhance and grow Bixal's business in each of the areas that it works.
• Participate in client events and forums to positively represent the organization and develop and maintain relationships with the industry.
• Perform other duties or special projects as assigned.  

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., international development, social sciences, public policy, etc.).
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant MEL experience with a focus on performance monitoring, evaluations, and assessments.
• Proficiency with both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methodologies as well as monitoring best practices.
• Experience working in MEL on USAID-funded projects.
• Experience providing capacity building on monitoring, evaluation, learning, and adaptive management.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Superior organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work as part of a cross-cultural team with a high degree of sensitivity and cultural competence.
• Strong familiarity with ADS 201 and performance monitoring requirements.
• Experience working in Laos and demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the economic, ecological, social, cultural, and political characteristics of the context and development dynamics.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience conducing third-party monitoring (TPM)
• Technical sector expertise in one of the USAID Laos portfolio sectors, such as Economic Growth, Governance, or Health.
• Familiarity with USAID’s Evaluation Policy and Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) approaches.