Design Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist - Washington, DC

The Organization

Search for Common Ground (SFCG) is an international non-profit organization that promotes peaceful resolution of conflict. With headquarters in Washington, DC and a European office in Brussels, Belgium, SFCG’s mission is to transform how individuals, organizations, and governments deal with conflict - away from adversarial approaches and toward cooperative solutions. SFCG seeks to help conflicting parties understand their differences and act on their commonalities. With a total of approximately 600 staff worldwide, SFCG implements projects from 34 countries, including in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.  The organization is an exciting and rewarding place to work, with dedicated and enthusiastic staff who loves their work.  You will be joining a highly motivated staff with a good team spirit and there will be opportunities to grow in the role.

Institutional Learning Team

The Institutional Learning Team (ILT) was set up in 2002 with the aim of supporting SFCG as a learning organization by enhancing the effectiveness of SFCG’s programming through a commitment to excellence in programing, monitoring and evaluation, and through continuous learning institutionally and within related fields.

Summary of Position

Since July 2013, SFCG has been working with UNICEF to provide technical M&E support to “Peacebuilding, Education and Advocacy Programme,” which is being implemented in 14 countries.  The Design, Monitoring and Evaluation (DM&E) Specialist is responsible for providing leadership and technical support on design, monitoring and evaluation to UNICEF headquarters, regional and country offices and implementing partners related to the programme.  The DM&E Specialist will work to coordinate help-desk requests and ensure that the online community of practice at DMEforPeace.org focused on education and peacebuilding is vibrant.  S/he will also be responsible for capturing lessons learned and drafting best-practice guidance on monitoring and evaluation of education and peacebuilding programming. S/he will participate in strategic meetings with UNICEF in New York City and other global or regional  meetings when appropriate.  

 For more information about the PBEA program please visit: www.learningforpeace.unicef.org

S/he will directly report to the DM&E Senior Manager based in Washington, DC. This position is based in Washington, DC but an exception could be made for an exceptional candidate.  

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities and specific duties include, but are not limited to:

• Develop the ability of a selected number of UNICEF PBEA country programmes and their partners to improve programme design, monitoring and evaluation by providing direct in-country and remote technical support and training
• Provide leadership in  the development of monitoring systems (eg. the development of common indicators, M&E plans, data collection tools, evidence-based processes, and knowledge management plans)
• Liaise with the UNICEF point person and other key staff in headquarters, regional and country offices to determine M&E gaps and means of bridging those gaps, and set priorities
• Oversee and draft Best-Practice Guidance on M&E of Education and Peacebuilding
• Work closely with SFCG Research Assistant and DME for Peace Manager
• Ensure the growth of the M&E for education and peacebuilding community of practice in the www.DMEforPeace.org platform (e.g. develop and post content on the community of practice blog and resource library)

Organisation-Wide Responsibilities

• Working closely with the DM&E Sr. Manager based in Washington DC to set priorities
• Convening regional DM&E Conference Calls with key UNICEF and SFCG staff;
• Facilitates cross-organizational learning, which includes providing information, guidelines, lessons learned, and user-friendly learning tools on DM&E on the Institutional Learning Team Intranet website.

As job descriptions cannot be exhaustive, the position holder may be required to undertake other duties that are broadly in line with the above key duties.

Minimum Qualifications

Essential:

• Minimum of five (5) years of work experience in design, monitoring and evaluation methodologies
• At least one (1) years of field-based data collection and analysis experience
• Multi-country and cross-cultural experience related to programme or DM&E implementation
• Knowledge and experience on M&E in peacebuilding and/or education projects
• Bachelor’s Degree in a related area required (Master’s degree preferred)
• Demonstrated technical capacity to provide support and guidance to project staff on DM&E
• Experience in designing and implementing DM&E data collection methodologies and tools
• Ability to coach and train others in M&E principles and best-practices, as well as facilitate reflective discussions
• Extensive knowledge of logical framework and results framework planning and evaluation methodologies and the ability to coach and train others in their use
• Working knowledge of UNICEF systems
• Self -motivated and self-starter
• High standards of integrity, professionalism, and impartiality
• Ability to multi-task, work independently, and work to meet tight deadlines
• Proficient inuse ofMicrosoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, Pivot Tables, Access, as well as web browsers
• Ability to travel (25%)

Highly Desirable:

• Experience working internationally and specifically in conflict/fragile state environments
• Prior experience as a trainer
• Working knowledge of UNICEF systems
• Knowledge of participatory methods, mix-methods, outcome mapping and/or impact evaluation techniques
• Knowledge of  case study methodology
• Experience in coordinating multi-prong projects
• Fluency in French or Arabic (verbally and in written form)
• Knowledge of SQL Server, SPSS, or STATA

 Please note: Qualified local, national, and international persons are encouraged to apply

 Salary: Commensurate with experience and education, with excellent benefits.  

To Apply: Please send a cover letter and resume through our application system at  https://sfcg.bamboohr.com/jobs/view.php?id=147.  The position will be open until filled. Please be sure to include projected start date, salary range, and to mention where you found this posting. No phone calls please. Only applicants invited for an interview will be contacted. Please see our web site www.sfcg.org for full details of our work.