Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialist

Position: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialist
Duration: Long-term (1-5 years). Starting October 2024- depends on donor funding
Location: Bogotá, Colombia, with occasional travel to project sites as determined by the Project Director.

Project Title: Empower LGBTQI+: Strengthening Protections, Inclusion and Rights Across Latin America and the Caribbean (“Empower LGBTQI+), finance by USAID

1. Introduction

The Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialist will be responsible for leading and coordinating the implementation of the Project’s Monitoring and Evaluation Plan, ensuring the effective collection, analysis, and use of data for informed decision-making. This role is crucial for ensuring that the project meets its goals and objectives, in line with USAID's guidelines. Additionally, the specialist must demonstrate high sensitivity and capacity to work with the LGBTI population, given that the project addresses issues related to human rights and equity.

2. Duties and Responsibilities

The MEL Specialist will be responsible for the following tasks:

1. Planning

• Design the MEL strategy to evaluate, measure, and achieve the goals and objectives of the main components of the Project.
• Contribute to the development of annual implementation plans from a monitoring, evaluation, and learning perspective, ensuring alignment with the Project’s results framework.
• Ensure the inclusion of monitoring and evaluation indicators and guidelines in the work plans for each Project activity (grants, consultancies, sub-awards, etc.).
• Work closely with the technical team to ensure the quality and relevance of the data collected by grantees, consultants, and Project partners, and ensure its effective use in measuring the impact and outcomes of the project.
• Ensure that the monitoring and evaluation perspective is cross-cutting across all project areas, incorporating gender equity criteria and sensitivity towards the LGBTI population.

1. Knowledge Generation

• Plan and coordinate Collaboration, Learning, and Adaptation (CLA) sessions focused on collecting lessons learned, identifying opportunities for replicability and adaptation of activities in different contexts.
• Lead, along with the Project Manager, quarterly strategic review sessions, evaluating progress, identifying gaps, and proposing solutions to achieve the annual objectives.

1. Implementation

• Develop and implement tools and instruments for data collection and analysis, working with both the technical team and Project partners and counterparts.
• Actively participate in data collection and in measuring key Project indicators, ensuring that reports to USAID are accurate and delivered in a timely manner.
• Measure and report baseline indicators and adjust goals as necessary to reflect the Project’s progress.
• Identify and use additional data sources that may provide relevant information for the ongoing evaluation of the Project.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of projects related to the evaluation of public policies on human rights, especially those impacting the LGBTI community.
• Assume other duties assigned by the Project Director to ensure the success of the Project.

3. 3. Professional Profile and Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

• University degree in Social Sciences, Statistics, Economics, Public Administration, or related fields. Graduate studies in Monitoring and Evaluation, Project Management, or related areas will be valued.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in similar roles, preferably in USAID-funded projects or international cooperation projects focused on human rights.
• Fluent English (spoken and written).
• Proven experience in designing and managing monitoring and evaluation systems, with an emphasis on results and impact-focused projects.
• Deep knowledge of gender equity principles and sensitivity towards the LGBTI population, with proven experience in working in human rights contexts.
• Advanced analytical skills, with experience using data analysis software such as Excel, Stata, SPSS, or similar.
• Ability to work independently and under pressure, with a high level of responsibility and commitment to meeting goals.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in Spanish and English.

Other Desirable Requirements:

• Experience in diagnosing and strengthening organizational capacities, including Human and Institutional Capacity Development (HICD).
• Knowledge of the Colombian, Latin America and the Caribbean sociopolitical context, especially regarding public policies on human rights and social justice.
• LGBTIQ+ applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.

4. Contract Type and Conditions

• Contract Type: Civil Service Contract, with 50% dedication to the project.
• Contract Value: Between COP $6,000,000 and COP $8,000,000 per month, depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
• Residence: Bogotá, Colombia.

5. Application Process:

- Opening date of the call: August 22, 2024

- Closing date of the call: August 31, 2024

To apply for this position, please send your CV and cover letter to the following email address: monitoreoyevaluacion@colombiadiversa.org

Applications submitted by others means will not be considered. 

Sending the resume and cover letter does not imply hiring, since we are presenting a project proposal for USAID.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a technical test and, if they continue in the process, they will be invited to a final interview.

Being part of the selection and final election process does not guarantee hiring, until there is a positive response regarding the success of the financing of the USAID project to Colombia Diversa.