Overview The Local, Faith-based, and Transformative Partnerships Hub, within USAID’s Bureau for Development, Democracy, and Innovation (DDI/LFT), is seeking a Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Specialist to provide support to the programs under its Locally Led Development Initiatives (LLDI). The position will consist of two main functions: (1) technical support in MEL systems and approaches, and (2) technical and administrative support for LLDI programming, with a primary focus on direct support to USAID Missions focused on locally led development under the Local Works Program. This position is remote / telework eligible. Responsibilities Support USAID Missions, other USAID operating units, implementing partners, and local organizations, with an emphasis on knowledge transfer and skill-building: Provide USAID Missions with advisory services, trainings, and facilitate the adoption of locally led approaches to program design, implementation, MEL and adapting throughout USAID’s work. Design and lead the development of Local Works Program level learning questions and/or learning agendas with Mission staff. Assist in the planning and implementation of MEL Plans for both country level activities and global programming. Facilitate the use of meaningful and practical indicators that are contextually appropriate, measure meaningful development outcomes, and reflect a synthesis of USAID and partner priorities. Integrate learning methodologies and practices to enhance Local Works program effectiveness and sustainability of results in close collaboration with USAID Mission colleagues. Support the facilitation of Mission team coordination by convening stakeholders from across offices to generate consensus on Mission activity decisions. Capture learning and support the development, dissemination and uptake of learning products. Serve as the LLDI main point of contact for, and support the DDI/LFT Program Office as it facilitates Agency reporting requirements including the annual Performance Plan and Report (PPR) and other standardized reporting exercises. As needed, serve as Activity Manager for one or more research and learning activities managed by the Evidence & Learning Team: Review and provide feedback on programmatic reporting, technical products, and milestones to AOR. Work with AOR to plan, schedule, and participate in relevant meetings with the partner. Support AOR in maintaining records of key correspondence. Support documentation of appropriate internal USAID processes (i.e. country notification, if needed; gender analysis, environmental compliance, travel approvals, etc) as appropriate and in collaboration with the AOR. Actively monitor the recipient’s progress in achieving the objectives of the award. Communicate with the AOR regularly and notify the AOR of any potential implementation challenges related to the progress of the award. Support data management, visualization, and utilization including: development and maintenance of databases; development and management of interactive dashboards capturing financial, management, and performance data; liaising with USAID’s GeoCenter on mapping activities; coordinate with PPL/LER and M/MPBP on updates to Agency guidance relating to data management and use; support data analysis, synthesis, and sense-making exercises for staff, senior leaders, and stakeholders across DDI/LFT programs. Support the implementation of, and periodic updates to, overall evaluation frameworks, processes, and procedures for DDI/LFT programming to measure, assess, and report on ongoing, mid-term, and final program results. Support DDI/LFT in technical and general administrative tasks related to procurement, MEL, financial management, document preparation, and other related requests as identified, including Agency priorities such as Localization. Keep abreast of new developments and emerging issues of relevance to locally led development, participate actively in relevant internal and external events, and share back learning for the benefit of USAID colleagues and our work. Qualifications This position requires eligibility for a USAID Facilities Access Clearance. Masters Degree from an accredited college or university in a relevant field and at least six (6) years of experience relevant to supporting the planning, design and implementation, MEL, and/or oversight of international development efforts, or a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in a relevant field and at least eight years of experience relevant to supporting the planning, design and implementation, MEL, and/or oversight of international development. Four (4) years of demonstrated experience with MEL related to locally owned and locally led development efforts, which may include: Conducting research in developing countries/resource-poor settings. Working with or for local organizations in developing countries, such as: working directly for a local organization, as an employee or consultant for an implementing partner working with local sub-awardees, and/or with local government entities/local firms on development initiatives. Working with networks of local organizations/grantees or other local actors. Four (4) years of experience with qualitative and/or systems-oriented approaches to monitoring and evaluation, which may include (but are not limited to): complexity-aware M&E methods, social network analysis, constituent engagement/feedback, and others. Preferred Skills and Experiences: Experience supporting implementation of USAID activities. Experience working directly with community-level organizations, whether domestic or international. Demonstrated facility with research approaches and presentation styles that engage and empower non-technical stakeholders, from policymakers to communities. Demonstrated experience with a range of research and evaluation approaches, which may include: qualitative data collection and analysis, experimental and/or quasi-experimental methods, statistically representative sampling/surveys, social network analysis, and mixed-methods approaches. Experience in designing and managing MEL systems and processes that serve the priorities and interests of multiple stakeholders, including: determining purpose; articulating research questions and theories of change; selection and deployment of appropriate indicators, systems, and methods; developing statements of work and/or research designs; ensuring data quality; and utilization of findings. Demonstrated experience facilitating collaborative processes for the design of community-focused development programming, MEL frameworks, and other multi-stakeholder development efforts. Experience in facilitating utilization-focused data analysis and sense-making to inform evidence-based organizational decision making and adaptive management. Experience delivering client-centered actionable analysis, training, and/or capacity development support for an international development organization/agency, its partners, and stakeholders. Exceptional research, analysis, writing, and oral presentation skills. Comfort and demonstrated success with collaborating in and across project teams. About Highlight For over ten years, Highlight has provided Development and Modernization, Secure IT, and Mission Solution services to our federal government customers. Our team knows the technology; we understand how our customers and their stakeholders work; and we know how to implement industry best practices to deliver high-quality, end-to-end solutions that minimize risk and maximize results. Since our inception, Highlight has had an employee-first mindset. Our mission is to provide employees with rewarding and impactful career opportunities. In 2021, Highlight’s founder and CEO, Rebecca Andino, implemented an Employee Stock Ownership Plan to embody and expand our culture of transparency, teamwork and rewarding the work of our employees. By becoming an ESOP, our employee-owners share in the success of the company through their ownership stake. To learn more about ESOPS, check out: www.esopinfo.org. We’re an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) that empowers our people to fearlessly drive change - regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other characteristics. Our team is dedicated to foster diversity within our teams to promote creativity, innovation, and teamwork to deliver the best solutions for our customers. To receive compensation and benefits information for this role, contact us or email us at Recruiting@HighlightTech.com Please include the Req ID (this is at the top of the posting under the position title) in the subject line of the email. --- #cwhp