The World at Abt

Solving the world’s most pressing issues and improving the quality of life for people worldwide is what we do every day at Abt. Creating a more equitable world is no small task, but we are driven by big challenges.

We are a team of 3,000+ people in over 50 countries working in unison and focused on the bigger picture. Only by sharing our commitment, energy, and innovation do we affect change and push the boundaries of what’s possible. We welcome diverse ideas, backgrounds, and viewpoints – joining Abt means access to exceptional thinkers at the top of their game. 

To thrive at Abt is to embrace flexibility and collaboration. Our open culture allows you to balance your work and personal life as needed to optimize personal well-being. Creating a more equitable world starts from within – we look after people around the world, and we’ll do the same for you.

Ready to embrace rewarding and meaningful work? Now’s your chance.

The Opportunity

Abt Global is currently seeking a qualified Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Director for the upcoming USAID Pacific Economic Growth (PEG) Activity. This Activity aims to advance inclusive and climate resilient economic growth for the countries in the Pacific Islands. The PEG Activity will result in an increased tax effort (revenues a percentage of GDP), improved budget utilization, increase traded (particularly exports), increased investment (net inflows), increased new jobs created and employment, increase in new enterprises (particularly women-owned businesses), and an increase in climate-related financing.

Under the supervision of the Chief of Party, the MEL Director ensures the Activity effectively uses data for programming decisions; facilitates continuous learning and adapting; works with team members to keep the Activity on track to achieve its performance targets; and oversees any operational research, studies, or assessments. This role requires critical thinking on the Activity Theory of Change and how to align technical components to the Activity goals through an evidence-based and collaborative approach. Substantial experience in managing and implementing M&E and CLA initiatives is essential, especially a background in facilitation and engagement with diverse stakeholders. The candidate must also have a successful track record in fostering a culture of collaborative learning, along with strong data analysis and writing skills.

The position will be based in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea or Suva, Fiji.

Core Responsibilities 

Lead the design, development, and implementation of the project Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan (AMELP) and learning agenda, including identifying and adapting relevant indicators. Develop analytical frameworks and tools for regular portfolio monitoring and strategic thinking. Provide coaching and support to local partners, including community, state, and private sector stakeholders, to co-create and lead evidence generation and use. Ensure the Activity incorporates evidence-based strategies focused on gender, indigenous populations, youth, and social inclusion. Work closely with project technical staff and program management to ensure appropriate and adequate MEL efforts are in place to provide each team with data needed to inform their program design and implementation decisions. Manage a rigorous approach to MEL and research to measure performance toward specific goals and objectives, including quantitative, qualitative, and participatory methodologies. Design data collection tools, schedules, analysis methods, and applied learning approaches for stakeholder training. Develop mechanisms to establish feedback loops between activity implementation, data collection, communications and learning. Synthesize monitoring and evaluation findings needed for quarterly and annual reports for USAID. Lead evidence synthesis and deep dives based on strategic learning agenda Drive the project’s overall learning agenda to derive lessons learned and best practices from project activities and contribute to quarterly program evaluations.

 

What We Value

Bachelor’s Degree + 15 years of relevant experience, or Master’s Degree + 12 years of relevant experience, or PhD + 10 years of relevant experience. Master’s degree in statistics, development economics, business administration, or relevant area of study and at least 10 years of professional experience in data management and analysis for M&E, adaptive management and/or learning. Experience managing MEL on USAID-funded programs required. Experience using data systems for data driven decision making. Knowledge of and experience with M&E frameworks, standard performance indicators, as well as those specific to USAID reporting systems. Expertise in adaptive management, organizational learning/development, systems mapping, development of collaborating, learning and adapting (CLA)-related tools, CLA thought-leadership, and providing inputs on how CLA may lead to improved development outcomes. Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to work collaboratively and independently. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English required. Country nationals are strongly encouraged to apply. 

What We Offer

We foster an environment where you can Thrive Your Way. Our innovative total rewards programs are designed to help balance your work and personal life. The approach toward your wellbeing centers around comprehensive benefits and professional development.

Abt Global Inc. is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce. Abt provides market-competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits. Local candidates strongly encouraged to apply.

Disclaimer: Abt will never ask candidates for money in exchange for an offer of employment.

Abt is committed to creating a safe and inclusive work environment.  All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate background checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. Abt also participates in the Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

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