Creative Associates International Hiring for Embedded MEL Advisor – MoE at Amman, Jordan Full Time

Background

Creative Associates International is a dynamic and fast-growing professional service firm that specializes in international development in the areas of education, democratic transitions, and stabilization in post-conflict environments. Based in Washington, DC, the firm has a field presence in 30 plus countries worldwide with a strong and diverse portfolio that includes global contracts with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and other clients including the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Defense. The firm has earned a solid reputation among its clients and missions worldwide and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.

Program Summary

The Technical Assistance Program (TAP), funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is a five-year education and youth program that seeks to transform the organizational culture and improve the abilities within the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Youth to ensure officials can implement desired reforms. Creative and its partners will provide technical assistance in the development, roll-out, and tracking of policies and procedures to incorporate international best practices for public education and youth programming. Among the many activities in the Jordan Technical Assistance Program, it will support curriculum development, promote inclusive learning techniques, improve the skills of teachers and school managers, and other tangible activities that ultimately support changing the organizational culture within the two ministries and relevant agencies. The program will further support Jordan’s outreach and behavioral change communications initiatives that are aimed at creating a culture of reading, the inclusion of vulnerable children, and increased youth engagement.

Position Summary:

TAP is seeking applicants for a one-year embedded MEL Advisor with the possibility of extension. The position will be based at the Ministry of Education.

The MEL Advisor will play a key role in leading the efforts to streamline the M&E work across the several administrative units that have M&E roles and responsibilities. In addition to leading the implementation of the MEL framework for the Remedial Program.

Position Responsibilities:

Providing technical assistance and embedded support to strengthen the existing M&E functions and frameworks across the MoE through the following:

Technical Assistance

• Support the Unit`s staff in improving the current MEL systems to carry out their tasks and lead the Ministry’s monitoring and evaluation functions.
• Lead the design, development, and implementation of the MEL framework for the Remedial Program including indicators, data collection and analysis, responsibilities, timeline, and reporting.
• Support Unit`s staff to collect, analyze, report, and when needed revise the Education Strategic Plan indicators.
• Design activities and workshops across the Ministry to review the results of M&E data, transfer knowledge and expertise, and make evidence-based decisions.
• Support the Ministry`s relevant staff to utilize the results of diagnostic studies to design evidence-based supervision tools and coaching plans.
• Support the Unit`s staff in evaluating the School and Directorate Development Program.
• Ensure that all MoE automated applications are in use and feed into the MEL system.
• Support day-to-day MEL tasks.

Capacity Building

• Support TAP’s capacity-building efforts in the M&E area through assessing needs, liaising with other donors and development partners, and preparing and providing training to MoE staff.
• Support the Ministry`s relevant staff to utilize the use of OpenEMIS as the comprehensive source of the MEL data to support evidence-based decision-making.
• Provide shadowing, coaching, and on-the-job support to the MoE staff.

Coordination

• Liaison between the M&E Unit and Development Coordination Unit (DCU) to monitor and report programs and projects supported by the donors.
• Conduct field visits as needed to ensure proper data collection processes.
• Facilitate consultations, meetings, and reporting between MoE and TAP.

Reporting:

• Provide regular briefs and updates to the TAP team and relevant staff at the Ministry.
• Produce high-quality reports and presentations for various audiences.

Key Working Relationships:

This position will administratively and technically report to TAP’s MEL Systems Planning Lead and part of TAP’s Systems Strengthening and Policy Reform Team.

This position will closely work with all MoE units and directorates with M&E roles and responsibilities to facilitate and support TAP’s work.

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree required in Development Studies, Education, Social Sciences, Evaluation Science, Business or Public Administration, or related field, and MA/MS degree desired.
• Must have at least 8 years of general work experience and 5+ years of specific experience related to M&E.
• Working experience with international agencies, NGOs, and/or government experience is highly desirable.
• Experience in working with the MoE is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of Jordan’s development context, challenges, and opportunities.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse stakeholders within the government and the donor community.
• Excellent research and report writing skills are a must.
• Proficiency with relevant computer software programs, especially MS Office.
• Proficiency in both Arabic and English languages is mandatory.
• Preferably have experience in training and capacity-building activities.

Only finalists will be contacted.  No phone calls, please.

Creative Associates International Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer (gender/race/disability/veteran) and provides equal opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.

Please view Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here.