USAID Development Assistance Specialist (Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning/Collaboration, Learning and Adapting), FSN-10

SUBJECT: Solicitation for a Cooperating Country National Personal Service Contractor (CCN PSC)

POSITION: USAID Development Assistance Specialist (Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning/Collaboration, Learning and Adapting), FSN-10

SOLICITATION NO.: 72049224R10026

ISSUANCE DATE: September 11, 2024

 CLOSING DATE/TIME: September 25, 2024, 11:59 PM Philippine Standard Time

The United States Government (USG), represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified persons to provide personal services described on the USAID website: https://www.usaid.gov/philippines/careers

The complete vacancy announcement is also available on the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines website:
https://ph.usembassy.gov/usaid-development-assistance-specialist-solicitation-no-72049224r10026/

The USAID Development Assistance Specialist (Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) and Collaboration, Learning and Adapting (CLA)) plays a key role in the Regional Office of Program Resources Management (RPRM), USAID/Philippines, enabling the Mission to better understand, apply, and utilize Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning and Collaboration, Learning and Adapting for more effective and efficient development and humanitarian assistance programming. In particular, the Specialist is responsible for managing the Mission's data, tracking and providing access to performance indicator data, and ensuring proper reporting of data according to Agency requirements.

The Specialist works closely with the Monitoring and Evaluation Team, Technical Offices, Project Leads, and Development Objective teams in USAID/Philippines to understand data requirements and reporting methods to develop a database that will streamline the data collection process. The job holder engages, coordinates with, and develops strong working relationships with key MEL stakeholders, including USAID/Washington, USAID Implementing Partners, other donors, and regional USAID Missions. The Specialist performs monitoring, analyses, and reporting for the Mission portfolio, as well as supports technical teams planning activity evaluations. The Specialist conducts data analytics to inform development programming across the sectors in which USAID works
with a specific emphasis on strategic planning, program design, and monitoring, evaluation, and learning. The Specialist analyzes data and generates data visualization products to communicate analytical findings to internal USAID decision-makers and external audiences. The Specialist also builds the capacity of USAID/Philippines and the Operating Units (OUs) it supports to use data, analysis, and visualization products to better support the goal of data-driven decision making. The job holder is responsible for management of USAID’s programs and systems such as FACTS Info NextGen, Development Information System (DIS), and others.

Major duties and responsibilities include: Data Management & Data Standards (40%), Strategic Planning and Technical Assistance (40%) and Capacity Building for Philippines Mission (20%).

To be considered for this position candidates must meet the following minimum qualifications:
1. EDUCATION (PASS/FAIL) – Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in any of the following is required: statistics, data science/data analysis, public health, environmental studies, or another quantitative discipline relevant to international development is required. Note: Additional education may NOT be substituted for experience.

2. PRIOR WORK EXPERIENCE (PASS/FAIL) – A minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in MEL, or development programming (project design, and project management) with substantial involvement in MEL at the project activity level is required. Should have at least three (3) years of work experience with donor or international development organization. A minimum of one (1) year of experience with data analysis and interpretation; development of reports and data visualizations; database design and development; and troubleshooting and providing guidance on the effective use of applications, data management and visualization tools, and emerging technologies is required. Experience in business, advocacy, health care, environment, or education sectors, whether private sector, government, U.S., or international organizations, which demonstrates increasing responsibility is required. Note: Additional experience may NOT be substituted for education.

3. LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY/COMMUNICATION SKILLS (25 points) – Level IV (fluent) English (reading, writing, speaking). The Specialist must have excellent written and oral English and Tagalog (local language) skills. Ability to write technical documents in English, to concisely summarize complex ideas and to edit work is required.

4. JOB KNOWLEDGE (35 points) – The Specialist must have an advanced knowledge of monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL), including data analysis, interpretation, and visualization. An understanding of the region’s economic, social, cultural, and political characteristics; and knowledge of current development trends and priorities in MEL is required.

5. SKILLS AND ABILITIES (40 points) – The Specialist must have the ability to obtain, clean, maintain, analyze, interpret, visualize, and report all forms of data and prepare concise, accurate and complete reports using both technical and non-technical vocabulary. The Specialist must have the ability to facilitate and link culturally appropriate assessments and related issues to development programs and be able to use this data for decision making. The Specialist must also possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills and be able to work with a diverse set of individuals who have varying degrees of familiarity with MEL. An ability to effectively communicate with diverse audiences including the MEL community, policymakers across government, development practitioners, and civil society is required. Must have a deep understanding of current and emerging MEL solutions as well as related policy considerations. Excellent written and oral communication skills including preparing communications
materials, training and support resources, presentations, and reports for diverse audiences ranging from beneficiaries in developing countries to executive-level decision-makers are required. Excellent computer and quantitative skills, including the ability to manage large amounts of data in Excel, SPSS, STATA, R, and/or other analytical databases, and the ability to help others to learn new programs quickly, is required. Exceptional computer skills and knowledge of software program applications authorized for USAID use, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Suite is required. The ability to visualize data using software is also required, whether through one of the previously listed software, Tableau, ArcGIS, or another tool. The Specialist will be expected to exercise considerable autonomy and best judgment in discharging the duties of the assignment. This role requires the ability to respond professionally and adjust in fluid situations to meet deadlines in the face of competing priorities and time pressures.

Further details on the statement of duties, evaluation, and selection factors and how to apply can be found on the USAID website:
https://www.usaid.gov/philippines/careers
The complete vacancy announcement is also available on the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines website:
https://ph.usembassy.gov/usaid-development-assistance-specialist-solicitation-no-72049224r10026/