Director of MEL and CLA

Location: Arlington, VA

ECODIT is an international development firm working with governments, businesses, and local communities to advance environmentally- and socially responsible development around the world. We provide technical assistance services ranging from quick-turnaround assessments and evaluations to design and implementation of long-term multi-million-dollar projects. Since its founding in 1993, ECODIT has provided professional services through more than 250 projects/contracts to diverse clients in more than 60 countries. Building on our track record of success, we have continuously expanded the depth and breadth of our expertise in the water, energy, environment, and governance sectors.

Position Summary:

ECODIT is seeking a Director of Monitoring. Evaluation and Learning (MEL) and Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) to join the firm’s Home Office (HO) team in Arlington, VA. The MEL/CLA Director will lead the firm’s MEL/CLA practice and serve as a thought leader in the MEL/CLA space. S/he will work collaboratively with ECODIT HO staff and will report to the ECODIT President. The MEL/CLA Director will assume the following key roles and responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Leadership (50%)

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for the firm’s MEL and CLA practice area, ensuring technical quality of MEL/CLA services and deliverables;
• Serve as HO Project Director or Project Manager for complex MEL/CLA contracts, including USAID Mission MEL platforms in developing countries. This includes ensuring that contract deliverables are submitted on time and meet ECODIT and client standards, and that contracts receive high performance ratings from clients
• Serve as primary technical POC for MEL/CLA with partners and clients and ensure partner/client satisfaction;
• Ensure that programmatic learning and results are fully collected, documented, shared, and used to drive adaptive management processes ;
• Develop strategic relationships with relevant stakeholders to promote effective coordination, collaboration, and dissemination of program am learning;
• Support the design and management of MEL and CLA plans for projects, and provide guidance to ensure effective reporting and monitoring systems are in place and consistently utilized;
• Provide capacity building and technical assistance to ECODIT and partner organization staff in the utilization and management of MEL tools;
• Supervise Home Office staff and Chiefs of Party (COPs) working on MEL/CLA projects, and provide ongoing mentorship and opportunities for professional development;

Business Development (40%)

• Working with the Business Development team, lead efforts to expand the firm’s MEL/CLA practice area through successful new business pursuits;
• Research and anticipate upcoming MEL/CLA opportunities with USAID and other clients;
• Lead or support the preparation of responses to market research conducted by USAID for new MEL/CLA programming;
• Lead and/or support capture missions for MEL/CLA opportunities, including traveling to developing countries to prepare for upcoming bids;
• Provide proposal support services for MEL/CLA bids, including technical writing and recruitment;
• Cultivate and maintain a vetted pool of long- and short-term MEL/CLA personnel to support projects and bids;
• Supervise staff, technical advisors/writers and other consultants involved in MEL/CLA new business efforts;

Corporate Leadership (10%)

• Contribute to the development, refinement, and implementation of ECODIT’s Growth Strategy
• Foster a culture of appreciation for MEL and CLA across staff and teams
• Serve as a thought leader on MEL and CLA both internally and with external audiences

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in monitoring and evaluation, development studies, research methods, quantitative or qualitative analysis, economics, statistics, or relevant field;
• At least 8 years of experience leading and/or supporting the design and implementation MEL/CLA activities for donor-funded international development projects;
• Experience implementing USAID MEL/CLA activities and knowledge of USAID policy and guidance for MEL and CLA:
• Proven experience in quantitative and qualitative research methods, survey design and implementation, and statistical data analysis;
• Strong presentation/facilitation skills, and proven proposal writing abilities;
• Experience in designing and facilitating interactive meetings and workshops with diverse audiences;
• Demonstrated experience developing MEL technical designs and data collection tools, managing large/complex data collection efforts, leading analysis, and preparing high-quality reports;
• Strong technical expertise within one or more social development sectors, such as water, energy, natural resources management, democracy and governance;
• Ability to work independently and entrepreneurially in a flexible small-business environment;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English;
• Fluency in at least one relevant language other than English (e.g., French, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic); and
• Experience living and/or working overseas in an international development context; and
• Ability and willingness to travel internationally or domestically for varying lengths of time

This position offers an excellent opportunity for professional and career development within a reputable small business poised for significant growth. Compensation is commensurate with background and experience.

To apply, please send an updated resume/CV and cover letter in English through the “Our Jobs” section of the ECODIT website by no later than December 15, 2023. Applications will be received and reviewed on a rolling basis. Applicants who fail to meet the application criteria may be disqualified. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

ECODIT provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you are an applicant that requires a reasonable accommodation, please email us at recruiter@ecodit.com. Please reference the position in your email.

ECODIT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, sex, religion, creed, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, and gender expression, familial status, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other legally protected status or characteristics. ECODIT is an E-Verify and VEVRAA Federal Contractor.