CLA Specialist

Job Description

ME&A is a woman-owned US small business leader in monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) with headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland. We have more than 30 years of experience working alongside USAID and its partners to overcome complex development challenges and develop effective solutions. Having implemented global IDIQs and demand-driven activities in 80 countries to support MEL, human and institutional capacity development, global health, and other sectors, ME&A has developed effective decision-support systems and human-centered strategies for engaging decision-makers that have proven critical to advancing USAID localization objectives, strengthened local partnerships, and reduced the barriers that limit local stakeholder participation in the co-creation and implementation processes.

ME&A is recruiting for a Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) Specialist for inclusion in our proposal on an upcoming USAID-funded program cycle platform contract in Zimbabwe. The purpose of this contract will be to provide technical and advisory services to bolster the Mission’s program cycle, enhancing knowledge management, and data use in decision-making. It will also boost USAID/Zimbabwe and its partners’ Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning capacity.

This position is full-time contingent upon a contract award and subject to change and based in Zimbabwe.

Responsibilities:

• The CLA Specialist will support the development and implementation of the project’s learning agenda, collaborating with project staff to ensure the integration of CLA practices into project implementation throughout the life cycle of the project.
• The position will serve as the overall director of collaborating, learning, and adapting activities leading the strategic design and facilitation of learning events, workshops, and other learning activities.
• They will assist in the monitoring and evaluation of project activities, ensuring lessons learned are integrated into project activities and engaging with local partners and other stakeholders to promote collaborative practices.
• They will also contribute to strategic knowledge management and communications.
• The ideal candidate will bring experience coordinating with government entities, partner organizations, and program stakeholders, and the ability to work effectively and respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in a relevant field such as international development, statistics, economics, or another related field. A Bachelor’s degree plus additional work experience will be considered in lieu of Master’s.
• At least seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience managing and overseeing the strategic design and implementation of learning and CLA activities, preferably for USAID and/or other donors in Zimbabwe.
• Expertise and experience incorporating gender and social inclusion into learning materials and discussions.
• Ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders to facilitate the transfer and exchange of knowledge among peers and advance effective sharing and applied learning.
• Thorough technical knowledge in concepts such as collaboration and learning, adaptive management, qualitative and quantitative learning methodologies, data analysis and management, knowledge management, and performance reporting.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and leading knowledge management programs, facilitating communities of practice, and social networking.
• Experience using innovative technologies and methods to generate and share knowledge and learning.
• Experience designing and implementing interactive learning opportunities that address work plans, activity design, target setting, assessments, studies, and potential adjustments in strategy/activity implementation.
• Demonstrated skill and experience in facilitating groups, meetings, and learning events (both online and in person), resulting in collaborative decision-making, agreed upon action items/priorities, and strong outcomes.
• Knowledge of and access to stakeholder networks in Zimbabwe, including government, civil society, the private sector, research institutions, indigenous populations, and marginalized communities.
• Fluency in English and strong oral and written communication skills required, knowledge of local Zimbabwean languages preferred.

ME&A, Inc. is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. ME&A will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. For our EEO Policy Statement and a copy of our EEO Policy Statement and information on your EEO rights under the law.

ME&A is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all applicants.

All applications and CVs must be submitted in English.