USAID/Liberia Data, Evaluation, Learning, and Technical Assistance (DELTA) Activity MEL Support to MFDP

Liberia DELTA Overview:

USAID awarded IBI the five-year Liberia Data, Evaluation, Learning, and Technical Assistance (DELTA) Activity on January 31, 2022. Social Impact (SI) is partnered with International Business Initiatives (IBI) for the five-year DELTA activity to provide innovative analytical and advisory services to USAID/Liberia’s Office of Program and Project Development and its Development Objective teams. The project will also support the Mission’s project design, performance monitoring and evaluation, and operational learning and adaptation. SI will assist USAID/Liberia in its data collection and reporting processes and deliver high-quality monitoring, evaluation, and learning reports and assessments.

Duration: September 1, 2024 – February 28, 2025

Background
The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) has requested USAID/Liberia’s assistance to strengthen its National Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Unit. This support will focus on improving planning, monitoring, assessing, and reporting practices through the implementation of best practices and emerging development methodologies.

With assistance from the University of Witwatersrand (South Africa), the Center for Learning on Evaluation and Results-Anglophone Africa (CLEAR-AA) conducted a Monitoring and Evaluation Situational Analysis (MESA) of Liberia in 2020. Among other findings, the assessment confirmed the existence of national and sub-national evaluation systems and highlighted lack of coordination between structures within the systems leading to an ad hoc approach to evaluation.

Based on the assessment findings, DELTA will work with USAID and MFDP to provide tailored capacity support to the MFDP M&E Unit. DELTA is seeking to recruit a Lead Consultant to lead the process to support the MFDP in designing a robust Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning System and framework for its national development agenda and goals in collaboration with the MFDP consultants. This Lead Consultant will also lead a cascaded capacity strengthening plan development at the national level, collaborating with the MFDP consultants, with other line ministries, and at county and other sub-national levels. The Lead Consultant will be closely supported by a MEL Specialist and management from the DELTA team. The Lead Consultant and Technical Expert will also work with MFDP and its consultants to develop the MFDP MEL Policy and Plan (which will include the MEL Framework).

Objectives
· Provide senior-level technical expertise in the design, development and implementation of the MEL framework for Liberia’s National Development Agenda.

· Assist in the capacity strengthening efforts for MFDP staff and other stakeholders.

Responsibilities
· MEL Framework Development: Provide expert input in the development of the MEL framework by contributing to the identification of objectives, indicators, data collection methods, and reporting systems.

· Capacity Strengthening: Lead and facilitate training sessions for MFDP staff and stakeholders on advanced MEL concepts, tools, and processes

· Data Management Systems: Design and adapt data collection tools, data management systems, and data quality assurance mechanisms

· Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with stakeholders to ensure comprehensive input and buy-in for the MEL framework

· Reporting: Develop standardized reporting templates and prepare regular progress reports.

Deliverables
· Contribute to detailed activity plan

· Contribute to the MEL framework document

· Develop training plans, facilitation plans for each training, training materials, learning measurement, and session reports

· Contribute to data management and reporting systems

· Weekly progress reports

· Contribute to the development of MFPD MEL Policy and Plan

Qualifications
· Advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g., M&E, Demography, Statistics, Development Studies, Public Administration)

· At least 7 years of experience in M&E, with significant experience in providing senior-level technical support to develop multi-faceted M&E systems across multiple institutions

· Familiarity with GOL M&E systems and practices

· Experience conducting M&E-related needs assessments and delivering assistance and trainings based on results

· Strong technical skills in data collection, analysis, reporting, and using data for decision making

· Demonstrated ability to develop user-friendly M&E systems and solutions

· Excellent communication and teamwork skills