Job Summary :
FHI 360 is seeking a Director of Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) for the USAID GH Social and Behavior Change (GH SBC) Activity. GH SBC is a five-year cooperative agreement that aims to increase implementation of theory-informed, evidence-based, locally-led social and behavior change programming. The Director of MERL is an advanced subject matter expert who sets technical design and direction and consults for one or more large, highly complex technical units of a functional domain in the areas of MERL. The MERL Director will serve as the technical lead for all MERL activities conducted under the project, overseeing a team of research, M&E, knowledge management and communications advisors. In this role they will be responsible for overseeing the strategic design of MERL systems, processes, and tools; implementation of MERL activities; and documentation and dissemination of results and learning. Ensures quality of existing activities across the award. Sets agenda to guide the investment of resources in a technical space. Oversees all aspects of work globally. Establishing and monitoring best practices. Leads business development. Leads staff members’ development and mentoring. Overall responsibility for budget and regulatory compliance. Main point of contact with donors and stakeholders on technical matters. Leads large complex technical components of the organization and is accountable for developing the technical strategic and operational plans, goals, and policies.
Accountabilities :
Technical Requirements :
- Works on problems that are routine in nature and are standard procedures and policies
- Exercises judgment within defined practices and policies to perform duties
- Responsible for planning and scheduling own workflow and timetables, within technical area and function guidelines
- Strategic focus for all activities, independent of degree of complexity
- Considered a technical expert in their field by internal and external entities
- Creates local, national, and / or regional guidelines and normative policies for subject matter areas of expertise
- Interprets findings and makes recommendations for improvements
- Performs other duties as assigned
Project Design Implementation :
Oversees the creation of the technical portion of the project plan of a complex project within the given resource and financial constraintsCommunicates the planned budget to project financial rolesProvide technical leadership in design, development, planning, implementation; and capacity- building of specific technical components of the projectProvides broad global technical leadership to multiple components with broad scopeInfluences design and scope of initiativesEnsures technical implementation is consistent with best practices in the industry / subject and meet client / funder contractual obligations for one or more large, highly complex technical units of a functional domainDevelops strategies and tools for the design and implementation of specific technical componentsContinually maintains a dialogue and technical exchange with field counterparts and technical staff members of implementing partnersOverall responsibility for ensuring that all global activities are conducted and reported in accordance with requirementsBusiness Development and Client / Funder Support :
Lead proposal research and designGives Proposal Design Lead budget elements for technical designDevelops and maintains relationships with potential clients / funders, partners, peers, etc. to develop new businessSet strategy for driving new technical businessLeads developing proposal strategiesLeads business development meetings with partners / clientsLeads the development of strategies to grow the businessApproves proposals and the components of the proposals of other units and the other higher levels (develop strategies to grow the business, lead design, etc.) are appropriate.Lead client / funder meetingsPrepare sponsor reports and presentationsPoint of contact with client / funder for activitiesMaintains collaborative relationships with donor / client organizations, relevant government agencies, bilateral and other NGOs (non-governmental organizations) and consistently maintained and viewed as a knowledgeable resource in their technical areaParticipate in client / funder meetings and draft reports / presentationsPartner / Sub-Award Management :
Finalizes partner / sub awards in conjunction with CMS (Contract Management Services)Ensures that FHI IP (Intellectual Property) is protectedLeads the relationship with clients and partnersStaff Leadership and Training :
May supervise team members, monitor performance, and lead professional development effortsEstablishes competency and continuing education systemsEnsures that staff members are qualified for delegated tasksProject / Program Reporting :
Prepares sponsor financial and technical reportsLeads the presentation of deliverables, output, and results to sponsorsLeads the development of peer reviewed publications and external communications arising from project workEnsures the accuracy and English correctness of all reports / outputsReviews, analyzes, and evaluates the effectiveness of the technical components of a project and makes recommendations for enhancementsCreates local, national, and / or regional guidelines and normative policies for subject matter areas of expertise.Quality Assurance :
Ensures technical deliverables and implementation are consistent with best practices in the industry / subject and meet client / funder contractual obligations for one or more large, overly complex technical units of a functional domainProactively identifies risks or challenges to technical deliverables and creates mitigation planEnsures the quality of implemented technical activities and systems at all levelsApplied Knowledge & Skills :
Assists senior management in determining organization objectives, and interpretsorganization policiesEstablishes organizational policies in a major segment of the technical areaInterprets, executes, and recommends modifications to organization-wide policiesDemonstrates realistic budgeting and fiscal accountabilityRepresents the organizational unit as internal and external contactConducts briefings and technical meetings for top management and customer representativesConsidered an expert in their technical field of study or knowledge areaInformed of current project developments in division / unit / technical areaOversee and lead projects, set realistic priorities, and plan for the successful implementation of activitiesFamiliar with donor / client funded projects and corresponding regulations and communication stylesWritten and published materials related to technical area , journal articles, job aids, training curricula, and other toolsInteracts with equivalent level managers concerning matters of significance to the companyIn-depth understanding of the external environment and how it affects the industry in general and organization, including political, legal, environmental, financial, and social influences.In-depth and deep understanding of the structure, operations, human resources and finances of the organization and the complexities of their interdependenciesProblem Solving & Impact :
Often advises and creates plans based on analysis of issues and trends, and how these link to the responsibilities, capabilities, and potential of the technical areaScans an ever-changing, complex environment in anticipation of emerging crises and opportunitiesErroneous decisions will affect the financial, employee or public relations posture of the organizationFaulty decisions or recommendation will result in failure to achieve major goals and objectives of the organizationProblems encountered often involve multiple departments, programs, or projectsProblems are often complex, broad in scope and implications, and often unprecedented with no clear resolutionResolution requires in-depth analysis, cross-functional assessment and understanding of the organization’s strategic direction and must consider the complex interdependencies related to the problemSupervision Given / Received :
Directs and controls the activities of one or more technical functional areas within multiple countriesCompleted work is reviewed, from a long-term perspective, for desired resultsContributes to development of organization’s strategic planDevelops well-informed advice and strategies that are sensitive to the various needs of multiple stakeholders and partners, reflect the strategic direction of the department and position the company for successOverall responsibility for the planning and implementation of budgets within those functional areasTypically reports to a DirectorEducation :
Master’s Degree or its International Equivalent in Knowledge / Information Services, Communications, Education, Environment, Health, Behavioral, Life / Social Sciences International Development, Human Development or Related Field.Doctorate Degree PreferredProject Management (PM) Certification preferredExperience :
Typically requires a minimum of 15+ years of relevant experience in a specialized technical / medical field of study – may manage activities of lower-level staff, however, main function is individual contributorDocumented experience as invited speaker / presenter at relevant conferences / meetings, authorship of technical / service delivery guidelines, and significant contribution to peer- reviewed publicationsExperience developing strategy and / or performance standards for projects / services in the technical areaPrior work experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO), government agency, or private organizationInternational or Domestic (US) Program Development or Program management preferredTypical Physical Demands :
Typical office environmentAbility to spend long hours looking at computer screen and doing repetitive work on a keyboardAbility to sit or stand for extended periods of timeAbility to lift / move up to 5 lbs.Technology to be Used :
Personal Computer / Laptop, Microsoft applications (, Office 365, SharePoint, Skype / Zoom / Teams), cell phone / mobile technology, and standard office equipmentTravel Requirements :
10% - 25%This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.
FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employerwhereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.
Our values and commitments to safeguarding : FHI 360 is committed to preventing any type of abuse, exploitation and harassment in our work environments and programs, including sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment. FHI 360 takes steps to safeguard the welfare of everyone who engages with our organization and programs and requires that all personnel, including staff members and volunteers, share this commitment and sign our code of conduct. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference, criminal record and terrorism finance checks. FHI 360 also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS), facilitated by the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response. In line with the MDS, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any substantiated findings of sexual abuse, exploitation and / or harassment during the applicant’s tenure with previous employers. By applying, job applicants confirm their understanding of these recruitment procedures and consent to these screening checks.
FHI 360 will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.
FHI 360 will never ask you for your career site username or password, and we will never request money, goods or services during the application, recruitment or employment process. If you have questions or concerns about correspondence from us, please email <.
FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development and policies and programs that support a healthy work / life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others — and yourself.
Please click here to continue searching FHI 360's Career Portal.