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Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, Learning, and Adaptation (MERLA) Director- Green Invest Asia

Abt Associates

The World at Abt

Solving the world’s most pressing issues and improving the quality of life for people worldwide is what we do every day at Abt Associates. Creating a more equitable world is no small task, but we are driven by big challenges.

We are a team of 3,000+ people in over 50 countries working in unison and focused on the bigger picture. Only by sharing our commitment, energy, and innovation do we affect change and push the boundaries of what’s possible. We welcome diverse ideas, backgrounds, and viewpoints – joining Abt means access to exceptional thinkers at the top of their game. 

To thrive at Abt is to embrace flexibility and collaboration. Our open culture allows you to balance your work and personal life as needed to optimize personal well-being. Creating a more equitable world starts from within – we look after people around the world, and we’ll do the same for you.

Ready to embrace rewarding and meaningful work? Now’s your chance.

Project Description

The anticipated five-year, USAID-funded Green Invest Asia project will scale investments in sustainable timber and agricultural products, and green supply chains, reduce deforestation and forest degradation, and increase the uptake of climate smart agricultural practices. The program intends to facilitate mobilization of finance for profitable low emissions business models through support to corporations, financial institutions, and private intermediaries that drive investment in sustainable land uses, increases adoption of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) guidelines and sustainable standards, accesses carbon markets, and mitigates risk for the private sector in climate investments. The anticipated program will work across Asia to assist USAID partner countries in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, and Laos. This program will help businesses improve their sustainability, green their supply chains, and connect them and catalyze funding from mission-aligned private investors. This program will also assist financial institutions to build their capacity and develop portfolios with positive climate outcomes. Toward these ends, it is anticipated the project will be structured to include, but will not be limited to, the following objectives or tasks:

  • Private sector investment mobilization
  • Climate finance
  • Business advisory services
  • Reducing carbon emissions
  • Improving business climate resilience
  • Policy and regulatory enabling environments

The Opportunity 

As the Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, Learning, and Adaptation (MERLA) Director, you will work closely with the CMT of the project to oversee all monitoring, evaluation, learning and research activities. The Director will lead the design and implementation of robust Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) data systems and processes to improve project data collection, management, and analysis to track and report on progress toward achieving targets and program outcomes for the USAID/RDMA PAGI award. This includes building gender and equity indicators into a gender-responsive framework that will protect against maladaptation and other unintended negative consequences. You will monitor performance indicators, link MEL data to learning and adaptation, and provide advice on activity adjustments needed to make the Activity more equitable and responsive to changing local conditions. You will play a role in engaging other staff responsible for the delivery of key results of the Activity, as well as in the preparation and timely delivery of planned reports and data submissions. You will support the project's application of PILLAR tools for reflecting, learning, and adapting through facilitation of Pause and Reflect Sessions.

In addition, you will manage the Communications and Knowledge Management Manager, who is responsible for development and dissemination of regularly occurring success stories. You will leverage the CMT to ensure communications and knowledge management amplify the impact and success of the Activity.

Core Responsibilities 

  • Provide strategic guidance, vision, and technical expertise for the development and implementation of the activity’s MEL system, reporting on results, use of data for program decision-making, and knowledge management
  • Facilitate the development and implementation of an Activity Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan to effectively monitor the progress of project activities and track delivery against targets, outputs, outcomes, and impact
  • Lead the design and implementation of program evaluations, assessments, special studies, learning agenda, and research-related activities required by the Activity, and ensure that they are properly budgeted and staffed, and that all ethical procedures are followed
  • Assist the project team in the development and use of harmonized data capture and entry tools and process and data analysis plans for qualitative and quantitative indicators at all levels, ensuring timeliness, quality, and completeness of data
  • Lead and facilitate the integration of collaborating, learning, and adapting (CLA) and PILLAR tools in Activity design, implementation, and management, including but not limited to the development of PAGI’s learning agenda, Pause and Reflect Sessions and data review meetings; and create a learning culture involving partners and other stakeholders 
  • Build capacity and mentor PAGI partners to measure and monitor activity implementation, and to translate MEL data into knowledge as well as use MEL data at all levels to adapt programming and facilitate continuous improvements – including as this relates to a gender-responsive framework and safeguarding against maladaptation
  • Ensure data quality by conducting and participating in data quality assessments and implementing corrective actions to address identified gaps on all activity indicators
  • Identify short-term technical assistance needs for MEL, develop terms of reference for these missions, and arrange for the engagement of consultants as needed
  • Ensure best practices, lessons learned, and results are documented and disseminated using local, regional, and global knowledge platforms to inform the practice of investing in nature-based solutions in AFOLU systems 
  • As the manager of the Communications and Knowledge Management Manager, ensure the quality of the Outreach and Communication Plan

What We Value

  • At least 10 years of related experience in design, management, and successful implementation of effective monitoring and evaluation systems for agriculture, forestry, capacity strengthening, or GESI-related programs
  • Familiarity with USAID reporting regulations, and experience with service delivery and other performance indicators for climate finance; climate change mitigation and adaptation; AFOLU and sustainable supply chains; green investment; nature conservation; green financial instruments and/or green banking tools
  • Significant experience applying MEL to GESI-related activities and interventions
  • Proven experience in providing field technical assistance on monitoring and evaluation, data quality, and translating data for use, as well as organizing and facilitating workshops/events focused on MEL, learning and adaptive management
  • Proficiency in a variety of CLA approaches and experience in developing learning portfolios for complex projects in different countries
  • Experience designing and implementing knowledge management systems and disseminating information to targeted audiences 
  • Experience strengthening the capacity of local and/or regional organizations
  • Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral presentation skills in English, with strong working knowledge of how to communicate and visualize results for technical and non-technical audiences
  • International development experience in Southeast Asia
  • Fluent in English, and fluent or proficient in Southeast Asian languages 

What We Offer

We foster an environment where you can Thrive Your Way. Our innovative total rewards programs are designed to help balance your work and personal life. The approach toward your wellbeing centers around comprehensive benefits, flexible schedules, and professional development.

Abt Associates is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce. Abt Associates provides market-competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits. Local candidates strongly encouraged to apply.

Disclaimer: Abt Associates will never ask candidates for money in exchange for an offer of employment.

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Confirmed 2 hours ago. Posted 30+ days ago.

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