The Project Management Specialist for Monitoring and Evaluation (PMS-M&E) in DGPS serves on the Analytics, Policy, Partnerships and Systems (APPS) team, as a key technical advisor to the DGPS Director and Deputy Office Directors in the monitoring and evaluation of programming under the DGPS portfolio. The Specialist is responsible for leading the development and implementation of the DGPS learning agenda, supporting Assistance/Contracting Officer’s Representatives (A/CORs) in complying with activity monitoring and evaluation requirements, and coordinating with M&E points of contact within the Mission to support Mission-wide collection and reporting of M&E data, and promoting best practices in applying evidence to improve program implementation. The Project Management Specialist (M&E) reports to the Deputy Office Director for APPS.

1. Technical Assistance in Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning 50%

• Assist in the development, management, and maintenance of the performance monitoring, evaluation and learning activities for the DGPS Office, such as developing, updating and revising the DGPS contribution to the Mission’s Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP), as well as other M&E plans.
• Provides performance management support and assists DGPS A/CORs in carrying out M&E functions such as the review of activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) plans, data quality assessments (DQAs), activity performance evaluations, etc.
• Supports DGPS A/CORs in ensuring that site visit reports are completed according to Mission guidance, tracked and filed appropriately and serves as DGPS Office custodian of M&E-related documents on guidance and compliance.
• Coordinates with A/CORs for the entry and certification of performance data in the Development Information Solution (DIS).
• Analyzes DGPS portfolio-wide program performance data and ensures timely and accurate reporting of results in the annual Performance Plan and Report (PPR) and DGPS Portfolio Reviews.
• Works with the DGPS technical leads on the design of new activities, with a focus on the development of strong results frameworks and logical framework analysis to improve the linkages between the desired outcomes and proposed approaches.
• Supports transmission and integration of M&E data and learning to A/CORs and technical leads to adapt and improve activity design and implementation for enhanced results and impact.
• Works closely with A/CORs to ensure that implementing partners have developed strategic interventions and MEL plans consistent with the needs of the Mission PMP and that include all required indicators.

1. Program management, technical oversight and representation 50% 

• Serves as A/COR and/or Activity Manager for learning, adaptive management, and evaluation activities, as assigned. As C/AOR, s/he is responsible for all technical and administrative aspects of all activities managed, including activity design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and learning. This includes: actively managing activities by monitoring performance through periodic site visits; identifying challenges or enablers to performance; coordinating closely with implementing partners to adapt activities and plans, as necessary, in light of changing circumstances; answering a broad range of implementation questions; and preparing and receiving official communications with assigned partners. Reports to the DGPS Office Director and Deputy Office Directors, advising on progress and challenges. Maintains up-to-date knowledge of USAID policies, procedures, and best practices in activity management.
• Leads development and implementation of DGPS Learning Agenda, ensuring alignment activities with relevant components of the Agency Learning Agenda, and USAID/KEA Learning Agenda. Convenes stakeholders to collaboratively identify learning questions, research and evidence gaps, and opportunities for collecting and learning to bring to bear on DGPS projects and activities. Periodically updates and adapts Learning Agenda through consultative processes.
• Works closely with the members of the APPS team to identify opportunities for further research, data analysis, and learning needs.
• Participates in USAID/KEA or interagency monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) working groups as assigned, representing DGPS contributions to broader Mission and Embassy M&E initiatives.
• Coordinates with the Program Office on Mission-wide M&E-related tasks.
• Participates in site visits to DGPS implementing partners; communicates findings and recommendations for strengthening DGPS’s M&E activities and, as appropriate, those of implementing partners and GOK partners.
• Assists implementing partners to understand compliance with all relevant USAID regulations and procedures. Makes programmatic recommendations to DGPS Team, based on performance data and other available evidence, on how to use data for improved programming.

A minimum of three years progressively responsible, job-related professional experience in the monitoring and evaluation or project management is required.

Attention to detail, organization, and an ability to work both independently and collaboratively are essential. The incumbent must be proactive, work with minimal supervision, and exercise sound judgment, while also being able to respond quickly and accurately to direction given by the supervisor or Office Director. Must possess critical thinking skills and problem-solving capabilities to apply complex regulations, policies and procedures to M&E and other program priorities. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing is necessary to prepare clear, substantive presentations, reports and briefing papers in English, in a timely manner. The incumbent must also possess strong teamwork and interpersonal skills in order to serve as an effective liaison for M&E-related issues with a wide array of individuals and institutions. The position requires flexibility, and an ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing contexts and priorities.

The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1. The CO reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive range of offerors with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant to FAR 15.306(c). In accordance with FAR 52.215-1, if the CO determines that the number of offers that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the CO may limit the number of offerors in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated offers. The FAR provisions referenced above are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

. Job knowledge (40 points)  

A thorough knowledge and understanding of M&E systems in a development context, and knowledge of best practices and methodologies in monitoring, evaluation, and learning. A knowledge of host-country historic, economic, social, cultural, and political characteristics and an understanding of the general level of development in the region is required. A good understanding or the potential to acquire knowledge of USAID and Mission policies and procedures related to M&E, project and activity design and management, and the full Program Cycle. In addition to M&E expertise, the incumbent must possess a familiarity with a wide range of relevant issues, such as program evaluation, democracy and governance, devolution, or other areas of development in Kenya.

. Skills and abilities (30 points)  

Attention to detail, organization, and an ability to work both independently and collaboratively are essential. The incumbent must be proactive, work with minimal supervision, and exercise sound judgment, while also being able to respond quickly and accurately to direction given by the supervisor or Office Director. Must possess critical thinking skills and problem-solving capabilities to apply complex regulations, policies and procedures to M&E and other program priorities. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing is necessary to prepare clear, substantive presentations, reports and briefing papers in English, in a timely manner. The incumbent must also possess strong teamwork and interpersonal skills in order to serve as an effective liaison for M&E-related issues with a wide array of individuals and institutions. The position requires flexibility, and an ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing contexts and priorities.

. Work exprience (30 points) 

A minimum of three years progressively responsible, job-related professional experience in the monitoring and evaluation or project management is required.

 Total possible points: 100