Strategic Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning Advisor

Grade-level Equivalent: ~ GS 13

Requesting Mission/Office: South Sudan/Program Office

Clearance Requirement: Facilities Access (we will facilitate for the chosen candidate)

Period of Performance: ~February 2025 to June 2025 (Estimated 45 LOE days)

Place of Performance: Juba, South Sudan

AFR's Mission in South Sudan is to integrate humanitarian and development assistance to promote household and community resilience, putting communities at the center of the development process to address their own challenges and develop resilience to future shocks. With a budget of $98 million in development assistance and over $700 million in humanitarian assistance, the strategy focuses on delivering multifaceted assistance to South Sudan's most vulnerable and hard-to-reach counties. USAID assistance to the people of South Sudan is delivered through non-governmental organizations, UN agencies, and private-sector partners. USAID South Sudan plays a critical role in fostering development and promoting stability in a complex and challenging environment. The Mission is tasked with addressing issues such as poverty, governance, health, education, and conflict. With South Sudan's political and economic instability, it is crucial for USAID to adapt its strategies to be effective, flexible, and responsive to changing dynamics.

As the current strategic framework ends in December 2025, the Program Office team seeks a Strategic Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Advisor to provide support in FY 2025. As a critical member of the Program Office team, the Strategic MEL, under the guidance of the Strategic Development Advisor and the Program Office, plays a critical role in ensuring that monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) components are seamlessly integrated into the development and implementation of USAID South Sudan's strategic framework. This position provides technical expertise in the creation of the results framework and its associated matrices, aligning them with USAID's strategic objectives. The Advisor collaborates closely with the Strategic Development Advisor to embed MEL practices into the strategic framework, prioritizing learning and adaptive management.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES, include but are not limited to:

1. Evidence gathering and synthesis

   • Provide technical support in identifying relevant data sources and analysis of evidence to support the development of the strategic framework

   • Synthesize evidence to inform the strategic framework and ensure it meets USAID's standards.

2. Guidance and technical support

   • Provide technical expertise on integrating MEL into the strategic framework.

   • Support the Mission in responding to feedback from Washington on the results framework and the draft strategic framework.

3. Communication and stakeholder engagement

   • Effectively communicate complex MEL concepts to diverse stakeholders, including those with limited MEL experience.

   • Facilitate discussions and provide guidance to ensure alignment between MEL components and strategic goals.

4. Develop and integrate results framework

   • Lead the development of the results framework and associated matrices, ensuring it reflects USAID's strategic objectives.

   • Integrate MEL components into the strategic framework, ensuring that learning and adaptive management are central to the strategy.

5. Develop performance management plan (PMP)

   • Develop a draft performance management plan (PMP) for the strategic framework that outlines how monitoring, evaluation, and learning will be conducted and used to drive strategic decision-making.

NOTE: The consultant will not perform other inherently governmental functions or duties (e.g. will not serve as AOR/COR or supervise staff), but rather will advise, mentor, and facilitate as appropriate on the performance of inherently governmental functions on the part of the Office or Mission.

KEY DELIVERABLES:

1. Evidence synthesis report: Produce a synthesis report that consolidates evidence and insights from various data sources to inform the strategic framework, delivering a comprehensive report that provides a solid foundation for strategy development and necessary adjustments.

2. Stakeholder communication: Develop clear and actionable communication materials that convey complex MEL concepts to diverse stakeholders, ensuring effective dissemination of MEL information to improve stakeholder understanding and engagement.

3. Results framework: Develop a comprehensive results framework and associated matrices that align with USAID's strategic objectives, that supports the Mission's goals and facilitates effective measurement of progress.

4. Performance Management Plan (PMP): Develop a draft PMP that outlines MEL processes and their application to strategic decision-making, in a structured plan that ensures effective management and utilization of MEL data.

5. Feedback Integration: Revise the results framework, PMP and strategic framework based on feedback from Washington and USAID South Sudan.

• A Master's degree in Monitoring and Evaluation, International Development, Public Policy, or a related field and five (5) years of experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL), with a strong focus on strategic planning within USAID or similar organizations, or a Bachelor's degree with seven (7) years of experience.

• Proven experience in developing MEL frameworks and Performance Management Plans (PMP) that align with USAID requirements.

• Familiarity with USAID's Program Cycle and ability to integrate MEL components effectively into strategic frameworks.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex MEL concepts to diverse stakeholders, including those with limited MEL experience.

• Deep understanding of MEL concepts and practices, including evidence gathering, data analysis, and results measurement.

• Knowledge of USAID's strategic priorities and program areas, with the ability to align MEL efforts with broader organizational goals.

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to synthesize large amounts of data and use it to inform decision-making.

• Excellent communication and facilitation skills, capable of effectively engaging with stakeholders and presenting MEL findings in a clear and actionable manner.

• Proven ability to work in dynamic, politically sensitive environments and to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

• Excellent writing skills, with the ability to write collaboratively and meet deadlines.

• Outstanding organizational and planning abilities.

• Additional experience with a range of partners and stakeholders beyond those typically associated with USAID, such as civil society, foundations, and international organizations.

• Advanced expertise in specific aspects of MEL that could enhance strategic frameworks and performance management beyond standard practices.

• Experience with innovative MEL tools or methodologies that could provide added value to the strategy development process.

• Demonstrated experience in partnership development, strategic planning, and securing partnerships with a specific focus on engaging the private sector.

• Experience working and collaborating with U.S. government agencies and private sector organizations, including international organizations, foreign and domestic government officials, and development partners.

• Ability to work collaboratively with other offices within USAID/Washington and USAID Missions in Sub-Saharan Africa, other U.S. government officials, other donors, partner government representatives, and implementing partners.

• Experience with a diverse set of partners, such as civil society, foundations, bilateral donors, and other partners.