MONITORING, EVALUATION, ACCOUNTABILITY AND LEARNING (MEAL) DIRECTOR, MOZAMBIQUE

CARE seeks a MEAL Director for an anticipated five-year USAID-funded RENDA VERDE for Mozambique. RENDA VERDE seeks to boost communities in leveraging the benefits of living in nature across key biodiversity conservation areas ‐ and benefit local people through sharing of nature‐based revenue. In addition to ongoing enforcement to dissuade and punish destruction of natural resources and habitats, this Activity will focus on the tangible incentives of living with nature, seeking to catalyze the market and community benefits of human coexistence with wildlife in harmony across conservation areas, buffer zones and key biodiversity corridors. The MEAL DIRECTOR will lead the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning components and is accountable for ensuring robust systems and frameworks are in place to measure program performance, promote accountability, and encourage continuous learning. The MEAL Director will design and implement tools, methodologies, and practices to track and evaluate the project's impact, outcomes, and overall success. The MEAL Director will work closely with the Chief of Party, technical teams, and USAID to ensure all data collection, reporting, and learning processes meet the donor's requirements. This activity is expected to be a five-year program in the $25-$49.99 million range. This is a Key Personnel position, subject to USAID approval. It is also subject to project award and funding. National candidates are encouraged to apply. This position will be based in Maputo, Mozambique . Responsibilities: Lead the design and implementation of the project’s Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) strategy in line with USAID guidelines. Oversee the overall management and implementation of the project including project results and deliverables, in accordance with the project work plan. Develop comprehensive M&E frameworks, including indicators, tools, and methodologies to measure the progress and impact of the project. Oversee data collection processes, ensuring the quality, timeliness, and integrity of all project-related data. Coordinate the development of monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to USAID, ensuring that data is well-organized, accurate, and clearly presented. Strengthen sub-award organizations and SMEs capacities in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning. Develop and implement mechanisms to ensure accountability to project stakeholders, including beneficiaries, local partners, and USAID. Lead the design of a Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP). Establish feedback loops with beneficiaries and stakeholders to collect their input on project performance and ensure their concerns are addressed. Lead the MEAL team by providing regular coaching, supervision, performance assessments, and capacity building to enhance their skills and professional development. Oversee the deployment and enactment of the project's MEAL strategies, protocols, and in-country activities, including organizing training sessions for both MEAL and relevant project staff. Provide technical leadership, capacity building, and support to project and partner staff in planning and implementing MEAL systems and activities, data-based program decision-making, and results reporting. Support the Chief of Party (COP) to coordinate mid-term and final project evaluations. Ensure utilization of global best practices of USAID guidelines regarding Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA). Qualifications: Master’s degree in statistics, data management , public health, international development, economic development, or other relevant is required. 8-10 years of relevant senior experience in international development as MEAL director, program director, or in a senior management role on large humanitarian or development projects (Education, Climate Change, Agriculture, Livelihood etc.) Proven experience in quantitative and qualitative research methods, survey design and implementation, and statistical data analysis. Demonstrated MEAL experience in the project technical area of education, youth development, resilience building, or governance . Strong experience and knowledge of USAID M&E guidelines, systems, and reporting requirements including Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) principles, approaches, and their application to project learning and adaptation. Strong data visualization and report writing skills, and ability to translate technical information for non-technical audiences. Experience working in Southern African and knowledge of the local development context. Experience managing MEAL components in [specific sector(s) relevant to the project: health, education, governance, etc.]. Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing tools for data collection and visualization. Experience recruiting, developing, and managing staff and teams. Demonstrated skills in building and maintaining relationships with project stakeholders, local partners, and local organizations. Fluency in English required (spoken and written). Strong oral and written communication skills; excellent demonstrated intercultural, interpersonal, and negotiation skills. Demonstrated commitment to PSHEA (Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Harassment, and Abuse). Demonstrated commitment to principles of Diversity, Equity, Belonging, and Inclusion (DEBI). Ability to travel within Mozambique as required.