Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL)/Grants Coordinator

Pact is an international nonprofit that works in nearly 40 countries building solutions for human development that are evidence-based, data-driven and owned by the communities we serve. Founded in 1971, Pact works with partners to build resilience, improve accountability, and strengthen knowledge and skills for sustainable social impact.

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Position Overview

Pact, Inc. seeks a (Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning) MERL and Grants Coordinator for the USAID/Mali-funded Basiki ni Tagne Kunafoni Activity. This two-year, information integrity project aims to enhance publicly available content that provides timely, relevant, and accurate information to Malian citizens through data-driven approaches that promote media literacy, mitigate harm from inaccurate information, and optimize the reach of quality information.

The MERL/Grants Coordinator is responsible for leading the coordination of monitoring and reporting by Activity partners and subgrantees and for monitoring sub-grantees and sub-contractors to ensure compliance with the terms of their agreements.

The MERL and Grants Coordinator will further support the Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Research Specialist (MELRS) to bring Activity learning into the larger learning agenda through pause and reflect sessions and will be responsible for ensuring that all sub-grants and contracts comply with donor rules and regulations (as well as organizational policies and procedures). The successful candidate will support indicator development, monitoring, and reporting as mandated by the Annual Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan (AMELP).

This role is in Bamako, Mali and will report to the Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning Specialist (MELRS).

Key Responsibilities

MEL

• Work closely with MELRS to ensure adherence with project MEL Framework.
• Support the monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of project interventions, including online and offline campaigns.
• Support the development of research and learning partnerships with Malian organizations.
• Provide support to MELRS in the creation of thought leadership pieces based on the project outputs and outcomes.

  Grants

  • Work closely with the COP and relevant departments in DC to ensure that the subaward/grant structure is aligned with the Activity’s technical needs and priorities.
  • Work with the project team to ensure that implementation of sub-grants and contracts follows donor requirements.
  • Ensure that all required documentation is maintained in SharePoint for subawards and contracts and that regular reports are provided to program leadership, Washington, DC teams and/or to the funder, as required.
  • Effectively contribute to the full cycle of subaward management activities, including planning, facilitation, selection, pre-award assessments, negotiation, submission, orientation, review of monthly reports (including cost share), monitoring / compliance visits, and closeout.
  • Support closeout of sub-awards and contracts, including preparation of delivery notes, final inventories, property disposition, etc.
  • Comply with all company policies and procedures, including completing all compliance training topics by the deadline to satisfy each and receiving the corresponding acknowledgment statement that the training has been completed.
  • All other duties as assigned

    Basic Requirements

    • Bachelor’s degree and 2+ years relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
    • Experience with MEL report writing and editing.
    • Experience in media, communication, and/or information integrity research or program evaluation.
    • Demonstrated flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to perform and collaborate in complex and politically sensitive project environments.
    • Experience successfully working with international development projects in a role supporting the management of grants and/or procurement.
    • Detail oriented with the ability to prioritize and perform multiple tasks.
    • Self-starter and independent worker who can also work well as a team member.
    • Proficient with Microsoft Office programs, including Word and Excel.
    • Excellent verbal and written cross-cultural communication skills.
    • Professional level of fluency in English and French (written and verbal).

      Preferred Qualifications

      • Knowledge of key evaluation methods such as Outcome Mapping (OM) and Most Significant Change (MSC)
      • Professional working ability in Bambara
      • Knowledge of political social and economic context of Mali
      • Conversant with information technology, use of popular social media platforms and media services, and experience in analyzing the veracity of media disseminated to the public.
      • Familiarity with social, online, and traditional media MEL tools
      • Ability to travel up to 10% of the time annually