Scope of Work  

Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Manager

Program: USAID Youth Actively Create Opportunities (YACO) Activity

Location: Skopje, North Macedonia

Duration: 5 years

Improving Economies for Stronger Communities (IESC) is a leading U.S. nonprofit organization that fosters private sector development in the economically developing world. Since 1964, we have delivered lasting solutions that have resulted in more than 1.5 million jobs in 137 countries. We partner with businesses, cooperatives, entrepreneurs, jobseekers, and governments to sustainably build capacity, create jobs, and grow enterprises, sharing proven skills and experience that improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities around the world. Our major funders today are the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), among others.

IESC is implementing the $7m USAID Youth Actively Create Opportunities (YACO) Activity in North Macedonia. The purpose of the Activity is to increase positive youth contributions to society and collective youth leadership across North Macedonia. The Activity prioritizes three broad areas of intervention:

Component 1: Create partnerships to support the development of economic opportunities that are attractive to youth.

Component 2: Strengthen youth competencies for jobs, progressive careers and active civic participation.

Component 3: Promote values that underpin self-reliance, such as responsibility, independence, lawfulness, strong ethics, civic engagement and striving for accomplishment.

The Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Manager will work full-time and be based in Skopje. The MEL Manager will report to the Chief of Party (COP). The MEL Manager will lead the implementation of the Activity’s monitoring and evaluation activities and initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the Activity’s overall monitoring, evaluation and learning efforts, including the drafting, operationalization, and oversight of the MEL Plan.
• Synthesize the knowledge and learning gained from implementation and provide data-supported analysis to Activity leadership.
• Ensure data quality for performance indicators and specific outputs, outcomes, and impacts to facilitate better understanding of which approaches are working and which need to be refined and adapted accordingly. 
• Conduct capacity building for staff on indicator definitions and data collection processes. 
• Lead data collection efforts for required reporting and record data in the Activity's database.  
• Coordinate timely data collection and ensure accurate measurement against overall objectives.
• Work with USAID and IESC's Home Office MEL Director on all MEL matters in a collaborative manner. 
• Perform any other task assigned by supervisor to meet Activity objectives. 

Qualifications:

• Minimum of five years of experience in the design and implementation of MEL systems, and/or data reporting and evaluation. 
• Experience implementing and monitoring MEL systems on USAID projects. 
• Strong facilitation and training skills.  
• Strong data analysis and interpretation skills.
• Demonstrated leadership, integrity, and proven organizational skills.  
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, economics or related field. Advanced degree preferred.
• Fluency in English and Macedonian. 

NOTE: Candidate must currently have the right to live and work in North Macedonia. IESC cannot provide international relocation or sponsorship for this position.

How to apply: Please submit a Curriculum Vitae in English and a letter of interest. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Finalists will be contacted by IESC.

Deadline for submission is March 6, 2023.

IESC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in selection and employment practices.