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Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) and Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) Lead, Laos Trade Integration and Competitiveness

ACDI/VOCA is seeking an MEL/CLA Lead for an upcoming Trade Integration and Competitiveness Activity in Laos funded by USAID. The anticipated program will aim to diversify economic growth in Laos by stimulating trade and investment, strengthening private sector competitiveness, and facilitating regional integration.

The MEL/CLA Lead will manage the program’s performance monitoring and learning plans, as well as develop appropriate qualitative and quantitative measurement tools. They will supervise an M&E team in conducting baseline and annual data collection surveys, reporting, and building the M&E capacity of implementing partners. The program is anticipated to start in 2025 and this position will be based in Vientiane, Laos.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage overall MEL and CLA activities of the program
• Ensure effective reporting, data collection, and monitoring systems are in place
• Coordinate with program teams to develop and update the Performance Monitoring Plans and work with the donor on its implementation and updating
• Ensure M&E quality and standards adhere to guidelines and industry standard good practices and conduct data quality reviews to ensure that all information required for submission to donor is collected in a valid, reliable, and timely manner
• Track and analyze project indicators and other useful statistics to prepare high-quality, timely reports using the recommended formats and communication channels
• Conduct regular field visits to monitor community projects for compliance, efficiency in implementation, and overall satisfaction of beneficiaries and stakeholders
• Participate in the knowledge management system to capture relevant information that will inform decisions, support project reporting requirements, and foster learning within the project Conduct qualitative and quantitative program impact surveys to ensure that program goals are met and that the team constantly improves program implementation quality
• Design interventions to increase the flow and effectiveness (leading to behavior change) of information based on assessments
• Ensure that programmatic learning and results are fully documented, shared, and used to drive adaptive management processes
• Design and implement internal and external knowledge exchange and learning events to improve peer-to-peer learning, knowledge sharing and application
• Facilitate regular staff meetings to share experiences and lessons and to brainstorm ways of applying new learning
• Develop and/or maintain strategic relationships with relevant stakeholders and partners to promote effective coordination, collaboration, and dissemination of program learning

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in evaluation, development studies, statistics, or relevant field is required; master’s degree is desired.
• Minimum 7 years of experience managing the M&E component of a donor-funded project.
• Knowledge of and experience with USAID rules and regulations is highly desired.
• Proven experience in quantitative and qualitative research methods, survey design and implementation, and statistical data analysis is required.
• Familiarity with applying the Collaborating, Learning and Adapting (CLA) approach to management is desired.
• Experience working in Laos required.
• Fluency in English is required.

Lao nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.