Learning and development specialist Jobs in Washington, DC

Job Title : Evaluation and Learning Specialist

Status : Full-Time

Division :   Programs

Location :    Alexandria, VA

Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA) is seeking an Evaluation and Learning Specialist to work in the Programs Department at IRUSA headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. The Evaluation and Learning Specialist will contribute in implementing the evaluation and learning activities within IRUSA’s overall programs. S / he will lead and / or participate in the conduct of internal program reviews, impact evaluations, country performance analysis, regional portfolio reviews, mapping and learning studies, as well as evaluation of IRUSA’s strategies, policies and projects in intervention countries. The Evaluation and Learning Specialist is expected to conduct in depth analysis of programs and make recommendations for future program planning implementation, as well as create learning materials to be shared publicly. The candidate must show the commitment to IRUSA’s faith inspired values and principles as well as a commitment to the vision and mission of the organization. The position reports to the Manager, Programs Quality and Learning.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

Results Measurement & Learning Generation

• Conduct evaluation studies to assess the impact and effectiveness of IRUSA’s programs and strategies, lending learning materials.
• Provide input into the design, implementation and dissemination of evaluations, special studies and assessments.
• Prepare country, sector and other syntheses of evaluation findings and share with Programs Management and IRUSA Executives.
• Provide administrative support for evaluation activities conducted by external consultants, and perform the role of liaison with the external evaluation team / consultant.
• Build required tools for program evaluations as well as Theory of changes, Results Framework for IRUSA selected Programs including identification of appropriate indicators, measurement methods and critical assumptions and contribute to the development of IRUSA Program Strategy.
• Undertake field visits per agreed evaluation plan (in the US and internationally) to evaluate project processes and outcomes with appropriate documentation of the findings including the key achievements, challenges and recommendations.
• Share Monitoring and Evaluations (M&E) field visits information within the program department and with other departments within the organization.
• Contribute to implementation of the MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning) plans set for IRUSA-funded projects in coordination with the relevant team members.
• Provide technical guidance whenever necessary with a focus on project baseline studies, mid-term and final evaluations, as required.
• Participate in the implementation of selected project baselines, mid-term reviews and project close out reviews and support the field team (in the US and internationally) in reporting on key project achievements, results, lessons and recommendations.
• Coordinate joint MEAL missions with program teams and with IRW’s Programs Quality and regional offices. This includes engaging with IRW on joint field monitoring missions and conducting joint evaluations of IRUSA funded grants.
• Contribute to the implementation of project accountability and learning initiatives with IRW’s program quality (PQ) and regional teams.
• Participate in periodic review meetings with IR partners and peers (in the US and internationally).
• Contribute to assess risks, review compliance, and gather information for due diligence for the assigned projects in the US and internationally when required.

Capacity Building

Information Systems, Knowledge Platforms & Dissemination

Pilot Innovation & Expansion

Qualifications and Competencies :