AID Development Program Specialist- Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, FSNPSC-11

Program and Project Development Office

USAID/Nepal
Position Description

______________________________________________________________________________

BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION

The AID Development Program Specialist is a member of the Program and Project Development
Office (PPD) and provides technical assistance in: general program monitoring and evaluation;
USAID and partner staff use of a Web-based management information system; developing
indicators for monitoring USAID performance; developing and maintaining the USAID
Performance Management Plan and project-level monitoring and evaluation plans; supporting
project design; producing annual reports on USAID performance; and supporting USAID to
learn from and make decisions based on monitoring and evaluation data.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES % OF TIME

A. Monitoring and Evaluation (60%)

Lead the Mission in establishing performance measures, collecting and analyzing performance
information, planning and managing evaluations and assisting the Mission management in using
the performance information for decision-making and resource allocation.

1. Advise Assistance/Development Objective Teams and Senior Management in designing

and planning for evaluations, special studies and assessments.
2. Coordinate the creation and review of the Program, Design and Learning budget to
provide adequate financial resources for evaluations, special studies and assessments.
3. Provide input into the design, implementation and dissemination of evaluations, special
studies and assessments.
4. Coordinate the creation of a Mission Performance Monitoring Plan including assessing
the validity of the information and indicators that contribute to that plan.
5. Assist the AO/DO Teams to select data collection methods for adequate monitoring and
evaluation of implementing partners' performance and of the program as a whole (these
methods may include field visits, quarterly reports, specialized surveys and other sources
of information like Government of Nepal statistics). Assist the AO Teams in reviewing
these methods and making improvements to their monitoring and evaluation.
6. Coordinate the regular review of progress towards achieving Assistance
Objectives/Development Objectives by Senior Management through program reviews,
portfolio reviews or other processes.
7. Encourage the use of performance information in resource allocation decisions by the
Office Directors, AO/DO Team Leaders and Senior Management through leading
 discussions, preparing analysis or other measures.
8. Seek ways to streamline the process and increase efficiency in gathering and using
performance information.
9. Coordinate the process for updating policy and procedure documents in the areas of
monitoring and evaluation to align with the most current Agency Polices and
requirements. Seek ways to increase transparency of USAID's system of reviewing
results and use of performance information.
10. Work as a Point of Contact for Evaluation in the Mission and provide guidance to
technical teams on issues related to monitoring and evaluation.
11. Communicate with the respective members of PPL/LER office in Washington on issues
related with monitoring and evaluation.
12. Assist Senior Management in building local M&E capacities in the spirit of USAID
Forward.
13. Manage evaluation contracts and agreements.

B. PPD Team Representative (25%)

As the PPD representative on an AO/DO Team, support the planning, design, implementation,
monitoring, evaluation and reporting of activities for a particular technical sector.

1. Contribute to the planning of new activities that support the desired results under an
AO/DO; this includes providing input into assessments, Project Appraisal Documents, and
Scopes of Work for new activities.
2. Assist in the monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of activities; this may involve
reviewing work plans, quarterly reports, participating in field visits, initiating regular
portfolio reviews and contributing to program evaluations.
3. Support the preparation of all agency level reports such as Performance Plans and Reports,
Operational Plans, Congressional Notifications, and Congressional Budget Justifications.

C. Other Duties as Assigned by Supervisor (15%)

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE

a. Education: Master’s degree in a development field, social science, economics, or relevant

discipline.

b. Prior Work Experience: Minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional

experience in a performance monitoring and/or evaluation role with an international
development organization.
c. Post Entry Training: Specialized courses in USAID programming of foreign assistance,
management, leadership, ethics, monitoring and evaluation and various specialized
databases and computer programs.

d. Language Proficiency: Level IV English and Nepali required.

e. Job Knowledge: Demonstrated ability in data analysis, project design, monitoring, and
evaluation of development activities. Experience developing results frameworks, logical
frameworks, or similar tools for project design is required. Experience developing and/or
using performance management plans or similar tools is required. Demonstrated knowledge
of and experience in monitoring and evaluating programs—including indicator
development, study design, and data analysis—in multiple sectors. Experience using
knowledge management software or database is highly desired. Experience managing
grants or contracts is also highly desired.

f. Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent analytical skills and the ability to summarize disparate information in a clear and
concise manner
• Excellent research and data collection methodology skills
• Ability to create organizational work plans based on higher-level goals
• Ability to lead and coordinate multiple offices through multiple step processes without being
a direct supervisor (although appropriate authority will be given)
• Skills in supporting staff with a variety of levels of knowledge and capabilities
• Strong organizational skills in order to balance competing priorities
• Ability to work independently to efficiently meet deadlines
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Oral and written communication skills to deal effectively with mid and high level partner
contacts, the host government, and the local communities.
• Ability to apply Agency regulations and procedures to daily work requirements
• Excellent computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheet programs and data base
management

POSITION ELEMENTS

 Supervision Received: Supervision is provided by the Deputy Program Officer. They

will provide oversight and are available to discuss assignment priorities, make special
assignments when appropriate, or to consult on complex, unusual or particularly unique
tasks. Routine tasks are performed independently. Work is reviewed for validity,
reasonableness, productivity and effectiveness.

 Supervision Exercised: The AID Development Program Specialist will not directly
supervise, but will be responsible for leading the AO Team in matters related to
monitoring, evaluation, and program design.
 Available Guidelines: Available guidelines include ADS 100, 200 and other ADS
sections, HR policy statements, DOS FAMs and FAHs, USAID/W General Notices
and other guidelines. The requirements are available and clear; procedures for
meeting requirements are generally available but must be tailored to the particular
Mission and technical sector.

 Exercise of Judgment: The Specialist is expected to exercise initiative and

independent judgment based on his/her comprehensive knowledge of development
programs. The Specialist must also exercise competent business judgment in dealing
effectively with internal and external clients. He/she exercises initiative and
independence in performing standard duties in full compliance with all relevant laws,
regulations and procedures.

 Authority to Make Commitments: The AID Development Program Specialist has

the authority to prioritize own work load, but will not make commitments on behalf of
the USAID.

 Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts: Daily direct contact with the Senior
Management Team (SMT), senior level managers and executives of outside
organizations and individuals is required to effectively complete assigned tasks. The
Specialist interacts with full array of US Embassy staff and may be asked to represent
USAID before host country officials. Contacts with outside organizations and
implementing partners are required in order to fulfill the responsibilities described
above.

 Time Expected to Reach Full Performance Level: 6 months.

 Travel requirements: In-country travel will be required to monitor and evaluate

programs, conduct assessments, and host USAID/Washington visitors. International
travel may be required for training and conferences related to the position.