Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, Research, and Adapting (MERLA) Specialist - IQ Talent Marketplace

Position Overview:

Chemonics International, a US-based international development consulting firm, seeks a MERLA Specialist, Baghdad for the USAID Iraq Together project. Iraq Together aims to provide more equitable, efficient, and sustainable public services in Iraq, as well as improving government responsiveness to citizens’ needs and demands. Objectives of this project include working with the Government of Iraq (GOI) to improve service delivery and strengthen democratic and participatory governance.

Purpose:

The MERLA Specialist, Baghdad reports to the Inclusive Engagement Specialist, Baghdad and is responsible for supporting the project’s monitoring, evaluation, learning, research and adapting activities in Baghdad to measure project impact. Receives work assignments from and submits completed work to the MERLA Lead.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Works with the MERLA Lead to contribute to and follow the project’s MERLA system and Activity, monitoring, evaluation, and learning plan (AMELP), ensuring alignment with Iraq Together’s strategic objectives and the USAID Evaluation Policy requirements
• Contributes to the project’s results framework, theory of change, and development hypothesis during work planning sessions
• Undertakes data collection, data analysis, and reporting activities, ensuring timeliness, comprehensiveness, and quality
• Implements the projects collaboration, learning, and adaptation (CLA) activities
• Contributes to reporting on program output and outcome indicators, including developing internal and external communications
• Other duties as assigned by the Inclusive Engagement Specialist, Baghdad

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in behavioral/social sciences, statistics, or related field; advanced degree preferred
• At least 3-4 years of M&E experience working with development programs; USAID-funded program experience strongly preferred
• Demonstrable skills and experience developing and utilizing M&E tools, conducting data collection, analysis, synthesis, and reporting
• Familiarity with USAID-funded M&E systems highly preferred
• Knowledge of Baghdad’s operating environment required
• Demonstrated leadership, versatility, and integrity
• Fluency in English and Arabic required