Deputy Director of MEL/CLA

POSITION SUMMARY AND PURPOSE

The QED Group, LLC (dba Q2 Impact) is a global boutique consulting firm with more than 25 years of experience providing data-driven and insightful solutions for government clients in close to 100 countries. We are passionate about transforming lives through knowledge-based solutions; leveraging deep expertise in monitoring, evaluation, and learning, we help our clients collect, analyze, visualize, and ultimately use data in more effective ways to sustainably address complex global challenges. Using innovative and evidence-based learning and organizational development approaches, we help our clients use the insights we have provided. Our work maximizes results using cutting-edge technologies and innovation, organizational development, and evidence-based decision-making. Q2 Impact is seeking a Deputy Director of MEL/CLA and OD Services to lead our incredible team of talented specialists and to build our portfolio.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Deputy Director of MEL/CLA to join our team to support the growth of the MEL/CLA/KM/OD portfolio:

RESPONSIBILITIES

Portfolio Development

• Strategic Planning:

  • Support the development and implementation of the strategic plan for the growing MEL/CLA portfolio in alignment with USAID's overall mission and goals.

  • Identify key priorities, areas of focus, and potential opportunities for growth with USAID and develop the strategy for engaging with clients and business development efforts.

• Project Identification and Design:

  • Conduct thorough assessments to identify and qualify potential MEL/CLA platforms/projects and OD/training projects.

  • Ensure projects align with USAID policies, guidelines, and development objectives.

  • Develop understanding of trends in MEL/CLA and support services platforms and OD/Training work to anticipate and shape RFPs.

• Partnership Development:

  • Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), private sector partners, and other relevant stakeholders.

  • Identify and pursue partnerships that enhance the impact and reach MEL/CLA platforms and OD/Training and position Q2 Impact to be successful in new award capture.

• Proposal Development:

  • Support and/or lead the capture and development of high-quality proposals for new MEL platforms and projects.

  • Draft MEL and CLA sections of proposals as required.

  • Work closely with technical experts, program managers, and other teams to ensure comprehensive and competitive proposals.

• Resource Mobilization:

  • Support actively seeking funding opportunities from various sources, including government grants, private donors, and other funding mechanisms.

  • Support the development and implementation strategies to diversify and increase funding for governance initiatives.

• Project Implementation and Technical Oversight:

  • Provide leadership and oversight during the implementation of MEL/CLA, Knowledge Management and OD projects and ensure that approach, methods, techniques are cutting edge and appropriate for the work.

  • Ensure projects are executed on time, within budget, and in compliance with USAID regulations and policies.

• Monitoring and Evaluation:

  • Establish robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks for MEL/CLA and OD activities.

  • Regularly assess project performance, measure impact, and make data-driven decisions to improve effectiveness.

• Capacity Building:

  • Identify capacity-building needs for local partners and institutions involved in MEL projects.

  • Develop and implement capacity-building initiatives to strengthen the sustainability of MEL interventions per the USAID localization framework.

• Policy Advocacy:

  • Engage with government officials, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to advocate for policy changes that support MEL/CLA and good governance.

  • Monitor and analyze policy developments that may impact MEL initiatives.

• Risk Management:

  • Identify and mitigate risks associated with MEL/CLA and OD projects.

  • Develop and implement risk management strategies to address potential challenges.

• Knowledge Sharing and Learning:

  • Facilitate knowledge sharing among project teams, partners, and stakeholders.

  • Foster a culture of learning and continuous improvement within the MEL/CLA and OD portfolio.

• Reporting and Communication:

  • Prepare regular reports for internal and external stakeholders, including USAID leadership, on the progress and impact of governance projects.

  • Effectively communicate achievements, challenges, and lessons learned.

Technical Work

• Monitoring and evaluation:

  • Design and implement monitoring and evaluation systems to track program performance and impact

  • Oversee the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data to inform decision-making and program improvements.

  • Ensure that MEL findings are communicated effectively to stakeholders, including staff, donors, and partners and that we incorporate CLA frameworks and leverage our in-house OD expertise.

• Collaboration, Learning and Adaptation (CLA):

  • Foster a culture of learning within the organization, ensuring that lessons learned are integrated into program design and implementation.

  • Lead the development and dissemination of knowledge products and learning materials.

  • Work with the team to develop innovative solutions to USAID Mission challenges.

• Knowledge Management:

  • Work with others in Q2 to lead effective capture and cataloguing of institutional knowledge and organization capabilities in a way that is easily accessible and supports increased collaboration and innovation.

  • Encourage a culture of knowledge-sharing and collaborative workflow among departments and project teams.

• Compliance:

  • Work closely with the Directors and senior management to strengthen governance structures and processes.

• Budget and Resource Management:

  • Develop and manage the budget for MEL activities, ensuring efficient use of resources.

  • Identify and pursue opportunities for additional funding to support MEL initiatives.

Firmwide Management, Strategy, and Technical Support

• Leads through example, offers, and implements constructive and practical solutions and takes a lead role in implementing current and revised policies, procedures, and systems Company-wide.

• Work with staff to ensure billability targets are met.

• Work with COPs to increase projects’ revenue.

• Plays a leadership role in developing and executing the corporate Annual Strategy and in attaining the corporate annual goals (as tracked by the key performance indicators).

• Plays a leadership role in thought leadership and in marketing and communicating internally and externally about Q2’s successes.

• Foster cross-team collaboration across practice areas, technical teams, and operational functions to align resources towards common goals to support cross-organization priorities, coordination, and decision making.

• Align the organization around Q2’s mission, strategy, and goals to ensure a more efficient, effective, and well-resourced response to new opportunities and the implementation of contracts.

• Develop knowledge assets and new technical approaches to differentiate Q2 from other competitors.

• Represent Q2 publicly in a manner consistent with our mission and values.

• Present thought leadership pieces in internal and external venues.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in a relevant field, such as organizational development, cognitive psychology, education, or international development.

• At least 7 years of experience in MEL/CLA, Training and Education, Adaptive Leadership and/or other related fields of organizational development at an international development organization.

• Proven track record of successfully leading and managing complex programs/projects related to organizational development and learning, specifically with USAID or other US Government clients.

• At least two years of experience in direct people management. Strong leadership and motivational skills, with the ability to mentor and coach team members to achieve excellence.

• Demonstrated expertise in designing and facilitating learning events based on adult learning principles.

• Solid knowledge of change management principles and how to apply them within programs and projects.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, negotiation and interpersonal skills, and ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including donors, senior level government officials, and partners.

• Exceptional project management skills with the ability to effectively manage budgets, timelines, resources, and deliverables.

• Ability to conduct business development activities including leading a proposal process, developing technical proposals, and positioning an organization for successful acquisition of new contracts and projects.

• In-depth knowledge of the competitive landscape within the international development market, including emerging trends, partners, and competitors, and how to leverage this knowledge for business development.

• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, spot emerging trends, and take initiative to develop and implement new ideas and innovative approaches.

• Willingness to travel internationally, as required, and represent the organization in speaking engagements, networking events, or other public forums relevant to organizational development and learning.

• Works well in a team environment and fosters collaboration across the organization and its field offices.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

This position reports to the Director of MEL/CLA.

SALARY RANGE

USD 95,000 - USD 105,000

NOTE

Please note that applications submitted by other means; or without either a resume/CV and/or biodata may not be considered. Only finalists will be contacted.

The Q2 Impact is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. AA/V/D. Reasonable accommodation requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.