Oxfam America

Monitoring & Evaluation Advisor – Learning Evaluation and Accountability Department (LEAD)

Department: Learning, Evaluation, Accountability

TERM:

One Year, with possible extension depending on resources

LOCATION:

Boston, MA

REPORTS TO:

Director of LEAD

COORDINATES WITH: 

All Units/Departments and Divisions within Oxfam America (OA), Oxfam International (OI) and affiliates, as needed – but more specifically with the Humanitarian Response Department and with the Oxfam Humanitarian Consortium, apart from the Regional Programs Department and the Regional Offices

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

  1. To provide technical support in program monitoring, evaluation, organizational learning and accountability, more specifically pertaining to evaluation of humanitarian interventions.
  2. To develop Oxfam America’s evaluation framework and systems, especially in the areas of humanitarian interventions. 
  3. To develop and deploy appropriate management support tools, indicators and methodologies for addressing the evaluation, learning and accountability needs of our work, especially in the field of humanitarian interventions.
  4. To train and build capacity of staff in monitoring and evaluation.

Primary responsibilities of the Incumbent during 2008

  1. Carry out a critical assessment and analysis of the current evaluation approaches and practices in the humanitarian sector with specific reference to the NGO sector – including the work of NGOs in relation to multilateral, bilateral and non-governmental international development agencies.
  2. Support the development of Oxfam America’s humanitarian evaluation framework, in line with the LEAD approaches to evaluation – especially pertaining to disaster preparedness, disaster risk reduction and humanitarian advocacy.
  3. Support in formulating our conceptual inputs and responses to OI (HCMG humanitarian evaluation subgroup) on humanitarian evaluation matters.
  4. Together with regional teams, implement evaluations in 2 key country emergencies during 2008, depending on the number and nature of the emergencies.
  5. Assist in building up a knowledge base on humanitarian evaluation.
  6. Facilitate the integration of planning, M&E, learning and accountability systems into program management at different levels.
  7. Build and maintain agency relationships with research institutes with expertise in evaluation to expand our capabilities in the field.
  8. Support and supplement the work of the other LEAD staff for synergistic accomplishment of the LEAD objectives.

EXPECTATIONS FOR THE POSITION:

  • The incumbent will stay abreast of professional standards, trends and issues affecting this set of responsibilities, continuously striving for enhanced quality and impact and demonstrating continuous learning.
  • S/he will adopt a multi-disciplinary approach to evaluation, using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies adapted to rights-based development programs. 
  • S/he will work effectively and collaboratively in support of building a team-based culture of work. S/he will strive to build the evaluation capacity of program staff.
  • S/he will perform all duties appropriately for a multi-cultural environment, will treat all persons with dignity and respect, will be familiar with and committed to Oxfam America mission and goals, and will be able to travel frequently and extensively both domestically and abroad.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: 

Master’s degree in the social sciences

EXPERIENCE AND CORE COMPETENCIES:

Required:

  1. Minimum five to seven years experience in monitoring and evaluation, at least half of which should be in relation to research and evaluation work pertaining to humanitarian and other disaster interventions.
  2. Experience of working with organizations engaged in international development and social justice work.
  3. Strong understanding of multiple evaluation methodologies for rights-based international development work, with expertise in gender focused evaluation in humanitarian work.
  4. Conceptual strength, with demonstrated capacity in conducting independent social-science research, focusing on qualitative methods.
  5. Demonstrated ability in developing creative evaluation methodologies for complex programs.
  6. Excellent project management skills, experience in working on matrix teams or collaborative efforts.
  7. Excellent organizational skills, including preparation and monitoring of plans and budgets.
  8. Excellent analytic and communication skills, including listening and interpersonal skills.
  9. Ability to travel as required.

Desired: 

  1. Experience of evaluating and/or working with rights-based campaigns.
  2. Ph. D. in the social sciences.
  3. Experience of participatory and qualitative research work, preferably in developing countries.
  4. Experience in training and facilitation in the development sector.
  5. Ability to communicate in Spanish or French.


Please see our How to Apply page for application information. Oxfam America is an Equal Opportunity Employer.