Monitoring, Evaluation, Adaptation, Research and Learning (MEARL) Director, Empower Nigeria Proposal Full Time

DT Global works in partnership with communities, governments, and the private sector to deliver innovative solutions that transform lives. DT Global – launched in 2019 – is built on legacy companies AECOM’s International Development Services Sector, Development Transformations, IMC Worldwide, and Cardno International Development. To fulfill its profit-for-purpose mission, DT Global is a key donor to the DT Institute, an independent not-for-profit organization, in support of DTI’s efforts to test new ideas or expand on donor partner priorities to improve as many lives as possible.

Our global team of 2,500 staff and experts work in over 90 countries. We bring over 60 years of experience, relationships, and technical excellence to improve lives on behalf of our partners, clients, and stakeholders. We aim to maximize sustainable development impact across a wide range of practice areas, including Conflict Prevention, Stabilization & Transition; Economic Growth; Environment & Infrastructure; Governance; and Human Development. Together, we aim to positively impact 500 million lives by 2045.

Proposal Summary:

DT Global seeks a Monitoring, Evaluation, Adaptation, Research and Learning (MEARL) Director for the anticipated U.S. Agency for International Development’s Power Africa Empower Nigeria program. The program has three ambitious, interconnected objectives, to: 1) end energy poverty; 2) accelerate a carbon-free future; and 3) bolster energy sector investment and innovation.

Under objective 1, ending energy poverty, the Empower Nigeria program will increase the availability of and access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and clean energy in Nigeria. This is to reach measurable economic growth and achieve development outcomes, such as reducing poverty, improving livelihoods, and increasing inclusive access to electricity-enabled services in areas such as health, education, sanitation and food security. Activities under this objective will also support the accelerated connection of more Nigerian homes, businesses, and institutions to electricity and increase its productive use.

Through objective 2, accelerating a carbon-free future, Empower Nigeria will work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the energy sector by supporting cleaner electricity generation delivered by the grid and accelerating distributed renewable energy projects. The program will also support government resource planning leading to the adoption and integration of renewable energy sources and solutions to meet climate action commitments.

Under objective 3, Empower Nigeria will help introduce new technologies, innovations, and financing that scales access and impact, increases access to private capital investment, including improved uptake of climate funds, and working in partnership with state governments and regional West African institutions, improving the enabling environment for energy sector investment and innovation.

Position Summary:

The MEARL Director will lead the monitoring, evaluation, adaptation, research and learning components for this five-year, $50-90 million USAID-funded project. This position will be based in Abuja, with frequent travel within Nigeria required. Final recruitment for this position is contingent on a contract award to DT Global and is subject to USAID approval.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop the project’s overall MEARL strategy and plans in alignment with USAID requirements.
• Lead the design, implementation, and oversight of monitoring systems to track project performance and results.
• Manage data collection, analysis and reporting for all project indicators and evaluation questions.
• Conduct baseline, midterm, and final evaluations per USAID standards.
•  Identify research needs and opportunities to generate evidence and learning for program adaptation.
• Lead efforts to apply learning, make course corrections and adapt programming approaches.
• Disseminate findings, results and lessons learned to key stakeholders.
• Build MEARL capacity of project staff, partners, and stakeholders.
• Ensure that effective knowledge management systems are in place.
• Liaise with USAID and partners on MEARL issues.
• Manage and mentor MEARL staff.
• Provide technical oversight of, and support the management of, MEARL partners, contractors, and vendors.
• Oversee the development and implementation of all MEARL tools and technologies.

Education & Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field such as international development, evaluation, social sciences or statistics.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience designing and managing MEARL for international development projects.
• Experience in energy/electrification programming strongly preferred.
• Experience working on USAID-funded projects required.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills.
• Strong leadership, project management and team management abilities.

Core Competencies:

TEAMWORK: Works cooperatively and effectively with others to achieve common goals. Participates in building a culture characterized by inclusion, trust and commitment.

COMMUNICATION: Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts professionally. Demonstrates effective use of listening skills and displays openness to other people’s ideas and thoughts.

ADAPTABILITY: Adjusts planned work by gathering relevant information and applying critical thinking to address multiple demands and competing priorities in a changing environment.

CUSTOMER/CLIENT FOCUSED: Anticipates, monitors and meets the needs of customers and responds to them in an appropriate and responsive manner.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION: Conveys respect for diverse individuals and perspectives; models inclusive behavior and treats everyone fairly.

PROFESSIONALISM: Displays appropriate and ethical behavior, integrity and personal presentation in the workplace always; demonstrates respectful communication for others, both verbal and non-verbal.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

DT Global, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or national origin. DT Global, LLC prohibits discriminating against employees and job applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose the compensation of the employee or applicant or another employee or applicant.