Specialist or Senior Specialist, Data Science/Monitoring, Evaluation, & Learning

Job

Job Title: Specialist (P5) or Senior Specialist (P6), Data Science/MEL

Department: Development Innovations

Reports to: Principal Manager, Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (USG)

Work Location: Bethesda, Maryland, or Remote in states where DAI is registered*

Position Overview

DAI is a global development company with corporate offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, EU, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Palestine and project operations worldwide. We tackle fundamental social and economic development problems caused by inefficient markets, ineffective governance, and instability. DAI works on the frontlines of global development. Transforming ideas into action—action into impact. We are committed to shaping a more livable world.

The Data Science/Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialist/Senior Specialist will be responsible for providing monitoring, evaluation, and learning expertise across project delivery, new business and through capacity building for home office and project staff. You will support DAI’s efforts to improve the way data are collected, managed, and used, with an emphasis on using data for learning and adaptive management. You will take on advanced data analysis projects, help build knowledge management platforms, and develop data visualization dashboards. You will be responsible for finalizing outstanding Collaborating, Learning and Adapting (CLA) and MEL documents and deliverables, coordinating CLA/MEL activities with USAID and local partners, and building capacity of DAI field staff and home office staff to manage CLA/MEL activities, including use of knowledge management and visualization platforms.

This is a full-time permanent position on the MERL Team within DAI’s USG Business Unit, with minimum travel of 30% time to possibly any location DAI has projects.

Responsibilities Technical

• Support projects to recruit and onboard MEL staff, help develop and revise AMELPs, deploy digital technology tools for data collection, develop data management systems, and other support as requested.
• Conduct data analysis, in collaboration with technical experts, using appropriate methods such as multivariate regression modeling; develop data visualizations using Microsoft Power BI dashboards; conduct geospatial analysis and visualization.
• Advise projects on data security protocols.
• Develop competencies in new MEL approaches/technologies, including, but not limited to, CLA and different monitoring approaches.
• Help create and maintain a culture of learning and adaptive management within DAI through the use of data.
  
  
  

New Business

• Support business acquisition activities by reviewing CLA/MEL requirements in proposal documents and contributing written content to DAI proposals, working mainly with DAI’s Center for Digital Acceleration team.
• Identify and work with MEL partners and subcontractors as needed.
  
  
  

Knowledge Sharing & Learning

• Support in the development of data management, analysis, visualization, and security curriculum for HO and field staff capacity building efforts.
• Provide training and capacity-building on data science methods, tools, and best practices.
• Support DAI partners to collect quality data, analyze and use data for decision making.
• Support the development of community of practices for Data Science/MERL.
• Support the development and revision of MERL guidelines and standards.
  
  
  

Additional Responsibilities As Deemed Necessary.

USG Business Unit Core Competencies

All staff hired into positions within the USG Business at DAI are expected to demonstrate these competences throughout their work and interactions with others.

• Collaborates Effectively: Recognizes the benefit of working with others from multicultural backgrounds; believes collaboration can lead to better and stronger contributions to USG; views relationships as long-term and meaningful; Communicates with empathy to cross-cultural audiences.
• Champions Inclusion: Treats others with honesty, respect, and consideration; promotes cross-cultural understanding and inclusion throughout the organization; demonstrates appreciation for the complex environments in which DAI works.
• Performs with Excellence: Thrives in all aspects of your role and fosters an open and energizing environment that motivates self and peers to contribute their personal best and is reflective of USG’s vision and mission.
• Creates Innovative Solutions: Problem solves and broadens perspectives, while overcoming biases to find solutions to complex challenges; seeks opportunities to experiment with new approaches and grow/develop the skills of oneself and others.
• Drives Growth: Able to weigh the costs and benefits of actions both internally and externally and their impact on diverse markets and stakeholders; Understands priorities and behaviors necessary for personal and organizational growth.
• Navigates Risk: Integrates risk considerations into all aspects of work and planning; understands benchmarks for escalation of a risk-related issue or concern; makes decisions by gathering input from others and displaying trust of their recommendations, while also taking accountability for outcomes.
  
  
  

Qualifications & Skills Minimum Requirements:

• Grade P5: Minimum of 4 years of relevant professional work experience and a college degree. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
• Grade P6: Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional work experience and a college degree. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
• Experience working in monitoring, evaluation, and learning, with a focus on data analytics and data visualization, with experience in international or resource-challenged settings, preferably in one or more of DAI’s technical sectors (Governance, Environment, Economic Growth, Health, Digital Acceleration).
• Experience with coding in R or python.
• Experience doing statistical analysis, both descriptive and inferential or another type of analysis.
• Familiarity with USAID MEL techniques/approaches and experience implementing minimum USAID MEL requirements.
• Experience and proven knowledge using mobile/cloud-based digital technology for data collection and management.
• Demonstrated experience doing analysis and reporting through the utilization of business intelligence platforms, such as Power BI.
• Experience using geospatial data for visualization project data on maps.
• Strong critical thinking capabilities with an ability to rapidly assess situational needs, develop problem solving strategies, and implement sustainable solutions.
• Experience writing MEL Plans, drafting indicators and indicator reference documents, and surveying plans.
• Self-directed with strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks/competing deadlines simultaneously.
• Excellent attention to detail
• Able to work as part of a decentralized team with minimal oversight.
• Able to handle confidential and/or sensitive information with discretion.
• Professional proficiency in MS Office suite.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English, with the ability to communicate clearly and professionally with internal and external clients, and tailor communication style to diverse audiences.
• Able to build and maintain excellent working relationships with staff at all levels of the organization and external clients from diverse backgrounds.
• Able and willing to travel (up to 30% of the time) to any country where DAI currently operates, or may wish to operate, barring times when DAI Global Security has deemed travel unsafe.
• Authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• *Based in one of the following U.S. locations where DAI is registered: District of Columbia, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington.
  
  
  

Preferred, but not required:

• Experience working with KoboToolbox or ODK and Airtable.
• Experience in supporting USAID projects in complex environments.
• Experience working successfully and respectfully in local communities in developing world setting.
• Fluency in French or Spanish preferred. Compensation & Benefits: Specialist (P5): For employees working the United States, the full-time equivalent annual base salary for this position is expected to be between $82,417 to $96,962.
  
  
  

Senior Specialist (P6): For employees working the United States, the full-time equivalent annual base salary for this position is expected to be between $94,780 to $111,506.

Salary for part-time employees will be prorated based on actual hours worked. Actual offers will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, qualifications, relevant education, experience, skills, seniority, performance, and business or organizational needs.

Eligible U.S. based employees, will be able to enroll in medical, dental and vision insurance, plus a 401(k)-retirement plan with a company match. Additionally, employees will be eligible for company-paid annual leave (vacation & holidays), sick leave, parental leave; as well as short- and long-term disability coverage. Detailed information will be provided at the time a formal offer is extended.

For employees working outside of the United States, compensation and benefits will vary based on location.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or status as a protected veteran.

DAI and its employees are committed to confronting discrimination in all forms, nurturing respect for our interpersonal relationships, and holding ourselves accountable for positive change within the company and in the communities, cultures, and countries in which we live and work. DAI is committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races, ethnicities, and backgrounds in our continued effort to become a better development partner.

DAI upholds the highest ethical standards. We are committed to the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment as well as other ethical breaches. All our positions are therefore subject to stringent vetting and reference checks.