Job Description

Position: MEL Specialist

Location: US-Based – ideally in DC

ABOUT Q2 IMPACT

The QED Group, LLC (dba Q2 Impact) is a global consulting firm with more than 25 years of experience providing data-driven and insightful solutions 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. Our work maximizes results using cutting-edge technologies and innovation, organizational development, and evidence-based decision-making.

POSITION SUMMARY

Q2 Impact is seeking a Mid-level MEL Specialist with expertise in mixed methods research, and an understanding of how to apply these to monitoring, and evaluation to support various projects with USAID, the Department of State (DOS), and Department of Defense (DOD). The candidate will be part of the MEL/CLA Practice Area and provide MEL and research support across existing and future projects and contribute to and participate in or lead related business development efforts and processes.

Q2 Impact is a learning organization that supports the growth and professional development of our team members. This position is a great opportunity to be exposed to different government clients across the three D’s: Development, Diplomacy, and Defense. The successful candidate will receive training, mentorship, and coaching from multiple experts including technical experts in evaluation, governance and development, women, peace, and security, youth development, and many others. This position is US-based, and ideally within DC.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Technical Contribution

• Support projects by leading the ongoing development of MEL frameworks and processes, including portfolio-and project-level MEL design, template and data collection tool design, process and change management, and capacity development of client and implementer personnel on MEL tasks.
• Serve as an expert in the content and implementation of results frameworks and their incorporation into program design.
• Leverage mixed methods to design and implement research that answers client questions about programming. Work directly with clients to identify which research methods are appropriate.
• Support evidence-driven decision making through innovative data visualization work.
• Lead the creation and implementation of quantitative and qualitative data collection instruments and processes, conduct data collection and data quality reviews, review and synthesize documents, analyze data, and provide recommendations for the client and learning activities.
• Develop theories of change, results frameworks, appropriate metrics, indicators, and data collection forms/surveys.
• Contribute to data and knowledge management, arrange and manage meetings, and write or contribute to programmatic and technical reports and other deliverables.
• Support the development of tasks and deliverables, and coordinate with the larger team on various deliverables that include but are not limited to: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plans, Performance Management Plans, Results Frameworks, program evaluations, assessments, presentations, and various reports.
• Support Project Managers to manage project activities as required.

Business Development

• Write Monitoring and Evaluation sections of proposals that clearly demonstrate how Q2 Impact will measure performance of activities and projects.
• Support development and implementation of growth strategies for the company and relevant practice area through marketing initiatives, client outreach and diversification, and partner relationship development.
• Support live and tracked opportunities, working with the MEL/CLA Practice Area to provide research, write past performance references, take meeting notes, and perform other support tasks.
• Perform capture research and proposal writing tasks.
• Track client solicitations and business forecasts, partners, and competitors, and generally remain current on international development trends and the competitive landscape related to practice area.
• Participate in bids for new opportunities including, serving as a technical lead support, assisting managing resources for the bid, and maintaining the proposal process for the proposal lifecycle.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree with 5-8 years of experience in monitoring, evaluation and learning or related discipline.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and deliver complex technical deliverables meeting multiple client end-users' needs, requirements, and preferences.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively facilitate the development of clients’ technical needs and requirements.
• Demonstrated knowledge and application of social science, evaluation, and analytical tools and methods.
• Related experience with program management, monitoring and evaluation, administrative support, project coordination, or other related fields.
• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Proficient in Microsoft software, including Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel and Word, and Adobe.
• Experience working with data analysis and data visualization software plus GIS software including Tableau, NVivo, PowerBI, and others is ideal.
• Experience in supporting knowledge management projects with USAID is a plus.
• Current Secret clearance is a plus.
• Fluency in English. Knowledge of other languages is a plus.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational, and written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong knowledge of client relationship management principles and practices is a plus.

BENEFITS OF JOINING Q2IMPACT

• A dynamic group of professionals with diverse backgrounds and expertise, committed to delivering high-quality results and making a meaningful impact in communities around the world.
• An opportunity to lead and shape a growing firm that has a solid reputation in the industry and is poised for further expansion.
• A chance to work across development, diplomacy, and defense sectors, with a broad portfolio of projects and clients.
• A supportive and inclusive culture that values innovation, excellence, and collaboration.
• Competitive salary and benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, and paid time off.

Join our team at Q2 Impact, where your talents, expertise, and passion can make a difference. Apply today and become part of a dynamic and growing organization.

WORKING CONDITIONS & REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

The incumbent in this position will work in a professional office environment and will utilize the
following equipment when working

• Computer (laptop or desktop)
• Printer/Photocopier/Scanner/Fax
• Telephone
• Other (Specify if any)

The physical demands and work environment that have been described is representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

This position description is an overview of the major functions and requirements of this position. This document is not intended to be an exhaustive list encompassing every duty and requirement of the position; the Employee’s Manager may assign other duties as related or as otherwise deemed appropriate and necessary within the general scope, without the need for additional compensation.

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.