Monitoring, Evaluation, Adaptation, Research and Learning (MEARL) Director, Empower Nigeria Proposal at DT Global

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.