Learning Specialist (USAID/Sudan) at ME&A

• ME&A is recruiting a Learning Specialist for an anticipated USAID\/Sudan BHA Monitoring Project. The purpose of this Activity is to provide third-party monitoring and evaluation services for USAID BHA funded humanitarian program activities in Sudan. These services will prioritize monitoring trends in South Kordofan and Blue Nile regions, along with other inaccessible localities in Sudan.
• This position is full-time contingent upon a contract award and subject to change and based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Responsibilities

• The Learning Specialist will direct all collaboration, learning, and adaptation (CLA) management activities. S\/he will serve as a facilitator or co-facilitator of high-level discussions among USAID staff and partners regarding learning and adaptive management. The position will foster strong, collaborative relationships with key Mission stakeholders, serve as a convener for dialogue and learning around emerging issues, assist in identifying and responding to key learning issues, and coordinate efforts amongst implementing partners (IPs) working on common objectives. S\/he will develop and implement a learning agenda and plan for the Mission and IPs that outlines key learning questions, stakeholders, and their roles. The candidate will produce strategic communications materials and knowledge products. The Learning Specialist will facilitate processes and workshops and coordination among IPs and other collaborators; produce reflections on the implications of new learning; develop plans for adapting programs accordingly; and establish a network of key stakeholders. S\/he will ensure that monitoring and evaluation information is shared and fully utilized through knowledge sharing and strategic learning processes to speed innovation and improve upon and bring new innovations to BHA's programming in Sudan.

Qualifications
Education + Experience Requirements

• Master's degree in a relevant field such as international relations, communications, economics, political science, or another related field. A bachelor's degree plus additional work experience will be considered as well.
• A minimum of seven (7) years of increasingly responsible professional experience, including in learning and adaptive management and knowledge management, preferably with USAID.
• Experience using innovative technologies and communication methods to generate and share knowledge and learning.
• Demonstrated leadership and strategic thinking\/planning capabilities, and a proven record of programmatic accomplishment, professional achievement, and management competence
• Knowledge of and access to various stakeholder networks in Sudan, including government, civil society, private sector, research institutions, marginalized communities, or a demonstrated ability to forge such relationships.

Other Requirements Or Preferred Experience

• Technical knowledge in concepts such as monitoring, evaluation methods, collaboration and learning, adaptive management, joint indicator development, data collection and analysis, and performance reporting.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and facilitating learning initiatives, such as communities of practice, learning summits, and adaptive management workshops.
• Experience with learning agenda development and strategy reviews, preferably as lead facilitator.
• Demonstrated experience with a wide range of development issues, from gender equity, and social inclusion, agriculture, and economic growth, to environment, democracy and governance, health, nutrition, and education.
• Experience leading teams and individuals with diverse skills and interests, along with demonstrated success in mentoring and\/or coaching team members in learning and the development of knowledge products.
• Demonstrated passion for facilitating and creating organizational learning, change, and advancing foreign aid effectiveness opportunities.
• Conversation and presentation skills that can influence decision makers and foster organizational change strategies, with implementation occurring within a complex organizational setting.
• An ability to serve as an effective USAID representative with a wide array of individuals and institutions.
• Some supervisory experience is preferred.
• Strong professional proficiency in spoken and written English is required.