Operational Learning and Logistics Manager, LOCAL Project Pact

Pact Overview

At the heart of Pact is the promise of a better tomorrow. A nonprofit international development organization founded in 1971, Pact works on the ground in nearly 40 countries to improve the lives of those who are challenged by poverty and marginalization. We serve these communities because we envision a world where everyone owns their future. To do this, we build systemic solutions in partnership with local organizations, businesses, and governments that create sustainable and resilient communities where those we serve are heard, capable, and vibrant.

Pact is a recognized global leader in international development. Our staff have a range of expertise in areas including public health, capacity development, governance and civil society, natural resource management, poverty, fragile states, monitoring and evaluation, small-scale and artisanal mining, microfinance and more. This expertise is combined in Pact’s unique integrated approach, which focuses on systemic changes needed to improve people’s lives.

Position Purpose:

Pact seeks an experienced Operational Learning and Logistics Manager for the USAID/Leading Organizational Capacity and Localization Development (LOCAL). USAID/Zambia intends to award a $10M contract to support this mechanism. The purpose of the LOCAL Activity is to support the organizational capacity of current USAID/Zambia local implementing partners to manage, implement, and monitor programs. This is anticipated to be a five-year activity.

The Operational Learning and Logistics Manager will oversee the monitoring, evaluation and learning components of an anticipated LOCAL activity. He /she will lead the development of and manages the MEL Plan and develop and maintain systems to collect data and leads data analysis to produce information on inputs, outputs, outcomes, and impact of the program. This position is contingent upon award and is anticipated to be based in Lusaka.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead a comprehensive learning effort across the LOCAL contract’s components and plans and coordinates all event logistics, in support of the Chief of Party.
• Lead an Annual Learning and Networking Conference design and execution as well as gathering the Capacity Strengthening Learning content throughout the Contractor’s deliverables.
• Provide technical leadership in organization and coordination of data collection, management, systems, analysis, interpretation, and use of data at all levels.
• Integrate and implement adaptive management using the Collaborative, Learning, and Adaptive (CLA) approach, tools and strategies throughout the activity.
• Lead routine analysis of data for learning and adaptation; visualize and summarize data and communicate with senior staff.
• Liaise with counterparts at international, government, non-government agencies involved in related activities and collaborate in promoting high quality results and complementary efforts.
• Provide technical leadership in monitoring, evaluation, learning approaches and the associated USAID-specific regulations.
• Provide data use and security training.
• Manage LOCAL learning platforms including linkages to existing opportunities for sustainability.
• Ensure submissions of all contract deliverables to the Development Data Library (DDL) as applicable.

Basic Requirements 

• Master’s degree or higher in public or global health, international development, or relevant field.
• A minimum of 8 years progressive leadership and experience in training, M&E and/or strategic information for large-scale, complex, international development assistance programs is required.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience managing diverse teams of professional staff is required.
• Demonstrating experience with supporting local partners to improve reporting across data streams (e.g., PEPFAR’s MER, ER, and HRH reporting systems, other reports).
• Experience with strategic information systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with USAID MEL requirements and CLA tools and approaches.
• Experience developing results frameworks, logical frameworks, or similar tools for project design.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and managing operational research and evaluations.
• Demonstrated experience in synthesizing and analyzing various data sources for learning and recommendations for programming adaptations.
• Experience training other organizations in MEL topics and methods.
• Experience with coordinating trainings, workshops, and events to promote learning within and between projects.
• Effective writing and data visualization skills. Excellent interpersonal, writing, and English language oral presentation skills.
• Demonstrated skills in problem solving and consensus building.
• Ability to travel within Zambia and internationally as required.
• Zambian nationals or permanent residents preferred for this role.

Preferred qualifications 

• Experience with DHIS2 platform and mobile data collection software.
• Understanding of USAID standard indicators.

Pact is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, citizenship status, genetic information, matriculation, family responsibilities, personal appearance, credit information, tobacco use (except in the workplace), membership in an employee organization, or other protected classifications or non-merit factors.