Director of MEL: Internal Programs (Volunteer)

Role Summary:

The Director of MEL: Internal Programs lead the implementation, analysis, and continuous improvement of evaluation initiatives that measure the impact of MAP’s core programs. This role will lead a small team of data analysts and collaborate closely with the Chief of MEL, program implementers, and executive leadership to refine research methodologies, strengthen organizational capacity for core program evaluations, and generate evidence to inform strategic decision-making.

Key Responsibilities:

Implementation and Refinement of Evaluations:

• Lead the implementation and refinement of evaluation plans for MAP’s core programs.
• Collaborate with core program implementers to ensure smooth, collaborative implementation of data collection tools, to iterate on pilot evaluations, and to ideate additional indicators, where relevant.
• Manage a smooth, transparent, and rigorous analysis to communication pipeline, ensuring results are interpreted with the appropriate level of certainty and that all stakeholders receive the information they should.
• Uphold and enforce strong research ethics, including upholding MAP’s legal, regulatory, and data security obligations.

Capacity-Building

• Collaborate with the Chief of MEL on capacity-building to work toward more rigorous evaluation mechanisms, such as quasi-experimental designs or RCTs, where relevant.
• Collaborate with the Chief of MEL on identifying and partnering with organizations for the use of administrative data, where appropriate.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Graduate degree or in final years of a graduate degree in fields related to public policy, education, economics, psychology, or a similar field, with a focus in evaluation methods preferred.
• Understanding and appreciation of both qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Strong understanding of the assumptions, strengths, limitations, and components of different evaluation designs.
• Strong understanding of the capacities and priorities of community or grassroots organizations.
• Prior experience designing and running field research end-to end, with a preference for projects focused on program evaluation.
• Prior experience with research focused on education or social-emotional wellbeing, in your own research or in significant coursework.
• Prior experience working with disadvantaged populations.
• Strong analytical, project management, leadership, and communication skills.
• CITI Human Subjects Research certification