Senior Manager, MLE Strategy

About Evidence Action

Evidence Action is a global nonprofit organization with an approach distinctive in international development - we exclusively scale interventions that are backed by strong evidence and can be delivered with exceptional cost-effectiveness. Our programs have grown since our founding in 2013 to reach over 280 million people annually. We deliver high impact for every dollar spent, as recognized by GiveWell, The Life You Can Save, and Charity Navigator. 

We do development differently. We take a data-driven approach to identifying, scaling, and continuously improving programs which deliver immense impact, ensuring these solutions measurably improve the lives of millions. Our Deworm the World Initiative has helped governments in Africa and Asia deliver over 1.4 billion childhood deworming treatments, improving health, education, and incomes.

Dispensers for Safe Water provides sustained safe water access to over 4 million people in rural Africa, preventing childhood illness and deaths.  

We drive innovation: Our Accelerator builds the next generation of exceptional programs, taking an approach most similar to a venture capital model. We are ruthless in exiting programs which do not meet our criteria; those that advance deliver outsized impact for millions of people.  

We are global. Across eight countries in Africa and Asia, our 400+ people are united by a tremendous passion for our mission and impact. We are strong because of our diversity of experience, geography, and background - with over 90% of our people in the countries where our impact is focused.  

We have big ambitions. Our goal is to double our impact by 2024, to fulfill our vision of a world where hundreds of millions of people in the poorest places have better opportunities and their lives are measurably improved. We believe in bold and urgent action - because poverty doesn’t wait, and neither should we.  

We need great people. Our success to date is due to the collective work of our amazing staff. To achieve our ambitious goals, we are looking for people who share our passion for evidence, cost-effectiveness, and scale. We seek individuals who take an entrepreneurial approach, enjoy tackling hard problems, and have a bias to action and results. If our vision and approach excite you as much as it does us, we invite you to join us. 

About the MLE Strategy team

The MLE Strategy team optimizes Evidence Action’s evidence-based, cost-effective programming through versatile and right-fit monitoring and evaluation solutions and insights. Working closely with other global and regional teams, we are responsible for developing MLE frameworks and strategies that improve programs and further our understanding of programmatic impact.  

Evidence Action is uniquely able to adapt our programs based on the evidence generated and shared by the MLE team. The Senior Manager role sits at this nexus and plays an important role in driving program improvements and critical program decisions. 

We aim to be cost-efficient and appropriately rigorous when answering programmatic learning goals and strive to deliver timely services that meet programs’ needs. Although the team works across the organization, the MLE Strategy staff are committed to fostering a team culture that values connectedness and continuous growth and learning. 

About the Position

The Senior Manager will support Evidence Action’s programs. In this role, you will manage the global MLE work for a portfolio of programs, including nutrition, deworming, and maternal and child health programs, with guidance from the Program Directors.  

The primary responsibilities of the Senior Manager, MLE Strategy will be to (1) ensure the MLE for their portfolio of programs is “right fit” and high quality, in collaboration with the Program teams and regional MLE teams, (2) manage the MLE Strategy team’s support to these programs, and (3) manage new global MLE initiatives for these programs or other programs in the organization.  

You will report to the Director of our MLE Strategy team and join three other MLE Strategy team members supporting these programs, including two direct reports.  

Responsibilities

• Technical leadership and design strategy: 
  • Manage the design, development, and maintenance of global MLE frameworks and country MLE strategies. 
  • Oversee and ensure the quality of the MLE Strategy team’s technical output, including sampling methodologies, data collection tools, and analysis, and the technical output of external MLE consultants. 
  • Manage implementation research, including refining the design and overseeing the implementation of an endline process evaluation for the IFA program.
  • Provide technical leadership on the design and implementation of implementation research studies or pilots, including assessing the acceptability and feasibility of nutrition or school-based health interventions we might be pursuing. 
  • Identify the need for and develop global MLE best practices.
• Advising and external engagement: 
  • Provide thought partnership to regional MLE teams on MLE planning and implementation to ensure the quality of data collection and analysis activities. 
  • Lead the global analysis and tracking of MLE results for DtWI and the IFA supplementation program and support accurate interpretation and application of the results.
  • Support engagement with donors on the proposed scope of MLE activities, calibrate on the program’s goals, and provide inputs on donor reports and fundraising proposals, including sharing MLE results to inform donor and funding decisions. 
  • Ensure the external communication and interpretation of data is accurate and relevant, including leading or guiding the development of abstracts, reports, blogs, and publications to disseminate program findings.
• Project management and cross-team collaboration: 
  • Oversee MLE scopes of works, budgets, and work plans for their portfolio of programs, including identifying and tracking key MLE milestones and ensuring deadlines for deliverables are met.
  • Prioritize multiple work streams, mitigate risks, problem solve challenges, and clearly communicate expectations. 
  • Oversee coordination with regional MLE teams to ensure effective role distribution and develop efficient processes and protocols to streamline and create consistency in the MLE team’s work.
  • Foster a culture of accountability and feedback across teams.
• People management: 
  • Supervise a team, initially starting with two direct reports. 
  • Empower staff reporting to you, identify areas for growth, and effectively coach their learning. 
  • Maintain and promote a healthy work environment for the staff reporting to you. 

Required Qualifications:

• At least 5 years of demonstrated experience developing M&E frameworks and plans, conducting implementation research, designing M&E activities including sampling design, survey protocols and data collection tools, and conducting global and country data analysis.
• Advanced degree with significant coursework in quantitative courses (e.g. in economics, statistics, epidemiology
• Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Strong analytical skills and experience using statistical software (Stata preferred) to oversee and conduct analysis of large datasets.
• Strong team player.
• Strong people management skills and can manage people and teams cross functionally.
• Willingness to work hours that overlap with colleagues in India and across Africa.
• Adapts quickly to new and dynamic contexts.
• Willingness to travel to program locations up to 25% of the year

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. for role to be based in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of a U.S. employment visa at this time. 

Evidence Action is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to diversity. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.

Benefits

Evidence Action provides a comprehensive benefits package for employees worldwide. Benefits include:

• comprehensive health insurance
• retirement savings options
• life insurance
• generous leave
• avenues for engagement and recognition.

*Benefits may differ based on country-specific regulations