Research, Evaluation and Learning (REL) Specialist

The USAID- funded Advancing Basic Education in the Philippines: ABC+ project is currently accepting applications for Research, Evaluation and Learning (REL) Specialist. This activity will work with the Government of the Philippines to support improved literacy in mother-tongue, numeracy, and social and emotional learning in the early grades. The project outcomes will include improved education system capacity to manage and implement interventions supporting effective early grade instruction. The activity will target Regions V (Bikol) and VI (Western Visayas). The position will be based in Manila.

The REL Specialist is responsible for the day-to-day coordination of the Philippines ABC+ Project’s research, monitoring, evaluation and learning as well as the reporting systems and procedures. The Specialist will contribute to the development and will supervise the use of M&E tools in data collection and analysis across the Project. Under the guidance of the MEL Advisor and in close coordination with the program teams, s/he will lead in the design and implementation of research activities. S/he will lead in the development and submission of timely, accurate, and complete project data reporting requirements. S/he will support project learning and adaptation by supporting facilitated data reviews with staff and partners. Reports to the MEL Advisor and is based in the Manila office.

Under the guidance of the MEL Advisor

• Lead in the design, development of the tools and instruments, planning and implementation of research
• Lead in the design and development of learning activities and dissemination events from research, monitoring, and evaluation- generated data from program
• Implement and maintain the Project’s M&E system particularly and the updating and tracking of performance indicators, milestones and baseline conditions.
• Lead the analysis and processing of both quantitative and qualitative information to measure progress and attainment of outcome level results in a timely
• Develop and oversee standardized reporting, performance monitoring and evaluation
• Lead the analysis and processing of M&E data and reporting on performance indicators to Project teams and Project counterparts to derive lessons for improvement and best
• Prepare data visualization, technical reports, and presentations to support project activities, including data review sessions for project
• Prepare the annual Performance Monitoring & Evaluation Plan (PMEP) and the monthly, quarterly and annual progress reports against this plan; contribute to other Project reports such as government and USAID reports;
• Regularly review and update the project’s
• Perform other M&E duties as

• At minimum,Bachelor’s Degree and 8 years of experience or Maste’s degree and 6 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in designing, implementing, and managing quantitative and qualitative
• Knowledge and experience in using quantitative and qualitative analysis
• Experience with indicator development and performance
• Knowledge of reporting procedures, best practices, guidelines, methods, and approaches for M&E.
• Proficiency in using MS Excel and
• Previous experience supporting M&E for USAID-funded education programming strongly
• Previous experience with the implementation of Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA) and Early Grade Math Assessment (EGMA) preferred but not
• Familiarity with USAID’s Collaboration, Learning and Adapting (CLA) approaches and tools.

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated excellence in analytical skills, technical writing, and data
• Highly detail-oriented with strong organization and interpersonal
• Strong report writing and verbal presentation skills in
• Additional skills required for the position include proficiency in data analysis software, such as SPSS or
• Strong oral/written communication skills in English. Native fluency or proficiency in Filipino and other languages of the Philippines are  a plus.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability