Evaluation & Learning Specialist

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

IRC is currently looking for an Evaluation and Learning Specialist to support the development and implementation of an evaluation plan for the **GROWTH**project.

The main purpose of this assignment is to support in the design of a comprehensive evaluation framework for the ongoing evaluation of the project and the development of the data collection tools. The Specialist is expected to prepare an evaluation plan that will operationalize the evaluation. In the inception report, the Specialist shall illustrate understanding of the evaluation questions, and elaborate on methods to be used, limitations or constraints to the evaluation, and schedules and delivery dates to guide the implementation of the evaluation, as well as the expected timeline of the evaluation.

The overall objective of the external evaluation is to provide an unbiased and critical assessment of the level to which the envisaged aims and results of the project have been achieved, identifying both the successes and any specific shortcomings of the products, processes, and outputs. As an ongoing evaluation, data collection will be conducted throughout the full duration of the project and will run in parallel with the implementation of activities. The findings will be used to inform adaptive management, enhance project effectiveness, and guide future programming decisions.

**Specific Duties and Responsibilities**:
The main responsibilities of the Evaluation and Learning Specialist will include:

- Under the supervision of the MEAL Manager, design, adapt, and review the internal MEAL strategy laying out the framework for all monitoring and evaluation activities, including ethical standards, especially a comprehensive evaluation plan which will include a detailed workplan and timeline for the ongoing project evaluation;
- Under the supervision of the MEAL Manager, design the relevant data collection tools for the ongoing evaluation of the project and oversee their implementation to gather quantitative and qualitative data about the consortium work;
- Provide technical assistance to staff and partner on implementing the evaluation plan, ensuring proper data collection and record keeping;
- Ensure ethical standards for implementation of all activities and ensure confidentiality of clients.

**Deliverables**:

- A comprehensive evaluation framework, which will include a detailed workplan and timeline for the ongoing project evaluation.
- Development of data collection tools for the ongoing evaluation.
- Structure of the final M&E report including an executive summary, introduction, methodology, findings, conclusions, lessons learned, recommendations, and appendices in line with IRC standard guidelines and templates

**Reporting Lines**

Position directly reports to: MEAL & Protection Monitoring Manager, IRC Italia

**Working Environment**
- This position is remote
- May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.

**REQUIREMENTS**:

- Specialization/extensive experience in conducting evaluations, particularly through participatory evaluation processes, and a proven record in delivering professional results;
- In-depth knowledge and experience in refugee and preferably community sponsorships projects evaluation;
- Knowledge of strategic and operational management of humanitarian operations, as well as proven ability to provide strategic and practical recommendations to key stakeholders;
- Strong analytical skills and ability to clearly synthesize and present findings, draw practical conclusions, make recommendations and prepare well-written reports in a timely manner;
- Experience in qualitative and/or quantitative data collection and data analysis techniques;
- Familiarity with transparency and downward accountability processes and their values;
- Fluency in written and spoken English, ideally in conjunction with good skills in spoken Italian;
- Minimum qualification of a master´s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.

IRC Way: The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC ope