Background

The Association for Asian Studies (AAS) is a non-profit academic association dedicated to the advancement of the field of Asian Studies through international exchange, networking, publications, research support, and career development.  With the support of the Swedish Government, AAS is launching a new project focused on “Developing the Humanities and Social Sciences and Supporting Under-Represented Scholars of Asia”, which aims at developing the research capacity of local institutions located in post-conflict and conflict areas of Southeast and South Asia. In collaboration with four main implementing partners based in Cambodia, Thailand, India and Pakistan, this project will enhance the academic knowledge, research skills and resources in the humanities and social sciences of South and Southeast Asian scholars and students from less economically advantaged regions.

As part of this project, we are seeking a values-driven consultant to conduct the project’s Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) work. This is a position requiring outstanding communications skills, extensive experience developing MEL framework successfully and a nuanced understanding of South and/ or Southeast Asian cultures. The Association is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, but the MEL Facilitator will be based in Asia with a preference for a Southeast Asian or South Asian country.  

Main objective of the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Facilitator

The consultant will develop the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) framework to be used for assessing the project’s performance, outputs, outcomes and impact. The MEL’s framework will serve as a management and assessment tool, assisting in the regular collection, analysis and use of information generated by the project’s activities. The MEL Facilitator will serve a crucial role in monitoring the project’s accomplishments in line with its objectives.

Role Description

Directly responsible for:

• Developing a Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) framework and manual in consultation with the AAS Director of Special Initiatives that will enable the project to reach its capacity-building goals in the selected South and Southeast Asian regions.
• Working closely with the four implementing partners (or regional Hubs) to implement a coordinated, effective and mutually beneficial MEL mechanism.
• Providing the regional Hubs and their local partners with the necessary trainings and follow-up (both in-person and online) on issues related to MEL, anti-corruption and women’s participation.
• Coordinating and supporting the work of the four-person MEL teams assigned to assess the work of the regional Hubs as they implement their capacity-building training workshops.
• Preparing Action Learning Case Studies (ALCS) to gain an in-depth understanding of the work implemented at the Hubs/ country level.
• Monitoring the activities carried out by the regional Hubs, reconciling with M&E framework, distilling lessons and planning future work.
• Attending AAS-in-Asia conferences and participating in the meeting of the Collaboration and Coordination Committee (CCC) to inform the decision-making process of its members, who will review the project’s progress and plan for the next scheduled activities.
• Preparing recommendations for Phase II of the project and providing input for the project’s final evaluation.
• Any other responsibilities, which may arise in the course of the project as assigned by the CCC and/ or the AAS Director of Special Initiatives.

Reporting

• The MEL Facilitator will report to the AAS Director of Special Initiatives and to the project’s Collaboration and Coordination Committee.
• He/ she will prepare bi-monthly and annual reports to the AAS Director of Special Initiatives, AAS Executive Director, and to the Collaboration and Coordination Committee that will oversee the project in South and Southeast Asia.

Qualifications and Experience

• A master’s degree or Ph.D. in development studies, political science, anthropology or relevant disciplines
• At least 5 years working in the non-profit sector and with international partners
• At least 3 years’ proven experience with Project/Program Monitoring and Evaluation
• At least 3 years’ proven experience in grant management and reporting
• Experience of working in the academic sector in post-conflict areas of South and Southeast Asia

Competencies

• Personal integrity and transparency
• Outstanding communication skills, both verbal and written
• Strong technical and analytical skills and demonstrated ability to collect, analyze and interpret data
• Quantitative and qualitative data management skills
• Excellent ability to synthesize, understand and communicate complex MEL issues effectively to non-English speakers
• Ability to work in a team, develop synergies and establish effective working relations    
• Excellent organizational skills and proficient time management skills

Remuneration

AAS offers competitive consultancy remuneration package commensurate with experience and skill

Application Process

Send complete application to: Dr. Krisna Uk (krisnauk@asianstudies.org) and copying Dr. Hilary Finchum-Sung (hvfinchum@asianstudies.org) with ‘MEL Facilitator’ in the subject line, and include:

• A cover letter describing why you are interested in this position and why you feel you are well-suited to support the Association for Asian Studies’ mission
• An up-to-date CV
• The contact details of two professional references

Equal Opportunity

We encourage applications from all regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or status as a protected Veteran.

Deadline: 15th May 2022. Shortlisted candidates only will be contacted in advance of the deadline.