Evaluator for DREAMS-Tanzania Program

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization that operates in over 40 countries, driven by the belief that a better world is possible. The organization partners with communities to implement bold solutions that help individuals overcome adversity and build stronger communities from within. Mercy Corps focuses on disaster response, economic development, and community resilience, aiming to create sustainable change in the lives of those they serve.

Job Overview:
The Evaluator for the DREAMS-Tanzania Program will collaborate with the DREAMS-TZ team to assess the program's design, implementation, learning, and results as it works towards achieving its intended outcomes and long-term resilience objectives. The evaluator will be responsible for proposing additional data collection or analytical work necessary to adequately answer evaluation questions. The role requires prioritizing a subset of core evaluation questions based on learning value, feasibility, and strategic decision-making needs during the inception phase. The evaluator will lead the planning, design, and execution of the mid-term evaluation, focusing on examining progress against the DREAMS-TZ Theory of Change and results framework, while emphasizing learning and adaptation rather than summative judgments of impact. The evaluator will apply mixed methods and triangulation to strengthen the credibility of findings and facilitate capacity-building sessions with the MEL and program team.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The evaluator will lead the entire planning, design, and execution of the DREAMS-TZ program mid-term evaluation in collaboration with the consortium of MEAL and the program team. Responsibilities include examining progress and early signals of change against the DREAMS-TZ Theory of Change, assessing contributions rather than attributions, emphasizing learning and adaptation, prioritizing qualitative inquiry, applying mixed methods, facilitating capacity-building sessions, providing technical support for the MEL system, and planning and executing internal and external assessment report dissemination sessions for learning and stakeholder validation. The evaluator will also actively learn about safeguarding and integrate it into their work, ensuring respect for the dignity and well-being of participants and team members.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or higher in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL), social, development, economic, environmental studies, or related fields. They should have 7-10+ years of experience in program evaluation, including mid-term reviews of multi-component programs. Proven application of theory-based and mixed-methods designs is essential, along with demonstrated experience evaluating resilience and economic programming that integrates poverty graduation and market systems development. Strong analytical and report-writing skills with a record of high-quality evaluation reports for INGOs and donors are required, as well as experience collaborating with INGOs, donors, or consortia.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree or higher in relevant fields such as Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL), social sciences, development studies, economics, or environmental studies is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of program evaluation and the methodologies involved in assessing program effectiveness.

Experience:
The position requires 7-10+ years of experience in program evaluation, specifically including mid-term reviews of multi-component programs. Candidates should have a proven track record in applying theory-based and mixed-methods designs, as well as experience evaluating resilience and economic programming that integrates poverty graduation and market systems development. Familiarity with market system-oriented evaluation approaches and experience engaging with government, private sector, and community structures are also desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as the evaluator will need to communicate effectively with stakeholders and produce high-quality reports. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Tanzania would be advantageous but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Tabora, Tanzania, and requires a minimum of 50% travel to relatively remote locations where program activities are implemented, particularly in the Tabora and Katavi regions. The role is designed to support ongoing learning and development, allowing team members to dedicate 5% of their time to personal and professional growth activities. Mercy Corps is committed to equal employment opportunities and maintaining a safe and inclusive work environment, adhering to safeguarding principles and ethical standards.