Social Solutions International, Inc. (Social Solutions) is a Hispanic and woman-owned business emphasizing quality research and evaluation, training and technical assistance, and institutional support services. We are a mission-driven organization that believes that superior science can improve the world. Social Solutions is dedicated to the creation of social and health solutions to improve the welfare of underserved populations worldwide.

Social Solutions is a large, thriving business with a fun atmosphere that encourages creativity, new ideas, and employee health and well-being. We put our employees first and use empathetic leadership, taking a genuine interest in our employees’ lives and the challenges they face in and out of the workplace. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) are integral to our company culture, and we are continuously striving to enhance our DEIA efforts across our company. You will feel like a contributing member of a growing team and company that has flexibility to enhance processes and procedures quickly to improve performance and growth. We help our employees carve out a professional pathway that has mutual benefits for them and Social Solutions.

• Submit CV and cover letter to info@pacificamerican.fund with the following:
  • Email subject line: MEL Specialist Candidate - First Name Last Name
  • CV File Name: MEL Specialist_First Name Last Name_CV
  • Cover Letter File Name: MEL Specialist_First Name Last Name_Cover letter

Social Solutions International Inc. is seeking a seasoned professional to serve as a Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialist. This is a local hire position. The MEL Specialist reports to the MEL-GESI Manager and works directly with grantees to support the development and monitoring of MEL and GESI principles for each grant activity. The MEL Specialist plays an important role in supporting the grantmaking facility and grantee capacity building for a $20M grant portfolio supporting 20-30 grants. Under the direction of the MEL-GESI Program Lead, the MEL Specialist will contribute to the success of the Pacific American Fund by monitoring the impact of PAF on a programmatic-level and by individual grant activities. Duties may vary from time to time to meet programmatic priorities. Occasional travel within the region may be required for grant monitoring and/or capacity building site visits. This position is based in Suva, Fiji Islands.

Social Solutions is implementing the Pacific American Fund under direct contract with USAID. The Pacific American Fund is a $35 million, 5-year regional grantmaking facility funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and operates across 12 Pacific Island countries. The Pacific American Fund provides and monitors grants to civil society organizations (CSOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other eligible entities addressing a wide range of development challenges across the Pacific region. Administration of the Pacific American Fund grantmaking facility entails preparing and issuing solicitations, reviewing proposals, awarding grants, monitoring and evaluating grant performance, monitoring, and auditing financial reports, ensuring due diligence and compliance with USAID rules and regulations, closing out grants, and reporting to USAID. The Pacific American Fund team provides organizational capacity-building to local sub-grantees to ensure proper stewardship of USG funding and improved organizational and financial management of local partners. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Grants MEL Support

• Provide guidance and support to grantees to develop their Capacity Building, MEL, and Project Implementation Plans in accordance to USAID ADS 201;
• Identify capacity building and technical assistance opportunities for grantees through self-assessment or bi-weekly meetings with grantees and deliver/manage capacity building activities;
• Assist grantees to write and submit Quarterly/Annual Performance Reports to adequate capture each grant activity progress and development impact.
• Align grantee capacity building plans with PAF’s Learning and Development Plan (LDP)

• Program Support

• Support Grants solicitation and evaluation process by reviewing and evaluating grant applications, assisting with pre-award and organizational capacity assessments, and pre-award document preparation;
• Contribute to PAF’s LDP through quarterly or annual revisions;
• Provide technical advice on learning and development needs, activities, and strategies for PAF as a program;

• Reporting

• Review grantee Quarterly/Annual Performance Reports and assist in data aggregation and data analysis for PAF Program-level reporting (i.e. USAID PPR Indicator reporting);
• Contribute writing assigned sections of the PAF Quarterly/Annual Performance Reports and other contract deliverables
• Track and report progress against the Fund’s Learning and Development Plan;

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• At least 5-7 years of experience as a MEL Specialist or equivalent role for an international development grants program in similar depth and breadth as the Pacific American Fund (approximately $20M value and 20-30 grants under management);
• A bachelors or graduate degree in international relations/development, public policy/administration, business administration, finance, statistics or another directly relevant field; 
• Meticulous and able to perform independently with minimum supervision;
• Curious, inquisitive mindset with the ability to take a common sense approach to MEL;
• Logical and methodical mindset to adhere to standardized processes, templates, and record-keeping to withstand an audit;
• Proficiency and hands-on experience in 2 or more technical sectors (i.e. climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, biodiversity/conservation, fisheries, social entrepreneurship, etc.);
• Exceptional Google Sheets or MS Excel skills with advanced knowledge of formulas and functions;
• Exceptional computer skills and proficiency in Google Docs and Google Slides or Microsoft equivalent;
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in English.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Intimate understanding of various funding agencies and US government regulations and procedures, applying USAID regulations and procedures in monitoring and evaluation as defined in ADS 201;
• Development and community engagement experience as well as capacity building abilities and in-depth understanding of local CSOs and NGOs; 
• Diplomatic skills and cultural and political sensitivities; 
• Strong experience with performance management and measurement systems; 
• Direct experience working in the Pacific region would be an added strength; and 
• Knowledge of a local Pacific language. 

Social Solutions offers competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits. Please submit your resume online at www.socialsolutions.biz.

Social Solutions is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.