Description

Overview Learning and Communications Director- Sri Lanka and Maldives Ocean Plastics Reduction Activity Research Triangle Institute (RTI) has over 30 years’ experience assisting governments, communities, and the private sector. As a not-for-profit, independent research institute based in North Carolina, USA, RTI has roughly 5,000 employees with global experience implementing international development projects. RTI’s Sustainable Growth & Resilience (SG&R) technical unit within the International Development Group brings together RTI experts and capabilities across food security, agriculture, energy, environment, water, governance, and economic opportunity. SG&R will leverage RTI’s experience designing and delivering multisectoral programming and technical solutions to respond to climate change, build resilience, and promote economic growth around the world. SG&R’s Water portfolio has delivered innovative, breakthrough solutions in key development sectors, including water sector governance, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services, solid waste management, urbanization, economic livelihood development, community engagement, and institutional capacity building. Our work spans the Africa continent with a growing presence in South Asia. Project Description The purpose of the USAID Sri Lanka & Maldives Ocean Plastic Reduction Program (Ocean Plastics Reduction) Activity is a five-year project (2022-2027) to minimize ocean plastics pollution in Sri Lanka and the Maldives by reducing reliance on plastic products while improving integrated solid waste management (SWM) practices. The project will provide programming to both Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Position Description RTI is seeking a Learning and Communications Director for USAID Ocean Plastics Reduction Activity. The Learning and Communications Director supports the Chief of Party (COP) in all technical and management aspects of monitoring, evaluation, learning (MEL), and communications for the project. And will lead MEL and communications activities and will be responsible for ensuring the successful implementation of MEL initiatives by overseeing project results, data management, reporting on indicators, capturing evidence and learning, and supporting evidence-based decision-making. The Learning and Communications Director will be based in Colombo, Sri Lanka and report to the Chief of Party. Responsibilities Working closely with the Senior Management Team, develop, monitor, and ensure successful implementation of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan (AMELP) by overseeing project results, data management, reporting on indicators, capturing evidence and learning, and supporting evidence-based decision-making. Work closely with the technical team to create an inward- and outward-facing learning agenda. Prepare quarterly report summarizing performance against the approved indicator list and performance standards of the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (if applicable). Work closely with technical teams, USAID, RTI home office staff, and other stakeholders to develop communication products in support of project activities. Outline specific learning questions and activities and work closely with the Technical Leads to generate, validate, and present data in user-friendly format. Facilitate constructive and collaborative dialogue during regular MEL project reviews and biweekly team meetings. Support the Senior Management team to lead quarterly “pause and reflect” performance review processes with Workstream Leads. Qualifications Masters degree and 12 years of experience or Bachelors Degree and 15 years of experience. At least 5 years of progressive experience supporting USAID projects in applying MEL principles, including knowledge of reporting procedures, best practices, guidelines, methods, and approaches for MEL. Ability to articulate and apply Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) principles. Demonstrated experience in data analysis and data visualization. Demonstrated experience supporting project communication needs. Experience working with USG-funded projects preferred. Ability to work effectively, responsibly, and collaboratively with government counterparts, development and private sector partners, civil society organizations, and academic/ research institutions. Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel. Fluency in English. Experience working in Sri Lanka and/or the Maldives. Skills and Abilities: Excellent oral and written communication skills Strong interpersonal/relationship-building skills Excellent oral and written communication skills Strong influencing and coaching skills Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines under pressure Ability to multitask Ability to work independently and within matrix project and program teams Attention to detail and accuracy Culturally sensitive and respectful Demonstrates commitment to RTI’s mission, vision, and values

Responsibilities

Working closely with the Senior Management Team, develop, monitor, and ensure successful implementation of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan (AMELP) by overseeing project results, data management, reporting on indicators, capturing evidence and learning, and supporting evidence-based decision-making. Work closely with the technical team to create an inward- and outward-facing learning agenda. Prepare quarterly report summarizing performance against the approved indicator list and performance standards of the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (if applicable). Work closely with technical teams, USAID, RTI home office staff, and other stakeholders to develop communication products in support of project activities. Outline specific learning questions and activities and work closely with the Technical Leads to generate, validate, and present data in user-friendly format. Facilitate constructive and collaborative dialogue during regular MEL project reviews and biweekly team meetings. Support the Senior Management team to lead quarterly “pause and reflect” performance review processes with Workstream Leads

Qualification

Masters degree and 12 years of experience or Bachelors Degree and 15 years of experience. At least 5 years of progressive experience supporting USAID projects in applying MEL principles, including knowledge of reporting procedures, best practices, guidelines, methods, and approaches for MEL. Ability to articulate and apply Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) principles. Demonstrated experience in data analysis and data visualization. Demonstrated experience supporting project communication needs. Experience working with USG-funded projects preferred. Ability to work effectively, responsibly, and collaboratively with government counterparts, development and private sector partners, civil society organizations, and academic/ research institutions. Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel. Fluency in English. Experience working in Sri Lanka and/or the Maldives. Skills and Abilities: Excellent oral and written communication skills Strong interpersonal/relationship-building skills Excellent oral and written communication skills Strong influencing and coaching skills Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines under pressure Ability to multitask Ability to work independently and within matrix project and program teams Attention to detail and accuracy Culturally sensitive and respectful Demonstrates commitment to RTI’s mission, vision, and values

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements