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Ascension is seeking a highly analytical and detail-oriented MEL Data Analyst / Data Quality Assurance (DQA) & Visualization Specialist to support a mission-focused Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) program for the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB).

The ideal candidate will combine expertise in monitoring and evaluation data analysis, data quality assurance, quantitative and qualitative analysis, dashboard development, and data storytelling to transform complex program data into actionable insights that support evidence-based decision-making.

This position supports ILAB’s efforts to assess the effectiveness and outcomes of international technical assistance programs by ensuring data integrity, analyzing performance indicators, identifying trends, and developing user-friendly visualization products for technical and non-technical audiences. The role requires a professional who can bridge the gap between raw program data and meaningful management insights.

The successful candidate will have experience working with performance indicators, evaluation datasets, survey results, Excel-based reporting systems, Power Query, Power BI, Tableau, and other analytical tools. The candidate should be comfortable working independently, collaborating with evaluators and program stakeholders, and delivering high-quality analytical products within defined timelines.

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Summary of Contractor Role

The MEL Data Analyst / DQA & Visualization Specialist provides technical data support for ILAB monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities. The position supports the assessment of program performance through data validation, quality reviews, statistical and qualitative analysis, data aggregation, dashboard development, and visualization.

The role supports ILAB requirements to:

• Conduct data quality assessments (DQA) of grantee performance indicators and data systems.
• Evaluate data validity, reliability, timeliness, precision, and integrity.
• Analyze project performance data using quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Maintain and update Excel-based reporting tools.
• Develop dashboards, visual summaries, infographics, and analytical products.
• Support synthesis of evaluation findings into accessible communications products.

ILAB requires these services to support approximately multiple evaluation and analytical products annually, including data quality assessments, aggregated reporting products, and visualization deliverables. DRAFT_ILAB_RFI_PWS (1)

The ideal candidate is a self-directed analytical professional who can:

• Translate complex datasets into actionable findings.
• Identify data inconsistencies and recommend corrective actions.
• Develop repeatable analytical processes.
• Communicate technical findings clearly to executives, program managers, and stakeholders.
• Balance multiple priorities in a dynamic evaluation environment.

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Position Responsibilities / Expected Activities

The contractor will:

Data Quality Assurance & Validation

• Conduct data quality assessments (DQAs) of program performance indicators and reporting systems.
• Evaluate datasets for accuracy, completeness, consistency, reliability, and timeliness.
• Identify data anomalies, discrepancies, and quality issues.
• Develop recommendations to improve data collection and reporting processes.
• Validate datasets before analysis and visualization activities.

Data Analysis & Evaluation Support

• Analyze quantitative and qualitative program data to answer evaluation questions.
• Perform descriptive and trend analysis of performance indicators.
• Analyze survey results, monitoring data, and evaluation datasets.
• Identify patterns, relationships, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Support evaluators with evidence-based findings.

Data Management & Transformation

• Clean, normalize, and organize datasets from multiple sources.
• Perform Excel-based data aggregation and transformation activities.
• Use Power Query and related tools to automate recurring data preparation activities.
• Maintain data documentation, analytical assumptions, and methodologies.
• Support data governance and version control processes.

Dashboard Development & Visualization

• Develop interactive dashboards using Power BI, Tableau, or similar visualization platforms.
• Create visual products including:
  • Dashboards
  • Charts
  • Graphs
  • Infographics
  • Data summaries
  • Executive reporting products
• Translate technical data into understandable insights for non-technical audiences.

MEL Reporting & Knowledge Products

• Support preparation of analytical reports and evaluation deliverables.
• Develop data summaries supporting decision-making.
• Assist with synthesis of findings across multiple evaluations.
• Support creation of utilization-focused communications products.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Support

• Collaborate with MEL specialists, evaluators, program managers, and technical experts.
• Participate in review sessions to validate analytical findings.
• Present analytical results and recommendations.
• Support continuous improvement of data processes.