Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) LEAD (Regional) – GROW Program

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization that helps people in the world's toughest places survive the crises they confront and turn them into opportunities for progress. Established in 1979, Mercy Corps has grown to operate in over 40 countries, employing more than 5,000 staff members. The organization focuses on various sectors, including economic development, health, education, and disaster response, with a mission to alleviate suffering, poverty, and oppression by helping people build secure, productive, and just communities.

Job Overview:
The Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Lead for the GROW Program will be responsible for designing and implementing a comprehensive MEL system that tracks the entrepreneurship and employment journeys of participants. This role is crucial in ensuring that data-driven insights inform decision-making processes, support adaptive management, and meet the standards set by donors and the organization. The MEL Lead will oversee the development of tools and processes that facilitate integrated learning across all project countries and among program partners. This position requires collaboration with country MEL focal points to provide leadership and ensure high-quality analysis of results that will support program improvements and broader ecosystem learning. The MEL Lead will also be involved in capacity building, ensuring that country teams are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to implement effective MEL practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The MEL Lead will have several key responsibilities, including:

• Designing and implementing the MEL Framework and Plan, which encompasses the Theory of Change, Logframe, Evaluation Approach, Indicator Performance Tracking, and data collection tools.
• Ensuring the standardization of MEL tools and processes across Mercy Corps and partner organizations, including the development of integrated data management systems.
• Incorporating a case management system to track the entrepreneurial journeys of youth participants and the service delivery of Enterprise Support Organizations (ESOs).
• Overseeing annual surveys and evaluations, ensuring compliance with donor requirements and best practices.
• Managing data quality assurance processes and supporting country teams in MEL implementation.
• Facilitating co-creation processes with donors and ensuring that data informs program decision-making.
• Leading documentation of best practices and lessons learned, and providing training and mentorship to country MEL teams.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree, with a Master’s degree preferred in social sciences, statistics, economics, or a related field. A minimum of 5-7 years of experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning, particularly in youth employment, market systems, or livelihoods programs, is required. Familiarity with MEL Tech Suite, including data collection and analysis tools, is essential. Experience in using MEL systems for case management and participant tracking is also necessary. Strong analytical and communication skills are crucial, and experience with multi-country programs is advantageous.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, with a preference for candidates holding a Master’s degree in social sciences, statistics, economics, or a related discipline. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of monitoring and evaluation in the context of youth employment and entrepreneurship.

Experience:
The position requires 5-7 years of relevant experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning, ideally within the context of youth employment, market systems, or livelihoods programs. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with MEL systems, including experience in data collection, analysis, and visualization tools. Familiarity with entrepreneurship and gender-transformative programs is considered a plus, as is experience with multi-country initiatives.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in additional languages relevant to the regions of operation (such as Swahili or French) would be considered an asset. Strong communication skills are essential for effectively conveying complex data insights to diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is primarily based in Nairobi, Kenya, but may also be located in other African countries where the project operates, including Uganda, Ethiopia, and Nigeria. The role requires up to 40% travel to support country programs, which may involve travel to areas with limited amenities and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security challenges. The organization promotes ongoing learning, encouraging team members to dedicate 5% of their time to personal and professional development activities. Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment.