Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a prominent protection agency established to safeguard, advocate for, and promote sustainable solutions for populations affected by displacement. Since its inception, DRC has been dedicated to addressing the needs of displaced individuals and communities, ensuring their rights are upheld and their voices are heard. Operating in Ukraine since 2014, DRC has grown significantly, employing over 800 staff members and implementing a wide range of emergency response initiatives across various sectors, including Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs, and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding. The organization is committed to adapting its durable solutions portfolio to meet the evolving challenges faced by displaced populations in Ukraine, working through direct interventions, support to duty bearers, and partnerships with civil society organizations (CSOs).

Job Overview:
The MEAL Manager position is critical within DRC's operational framework, particularly given the organization's extensive portfolio of over 20 active projects across eight area offices in Ukraine. This role is designed to ensure that robust Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) systems are established and maintained to effectively monitor all DRC programming. The MEAL Manager will lead the design, implementation, and enhancement of MEAL frameworks, ensuring that they are aligned with high-quality, evidence-based programming standards. This position will play a pivotal role in supporting strategic decision-making processes, enhancing program effectiveness, and fostering a culture of learning and accountability throughout DRC's humanitarian and recovery interventions. The MEAL Manager will collaborate closely with program teams, partners, and stakeholders to ensure that data collection, analysis, and reporting processes are timely, robust, and compliant with organizational standards and donor requirements. Additionally, the role involves ensuring that the information management system (IMS) is effective and supports the data needs at various stages of the project cycle, while also ensuring compliance with donor requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The MEAL Manager will be responsible for managing a team of MEAL staff, including the Information Management (IM) Manager, MEAL Operations Manager, two MEAL Specialists, and a Community Feedback Mechanism (CFM) team of two members. Key responsibilities include leading the design and implementation of MEAL frameworks, plans, tools, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) across all sectors and projects. The MEAL Manager will ensure that strong MEAL processes are integrated throughout the project cycle and are inclusive of all areas and sectors. They will oversee the alignment of MEAL activities with project logical frameworks and donor reporting requirements. The role also involves managing the IM Manager to adapt internal systems to the diverse programming needs of DRC and ensuring compliance with external reporting requirements to donors and clusters. The MEAL Manager will ensure that DRC's CFM system is adhered to according to established SOPs and that analysis is shared across the country operation. Coordination with implementing partners will be essential to ensure that minimum MEAL standards are upheld across all projects.

Required Qualifications:
To be considered for this role, candidates must possess a university degree in a relevant field or have a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in the sector. A strong understanding of MEAL tools and methodologies is essential, including experience with baseline and endline surveys, impact assessments, and both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. Proficiency in data analysis and management tools such as Excel, SPSS, and KoBo Toolbox, as well as skills in data visualization and reporting, are required. Familiarity with key donor requirements for both traditional and non-traditional donor portfolios is also necessary. Candidates should have experience in maintaining and strengthening accountability mechanisms, such as feedback hotlines and community sessions, and demonstrate strong human resources capacity with experience managing a large and diverse team, including remote team members.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a university degree in a relevant field. Alternatively, candidates with a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in the sector may also be considered. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of MEAL frameworks and methodologies, as well as the operational context in which DRC operates.

Experience:
The position requires at least five years of experience in a MEAL-related role, which should include experience in designing and implementing MEAL frameworks, logical frameworks, theories of change, and results-based management. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of three years of management experience, demonstrating their ability to lead and develop teams effectively.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with a required level of C1 - Advanced. This level of language proficiency is essential for effective communication within the organization and with external stakeholders. While English is the primary language, familiarity with additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in the context of working with diverse populations and partners.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a contract length that includes a three-month probation period, with the possibility of extension to a one-year contract based on performance and available funding. The role is classified as Band F1 - managerial, and the designated duty station is Kyiv, which is categorized as a non-family duty station. The anticipated start date for this position is April 202

• Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for both national and expatriate employees, and candidates are encouraged to refer to the organization's website for more details. The application process requires all applicants to upload a cover letter and an updated CV, not exceeding four pages, in English. Applications submitted via email will not be considered. The closing date for applications is set for 13th March 2026, and candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as interviews may be conducted on a rolling basis. DRC reserves the right to select a candidate before the vacancy closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.