Program Quality, Evidence & Learning Director

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization founded on the belief that a better world is possible. Established to respond to disasters and hardships, Mercy Corps operates in over 40 countries worldwide, partnering with communities to implement bold solutions that help people overcome adversity and build stronger communities from within. The organization is dedicated to humanitarian programming, particularly in regions affected by conflict and disaster, and aims to foster resilience and sustainable development in the communities it serves.

Job Overview:
The Program Quality, Evidence & Learning Director position is critical for Mercy Corps as it anticipates additional humanitarian funding to support life-saving programming in Northeast Nigeria, specifically in Borno State. This role is designed to strengthen systems and ensure high standards of program quality, community accountability, learning, and strategic communication across the portfolio. The director will oversee the Program Quality (PaQ) unit in Nigeria, ensuring the establishment and implementation of organization-wide systems that promote consistent standards, processes, and best practices in program management. A key expectation is to institutionalize strong Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) systems, including robust Community Accountability and Response Mechanisms (CARM). The director will also be responsible for producing high-quality learning documents and communicating these outputs to stakeholders to showcase Mercy Corps’ approaches and impact in humanitarian response.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Program Quality, Evidence & Learning Director include providing strategic leadership to ensure clearly defined roles and accountability structures aligned with humanitarian priorities in Borno State. The director will lead the integration of program data and evidence into country and sector strategies, establish systems for program quality and community accountability, and develop processes for cross-program learning. They will oversee the design and implementation of robust Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) systems, ensuring technical excellence across all sectors. The director will also lead the production of high-quality learning products, translate field-level evidence into compelling narratives, and ensure compliance with Gender and Social Inclusion (GESI) standards. Additionally, the director will build and lead a high-performing PaQ team, represent Mercy Corps in external engagements, and actively promote safeguarding principles within the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree, with a Master’s degree in Humanitarian Studies, International Development, or a related field preferred. A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in humanitarian or development programming is required, including at least 4 years in leadership and coordination roles in complex, high-risk contexts. Strong expertise in Program Quality, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) is essential, along with demonstrated ability to institutionalize systems for program quality and community accountability. Candidates should have proven experience in producing high-quality reports and donor-facing communications, as well as strong analytical and facilitation skills. The ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines is crucial, along with a willingness to travel frequently to field locations, including insecure environments.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree is required for this position, with a preference for candidates holding a Master’s degree in relevant fields such as Humanitarian Studies or International Development. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of humanitarian programming and development principles.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in humanitarian or development programming, with at least 4 years in leadership roles. Candidates should have experience in complex, high-risk contexts, particularly in Africa, and demonstrate strong expertise in Program Quality, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL). Experience in producing high-quality reports and donor communications is also necessary.

Languages:
Fluent written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, but English is the primary language of communication within the organization and for reporting purposes.

Additional Notes:
This is an unaccompanied position based in Maiduguri, Borno State, where the position holder will reside in shared staff housing. Living conditions are basic but functional, with access to essential amenities and health services. The role involves travel to operational areas, primarily via UNHAS scheduled flights, and strict adherence to security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security protocols is mandatory due to the high-risk operational environment. Mercy Corps is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The organization encourages ongoing learning and empowers team members to dedicate time to personal and professional growth.