Senior MEL Roles - Alumni Talent Pool

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization that operates with the belief that a better world is possible. The organization partners with communities in times of disaster and hardship to implement bold solutions that help people overcome adversity and build stronger communities. Mercy Corps has a significant presence worldwide, with numerous employees dedicated to various humanitarian efforts. The organization is committed to fostering resilience and sustainable development in the communities it serves.

Job Overview:
The Alumni Talent Pool initiative by Mercy Corps is designed to support emergency response, transitions, and complex program start-ups by fast-tracking alumni into temporary Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) roles. This program is particularly aimed at senior program leaders, providing them with professional and personal flexibility while allowing them to gain diverse experiences. Alumni who were employed by Mercy Corps within the last four years and are qualified for Senior MEL Roles can join this Talent Pool. Once selected, members will have access to short-term opportunities in various countries where Mercy Corps operates, with responsibilities and supervisory structures varying based on the assignment type. Members will receive competitive salaries and benefits, which may differ depending on whether the position is an expatriate role, consultancy, or remote work.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The responsibilities for the Senior MEL Roles include developing a comprehensive MEL team structure, aligning position descriptions to team requirements, managing recruitment, and ensuring adequate MEL resourcing. Members will be tasked with developing, maintaining, improving, and implementing Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plans, as well as designing and organizing MEL-related surveys and studies. They will work closely with senior management to foster a learning culture that promotes the use of data for effective program adaptation, while also building skills and capacities among staff and partners. Establishing systems for capturing and presenting evidence of program impact to stakeholders, including donors and communities, is crucial. Members will also oversee the implementation of MEL policy standards and ensure that programs meet these standards. Additionally, they will develop and implement MEL technology plans for data collection, storage, analysis, and visualization, ensuring that data reporting and decision-making workflows are effective and responsible.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a BA/S or equivalent in a relevant field and have at least five years of field experience in international relief and development programs. Prior experience with Mercy Corps within the last four years is required, with a minimum of one year as an employee or consultant. Experience in leading teams, managing performance, and coaching or mentoring staff is essential. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in at least one of Mercy Corps' working languages (English, French, Spanish, Arabic), with proficiency in multiple languages being strongly preferred. Additionally, candidates should have demonstrated experience in building and managing MEL teams and systems, including surveys and evaluations, as well as the ability to analyze data and visualize/report results for varied audiences.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant field is required for this position. This educational background should provide a solid foundation in the principles of monitoring, evaluation, and learning, as well as an understanding of international development practices.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant field experience in international relief and development programs. This experience should include a strong background in monitoring and evaluation, as well as leadership roles that involve managing teams and mentoring staff. Experience with Mercy Corps is particularly valuable, as it demonstrates familiarity with the organization's mission and operational standards.

Languages:
Professional level proficiency in at least one of Mercy Corps' working languages (English, French, Spanish, Arabic) is mandatory. Proficiency in multiple languages is strongly preferred, as it enhances communication and collaboration in diverse international settings.

Additional Notes:
The positions within the Alumni Talent Pool are typically short-term assignments, averaging three months in duration. Members will have the flexibility to manage their own time and availability, with the option to accept or decline assignments as they arise. Compensation and benefits will vary based on the type of employment, whether it is an expatriate position, consultancy, or remote work. Mercy Corps is committed to providing a safe and inclusive work environment, adhering to safeguarding standards, and ensuring that all team members conduct themselves professionally and ethically.