MEL Tech Automation Lead

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization founded on 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 from within. Mercy Corps has a significant presence in various countries, focusing on emergency response, development programs, and complex program start-ups. The organization is committed to accountability, community engagement, and the integration of innovative technology in its operations.

Job Overview:
The MEL Tech Automation Lead position is part of Mercy Corps' Alumni Talent Pool initiative, which aims to support emergency response and program start-ups by fast-tracking qualified alumni into temporary roles. This role is designed for senior program leaders who are looking for professional flexibility and diverse experiences. The MEL Tech Automation Lead will be responsible for designing and implementing Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) technology strategies, ensuring effective data collection, management, and analysis. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders to integrate technology solutions into MEL plans and promote a culture of evidence-based decision-making. The role also involves capacity building and knowledge transfer to ensure staff proficiency in MEL technology platforms.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design and implement MEL Technology plans for data collection, management, and visualization, ensuring compliance with donor and internal requirements.
• Establish and oversee data collection applications and standardize data pipelines to improve data quality and reporting efficiency.
• Develop data dashboards tailored to various audiences, ensuring accessibility and clarity of information.
• Collaborate with program MEL leads to integrate technology solutions into AMEL plans and support the design of MEL surveys and assessments.
• Conduct MEL systems diagnostics and provide training on MEL tech suite to staff.
• Liaise with donors and partners on MEL data requirements and represent Mercy Corps in relevant forums.
• Ensure safeguarding standards are upheld in all areas of work and promote a culture of accountability and communication within the team.

Required Qualifications:

• BA/S or equivalent in a relevant field such as information systems, data science, statistics, or international development; advanced degree preferred.
• At least 5 years of field experience in emergency and/or development programs with a strong focus on MEL and MEL technology.
• Minimum of 2 years in a senior MEL or MEL Technology role with demonstrated ownership of data systems design and implementation.
• Proven completion of Mercy Corps MEL Tech training content.
• Hands-on expertise in CommCare and Power BI is required; experience with SQL and Microsoft Azure is preferred.
• Experience in data engineering and geospatial analysis is a plus.
• Proven ability to design and manage data pipelines and automated workflows in field settings.
• Experience in leading teams and mentoring staff is essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a BA/S or equivalent degree in relevant fields such as information systems, data science, statistics, or international development. An advanced degree is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of the complexities involved in MEL processes.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of relevant field experience, particularly in emergency and development programs with a strong emphasis on MEL and MEL technology. Candidates should have a minimum of 2 years in a senior MEL or MEL Technology role, showcasing their ability to manage data systems effectively and lead teams in complex environments.

Languages:
Professional proficiency in at least one of Mercy Corps' working languages, which include English, French, Spanish, and Arabic, is mandatory. Multilingual proficiency is strongly preferred, as it enhances communication and collaboration in diverse settings.

Additional Notes:
This position is part of a temporary Alumni Talent Pool, with assignments typically lasting around 3 months. Members of the Talent Pool will have the flexibility to manage their own time and availability, accepting or declining assignments as they see fit. Competitive salary and benefits will be provided, which may vary based on the type of employment (expat position, consultancy, or remote work). The role may involve travel to insecure locations, and living conditions will depend on the assignment location. Mercy Corps is committed to ongoing learning, allowing team members to dedicate 5% of their time to personal and professional development activities.