Head of Monitoring, Learning and Evaluation (MLE) Unit

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization dedicated to saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. Established in 1961, WFP operates in over 80 countries, employing thousands of staff members who work tirelessly to ensure effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people globally. WFP is also a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, which underscores its commitment to combating hunger and promoting security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security worldwide. The organization values diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunities for all employees, encouraging qualified candidates from various backgrounds to apply.

Job Overview:
The Head of Monitoring, Learning and Evaluation (MLE) Unit plays a crucial role in the WFP Yemen Country Office, contributing to the organization's mission of achieving Zero Hunger. This position is integral to ensuring that WFP Yemen operates as a learning organization, where monitoring, analysis, and evaluation activities are prioritized to enhance planning and delivery. The Head of MLE will lead efforts to continuously adapt WFP's activities based on monitoring data, address operational constraints, and invest in learning to improve future program designs. This role requires a strategic approach to integrate monitoring and evaluation into the program cycle, ensuring that evidence-based practices are utilized to advocate for appropriate policies and programs. The Head of MLE will also be responsible for fostering a culture of accountability and transparency within the organization, ensuring that WFP remains responsive to the communities it serves.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Head of MLE will be accountable for several key responsibilities, including:

• Contributing to the quality delivery of the Interim Country Strategic Plan (CSP) 2026 – 2029, ensuring alignment with corporate and country priorities.
• Defining an integrated Monitoring, Learning, and Evaluation workplan that provides strategic direction and identifies key priorities for the unit.
• Building and leading a high-performing team, focusing on inclusive leadership and providing development opportunities for team members.
• Overseeing the operational implementation of MLE activities, managing budgets, and leading knowledge transfer events.
• Ensuring the use of a well-prioritized M&E plan by the Yemen Country Office and its cooperating partners, integrating M&E plans into Field Level Agreements (FLAs).
• Establishing quality assurance mechanisms for MLE processes and revising guidelines to ensure effectiveness.
• Leading the assessment of data and identifying additional monitoring requirements based on analysis.
• Enhancing existing monitoring reports and dashboards, ensuring their relevance and user-friendliness.
• Managing accountability tools and activities, ensuring compliance with WFP strategies. 1
• Developing a capacity development plan for MLE based on needs analysis and establishing feedback mechanisms for evidence utilization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Monitoring and Evaluation, Development Studies, Economics, Agricultural Economics, Statistics, or a related field. Additionally, candidates should have at least seven years of progressively responsible international professional experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning, with a strong background in establishing complex monitoring systems and capacity development. Proven leadership and coaching skills are essential, along with experience in managing stakeholders and cultivating sustainable relationships with various partners. Candidates should also demonstrate extensive experience in research methodology and results-based programming, with a solid understanding of both quantitative and qualitative approaches.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree is required, specifically in fields related to Monitoring and Evaluation, Development Studies, Economics, Agricultural Economics, Statistics, or other relevant disciplines. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of monitoring and evaluation systems and for effectively leading the MLE unit.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of postgraduate experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning, with a focus on international contexts. Experience in humanitarian and development settings is highly desirable, as is a proven track record in managing teams and stakeholders. The ability to cultivate relationships with office colleagues, government authorities, local NGOs, and other partners is essential for success in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English (level C) is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Arabic is considered an added advantage, as it may facilitate communication and engagement with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is not open to Yemeni nationals and is required for a duration of 11 months, with the possibility of extension based on operational needs and funding availability. The role is classified under the CST II grade, and WFP offers an attractive compensation and benefits package in line with its HR Manual. Applicants must submit their applications online, ensuring that all information is accurate and complete, as any discrepancies may lead to disqualification. WFP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.