Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a prominent protection agency established to advocate for and promote durable solutions for populations affected by displacement. Since its inception, DRC has been dedicated to providing assistance and protection to those in need, particularly in crisis situations. The organization has been operational in Ukraine since 2014, employing over 800 staff members who work across various sectors including Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs, and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding. DRC's approach involves direct interventions, support to duty bearers, and partnerships with civil society organizations (CSOs). The organization is committed to adapting its durable solutions portfolio to meet the evolving needs of the communities it serves, ensuring that its programs are responsive and effective in addressing the challenges faced by displaced populations.

Job Overview:
As the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Specialist, you will play a pivotal role in the development, implementation, and management of the MEAL workplan. This position is crucial for contributing to DRC's accountability commitments and learning priorities. You will be responsible for mainstreaming MEAL throughout the project cycle, ensuring that quality program management is reinforced. Your role will involve providing technical support and oversight to MEAL staff in area offices, enabling them to effectively execute the MEAL plan for relevant projects. Additionally, you will work on embedding localization commitments within MEAL systems, which includes strengthening the capacities of national partners and ensuring that monitoring and reporting approaches are equitable and inclusive. This position requires a proactive approach to ensure that accountability mechanisms are responsive to the needs of affected communities and local actors, thereby enhancing the overall impact of DRC's interventions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Your main duties and responsibilities will include the development of project monitoring tools and processes throughout all project phases, such as Logical Frameworks, Indicator Performance Trackers (IPT), and comprehensive MEAL plans. You will be responsible for continuous follow-up with relevant stakeholders, including MEAL, Program, and Technical colleagues, on all MEAL-related tasks and deliverables at the grant/project level. This includes measuring indicators, conducting regular post-assistance monitoring exercises, and executing population/beneficiary-based surveys from data collection to analysis and reporting. Active participation in project-related coordination meetings, including kick-off, review, and close-out meetings, is essential. You will also develop appropriate monitoring, tracking, and reporting systems that facilitate regular monitoring of program outputs and generate quality evidence on program outcomes. Furthermore, you will contribute to the design and implementation of evaluations in compliance with DRC's evaluation policy, disseminate relevant findings to both internal and external stakeholders, and provide timely feedback to program managers and technical counterparts. Additionally, you will support the MEAL Unit in ensuring that DRC's team members uphold accountability efforts towards beneficiaries, engage communities as equal partners, and design and implement Multi-Sector Needs Assessments, evaluations, and studies at various levels.

Required Qualifications:
To be considered for this role, you must have at least 4 years of relevant work experience in monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning within humanitarian and development programs. Experience working with international or national NGOs and UN agencies in humanitarian settings is essential. You should have a demonstrated understanding of localization principles and equitable partnership approaches in humanitarian contexts. A strong knowledge of Theories of Change and Logical Frameworks, including impact, outcome, and indicator design, is required. You must possess an advanced understanding of MEAL principles and processes, including data collection, management, analysis, and reporting. Proven experience in designing and implementing MEAL Plans and data collection tools in collaboration with program teams is necessary, as well as experience working with various donor requirements. Familiarity with mixed-methods approaches, research methodologies, and the nature and use of evidence is also important. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential, along with advanced skills in Excel, MS Word, PowerPoint, and Office36

• Full professional proficiency in both Ukrainian and English, including translation and report writing skills, is mandatory.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a relevant degree in social sciences, international development, or a related field. A master's degree is preferred, as it provides a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in monitoring and evaluation within humanitarian contexts. Additional certifications or training in monitoring and evaluation methodologies, data analysis, or related areas will be considered an asset and may enhance your candidacy for this role.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for this position is at least 4 years in the field of monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning, specifically within humanitarian and development programs. This experience should include working with international or national NGOs and UN agencies in humanitarian settings, as well as experience in strengthening MEAL systems of national partners or local civil society organizations. Demonstrated experience in producing analytical information products from both primary and secondary data sources is also required, along with a proven track record of effectively collaborating with diverse stakeholders.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position are Ukrainian and English, with full professional proficiency required in both. This includes the ability to translate documents and write reports effectively. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the communities served by DRC.

Additional Notes:
This position offers a 6-month fixed-term contract with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability after a successful 3-month probationary period. The role is classified as non-managerial and is based in Kyiv. The expected start date for this position is October 202

• The salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for employees on national contracts, starting from EUR 2,574 gross per month, depending on experience and qualifications. All applicants are required to upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent via email will not be considered. The closing date for applications is August 14th, 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 close date once a suitable candidate has been identified.