Strategic Learning Lead

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Position Title: Strategic Learning Lead
Location: Nairobi
Country: Kenya
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is an international non-profit organization founded in 1979, dedicated to alleviating suffering, poverty, and oppression by helping people build secure, productive, and just communities. With a mission to empower individuals and communities to overcome challenges, Mercy Corps operates in over 40 countries worldwide, employing thousands of staff members who work collaboratively with local partners to implement programs that address various humanitarian and development needs. The organization emphasizes diversity and inclusion, believing that a diverse workforce enhances its ability to achieve long-term impact in the communities it serves.

Job Overview:
The Strategic Learning Lead (SLL) is a pivotal role within the Nawiri program, which is a USAID-funded initiative aimed at reducing acute malnutrition in northern Kenya. The SLL will spearhead the program's approach to collaborating, learning, and adapting (CLA) and will be integral to the Program Performance and Learning (PPL) team. This position requires a deep understanding of current trends and best practices in the sector, as well as the ability to foster a culture of evidence-based programming and adaptive management. The SLL will work closely with various teams to ensure that insights gained from program implementation are utilized to inform decision-making and improve program outcomes. The role also involves developing external-facing products that communicate the program's learnings and successes to a broader audience.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Strategic Learning Lead will be responsible for several key duties, including:

• Collaborating with the PPL Director to cultivate a culture of learning and adaptive management across all levels of the Nawiri program.
• Overseeing the finalization and operationalization of the Evidence and Learning Agenda, ensuring that deliverables are integrated into annual work plans and that the strategy is regularly updated.
• Participating in Nawiri Management Team meetings and working closely with the M&E Lead to prepare evidence for discussions on learning priorities and program progress.
• Providing thought leadership on integrating learning into program activities and fostering a team culture that values evidence-driven decision-making.
• Identifying innovative methods for documenting and disseminating learnings, engaging audiences, and facilitating collaboration.
• Promoting Nawiri as a credible source of research and evidence-based programming in the field of acute malnutrition.
• Leading the development of high-quality learning and evidence briefs, case studies, and reports that align with the Evidence and Learning Agenda.
• Identifying opportunities for mixed methods learning efforts and managing external researchers and consultants to execute studies that support the program's objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Strategic Learning Lead position should possess a strong background in program management, research, and learning methodologies. They should have demonstrated experience in leading learning initiatives and a proven ability to foster a culture of adaptive management within teams. Strong analytical skills, excellent communication abilities, and a collaborative mindset are essential. Additionally, candidates should have experience working in multi-sectoral programs and a deep understanding of the challenges faced in the context of security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and nutrition.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in a relevant field such as public health, international development, social sciences, or a related discipline is required for this position. Candidates with a Ph.D. or equivalent experience in research methodologies will be given preference. Continuous professional development in areas related to learning and evaluation is also highly valued.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 5-7 years of experience in program management, research, or learning roles, preferably within the international development or humanitarian sectors. Experience working with USAID-funded programs or similar initiatives is a significant advantage. The candidate should also have a track record of successfully leading teams and managing complex projects that require collaboration across multiple stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and with external partners. Proficiency in Kiswahili is highly desirable, as it will facilitate better engagement with local communities and stakeholders in Kenya. Knowledge of additional local languages spoken in the regions of Turkana and Samburu would be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Nairobi, Kenya, and may require occasional travel to the program implementation areas in Turkana and Samburu counties. The role is full-time and offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development. Mercy Corps is committed to recruiting a diverse workforce and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds.