Program Quality, Evidence and Learning Director - Ukraine

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Program Quality, Evidence and Learning Director - Ukraine
Location: Kyiv
Country: Ukraine
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization founded on the belief that a better world is possible. Established to respond to disasters and hardships, Mercy Corps operates in more than 40 countries worldwide, partnering with communities to implement bold solutions that help people overcome adversity and build stronger communities from within. The organization is committed to addressing the needs of vulnerable populations and has a mission to create lasting, transformational change at scale, particularly in areas affected by conflict and climate change.

Job Overview:
The Program Quality, Evidence and Learning (QEL) Director for Ukraine is responsible for overseeing the teams and work streams that support strong program delivery and quality across Mercy Corps. This role integrates context-driven best practices, technical approaches, quality standards, and accountability mechanisms to enhance the organization's ability to generate and utilize evidence to improve programs. The QEL Director will work closely with the Director of Programs to ensure the consistent implementation of program management standards and to drive the quality of evidence-based programming. The position is crucial for fostering a culture of adaptation and learning across all country programs, ensuring that both humanitarian and development portfolios are effectively managed and continuously improved.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The QEL Director will lead the establishment of efficient program quality systems and processes across Mercy Corps' program portfolio in Ukraine. This includes providing technical support and guidance to Program Leads, ensuring adherence to Mercy Corps’ Program Management Policy, and overseeing the implementation of monitoring and evaluation (MEL) systems. The Director will also support the development of sector guidance, lead MEL teams in creating frameworks, and ensure that community accountability mechanisms are in place. Additionally, the role involves leading evidence generation and learning initiatives, coordinating with regional teams, and promoting the integration of cross-program learning. The QEL Director will manage the QEL team, ensuring alignment with strategic directions and fostering a safe and inclusive work environment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree, with a Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field preferred. A minimum of 7 years of experience in program coordination or management support is required, with experience in high-risk contexts preferred. Strong relationship-building skills, extensive experience in program quality, monitoring and evaluation, and evidence generation are essential. Candidates should demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills, analytical problem-solving abilities, and a willingness to travel frequently to program sites, including insecure locations.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree is required, while a Master’s degree or equivalent in fields related to Humanitarian or International Development is preferred. This educational background should provide a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of program management in challenging environments.

Experience:
The position requires at least 7 years of experience in providing coordination or management support to program implementation. Experience working in Ukraine or similar high-risk contexts is preferred, indicating a familiarity with the challenges and dynamics of such environments. Proven leadership skills in convening groups and working cooperatively with stakeholders are also necessary.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, while proficiency in Ukrainian is advantageous. Strong communication skills are essential for effective collaboration and representation of Mercy Corps in various forums.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Kyiv, Ukraine, and requires 30-40% travel to support programs, which may include travel to insecure locations. Housing is provided in shared accommodations, with access to good medical services. The organization promotes ongoing learning, allowing team members to dedicate 5% of their time to personal and professional development activities. Mercy Corps is committed to diversity and inclusion, actively seeking to create a respectful and psychologically safe environment for all employees.