Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization that has been providing assistance to people forced to flee their homes since its establishment after World War II. With a mission to protect displaced individuals and support them in rebuilding their lives, NRC operates in over 40 countries worldwide, addressing both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term solutions. The organization is committed to responding to the diverse needs and priorities of beneficiary communities, ensuring that their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed. NRC Ukraine specifically focuses on meeting urgent humanitarian needs, preventing further displacement, and contributing to durable solutions for those affected by conflict and crisis.

Job Overview:
The Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Manager will play a crucial role in leading the development and implementation of the country evaluation plan in accordance with NRC's Evaluation Policy and handbook. This position requires a proactive approach to encourage the absorption of lessons learned and recommendations from various evaluations, assessments, and learning reviews. The MEL Manager will collaborate closely with the Head of Programmes and the Head of Programme Support Unit to identify suitable MEL indicators and initiatives that enhance MEL practices within the country office. The role also involves capturing and disseminating learning from global studies and annual learning reviews, institutionalizing learning moments through effective data analysis systems, and supporting program managers in utilizing insights for strategic decision-making. The MEL Manager will provide tailored solutions for tracking learning and recommendations across Project Cycle Management, ensuring that learning is integrated into all aspects of program implementation. Additionally, the position requires offering guidance on innovation, technology, and information management solutions necessary for effective MEL systems at both global and country levels, while ensuring consistency in monitoring approaches across area offices for coherent analysis and reporting.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the development of the country evaluation plan and ensure evaluations are completed in line with NRC Evaluation Policy and handbook.
• Encourage the absorption of lessons and recommendations from evaluations, assessments, technical visits, and learning reviews.
• Collaborate with the Head of Programmes and Head of Programme Support Unit to determine suitable MEL indicators and initiatives.
• Capture and disseminate learning from global studies, evaluations, and annual learning reviews.
• Institutionalize learning moments by establishing systems for data analysis and utilization.
• Support program managers in interpreting and applying insights for strategic and programmatic decision-making.
• Provide tailored solutions for programs to track learning and recommendations.
• Ensure harmonization of monitoring approaches across area offices for consistent analysis and reporting.
• Work with senior Programme staff to enhance data literacy and promote the use of data and evidence in strategic planning. 1
• Offer guidance on innovation, technology, database management, and information management solutions for MEL systems.

Required Qualifications:

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in a related field.
• Advanced degree in economics, research methods, social sciences, or a related field.
• Significant experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) within the humanitarian sector.
• Proven experience in managing personnel and leading teams.
• Advanced expertise in qualitative and quantitative data analysis and related tools.
• Experience working with local actors to implement and manage MEL systems.
• Demonstrated experience in facilitating training sessions and capacity sharing initiatives.
• Excellent communication, coordination, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong computer skills and proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite. 1
• Ability to mediate in high-stress scenarios with competing interests. 1
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in economics, research methods, social sciences, or a related field. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of monitoring, evaluation, and learning within humanitarian contexts and for effectively leading MEL initiatives.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in a related field, particularly within the humanitarian sector. Candidates should have a proven track record in managing MEL systems and personnel, as well as experience in data analysis and interpretation. This level of experience is crucial for ensuring that the MEL Manager can effectively lead the development of evaluation plans and support program managers in utilizing data for decision-making.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if relevant to the local context in Ukraine, but English is the primary language of communication within the organization.

Additional Notes:
The duty station for this position is Kyiv, Ukraine, with a contract duration of 12 months. The role may require domestic travel within Ukraine, estimated at 10%. Salary and benefits will be determined according to NRC grade

• NRC is committed to diversity and equal opportunities in its hiring practices, ensuring that all candidates are considered without distinction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, or physical ability. The organization encourages innovative thinking and provides employees at all levels with opportunities to contribute ideas and take initiative.