Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Specialist at International Rescue Committee

As part of this role, the MEL Specialist will collaborate closely with the VPRU MEL team, VPR project and country teams, and IRC Measurement Unit colleagues to promote consistency and quality across data management and use for VPRU programming, as well as support a learning culture within VPRU. This may include developing new tools and guidance; training or working with colleagues and partners to strengthen core MEL skills; supporting alignment of key VPR indicators and learning frameworks; developing or updating MEL systems; supporting data collection, analysis, and interpretation to inform program improvements; or supporting VPRU-led projects to design and implement MEL activities.

Major Responsibilities

• Support VPRU MEL approaches and capacity in the context of the wider IRC Measurement Strategy (in collaboration with the Data Equity and Learning Advisor):
• Work closely with the IRC Measurement Unit and VPRU to lead development and rollout of standardized data collection tools and systems for specific VPR interventions (“data toolkits”)
• Lead VPRU’s Annual Statistics process, coordinating data collection, analysis, and interpretation processes across country teams, VPRU colleagues, and the IRC Measurement Unit
• Ensure IRC’s core indicators and learning frameworks for VPR are clear, refined, and standardized
• Strengthen capacity and provide technical support to VPRU technical experts and country program staff to improve VPR data quality and practices and build a culture of learning
• Develop, adapt, and share new tools and technical resources to strengthen MEL systems (and refine these using country program, VPRU, and client feedback)
• Ensure VPR expertise and updates inform IRC Measurement strategies and objectives
• Provide tailored MEL support to VPRU-led projects and interventions:
• Collaborate closely with VPRU Technical Innovations (TI) specialists and project teams to design and implement MEL activities for specific ongoing interventions, including through designing tools and data management processes, data collection, analysis, interpretation and validation, and reporting
• Share learning across TI project and country teams for adaptations, improvement, and accountability
• Provide MEL-specific technical expertise and design for business development

Job Requirements:.

Work Experience

• Experience managing and implementing MEL activities in humanitarian or development contexts
• Experience with using MEL activities to inform program quality improvements
• Experience facilitating MEL training or technical assistance, particularly in diverse or cross-cultural settings with a range of skill levels
• Experience developing MEL tools, guidance, and resources to support program teams
• Experience or exposure to one of more of the VPRU technical sectors (or a related field) is strongly preferred: gender-based violence or women’s empowerment, child protection, and protection rule of law

Demonstrated Skills And Competencies

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of core MEL practices and principles
• Ability to lead and support project or program teams through a range of monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities
• Familiarity with design of MEL plans and activities, theories of change, and logframes
• Familiarity with digital or mobile data collection and analysis systems
• Excellent quantitative (and ideally qualitative) data analysis skills, particularly in Excel

Interpersonal Skills

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including proven success in working and learning in cross-cultural contexts
• Highly organized and self-motivated, able to work well both independently and as part of a team
• Accessible and flexibility work style that builds trust and confidence in team. Easily able to collaborate and facilitate discussion among a diverse range of team members

Education: Bachelor’s degree required; specific MEL training a plus

Language Skills: English working proficiency required. French, Arabic, or Spanish skills strongly preferred

Preferred Experience & Skills

• Experience working with or directly supporting country programs in humanitarian contexts
• Experience with participatory design, data interpretation, and other use-focused learning skills
• Values the ability to continuously learn and improve as a team, and committed to working towards more collaborative, inclusive, and equitable approaches to learning
• Strong problem solving and prioritization skills, and handles change in a proactive and positive way