Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Adviser

About the role

About the CSSF Ukraine Civil Society Support Project:

The British Embassy in Kyiv is pleased to announce a new project to support Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Ukraine. The project aims to support CSOs to continue operating during Russia’s invasion, so they can help save lives, reduce human suffering and build back better after the conflict. The project will consist of a grant making facility, together with the provision of technical support. The project is currently being managed by a consortium led Crown Agents, which includes International Alert and Optima.

Since Russia’s invasion CSOs have been on the frontlines of supporting their local communities’ emergency response and recovery efforts, while also laying the groundwork for Ukraine’s future by advocating for transparent, inclusive and accountable reconstruction. The British Embassy in Kyiv is keen to support and work alongside diverse CSOs representing women and marginalised groups, particularly people with disabilities, older persons, ethnic minorities, LGBTQI+ persons, and rural and hard-to-reach populations.

The role:

The MERL Adviser will:

work closely with the Team Leader, CA Head of MEL, and the rest of the project team, including consortium partners.
be responsible for leading the programme MERL, which includes ensuring the programme theory of change and results framework remain updated in line with any changes to the strategic approach during the implementation phase.
ensure we have an effective monitoring system running throughout the implementation phase, and provide management and supervision to all MERL activities of the project.This will include technical oversight of CSO baseline and endline surveys, CSO feedback surveys, lessons learned template, and the development of case studies.
ensure that lessons learned feed and monitoring data into discussions relating to the improvement of the grant function and achievement of programme objectives to enable effective adaptive management.
collaborate with FCDO’s regional Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Adviser, and other appropriate external stakeholders.
stick to designated timelines for milestones and reports to be submitted, ensuring the quality and accuracy of technical information provided as well as the confidentiality of collected information.
take a leading role (working closely with the Team Leader) on collating the MEL information required for client reporting and results framework updates.
lead on the development and support of the dissemination of learning products, as required.
provide mentoring and support to members of the team, as appropriate.

About you

Essential Requirements

Master’s degree
Minimum of 10 years professional experience, with at least 7 years in MERL
Deep technical knowledge and understanding of MERL, including results frameworks and theory of change
Experience of qualitative and quantitative survey design, data collection and analysis
Good understanding of adaptive management

Desirable Requirements

Fluency in Ukrainian
Prior experience working in Ukraine
Prior experience working on FCDO-funded programmes
Prior experience working with civil society organisations
Prior experience working on grant fund management programmes

Ukrainian nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.

Reporting

The MERL Adviser will report directly to the Team Leader.

About us

You’ll be working with Crown Agents which is a high impact social enterprise passionate about transforming the future for millions of people. Since our creation in 1833 we have worked across the globe to improve public services and drive economic growth. Our expertise is finding new solutions to difficult problems for clients in the areas of health, governance, economic growth, humanitarian action and supply chain services. We work with and train leaders at local, national and international level to achieve lasting change drawing on our insight and experience.

Crown Agents is committed to diversity and will always promote diversity for all candidates as well as a business culture that reflects that belief. Crown Agents will treat everyone equally irrespective of race, religion, colour, sex, age, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation, and places an obligation upon all staff to respect and act in accordance with the policy. Crown Agents shall not discriminate unlawfully when deciding which candidates are selected for interview, or in any terms of employment, and will ensure that each candidate is assessed only in accordance with their merits, qualifications, and abilities to perform the role. Crown Agents is committed to being an organisation enhanced by diversity and encourages applications from anyone who shares our values and commitment to improving the lives of communities affected by poverty or conflict.

About what's on offer

Crown Agents offers a competitive benefits package