Job Title: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Director – Food for Progress Program
Organization: Global Communities
Country: Ethiopia
Location: Addis Ababa (Onsite)
Employment Type: Full-time
Career Level: Senior Management
Program Duration: 5 years (anticipated end date September 30, 2030)
Closing Date: November 13, 2025
About Global Communities
Global Communities partners with local communities worldwide to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions to complex challenges in humanitarian response, development, and inclusive economic growth. The organization combines local expertise with international experience to strengthen systems, improve livelihoods, and build resilient futures.
Position Summary
Global Communities is seeking an experienced Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food for Progress Program in Ethiopia. The program aims to strengthen and modernize Ethiopia’s livestock sector through a market-driven approach, enhancing agricultural productivity and expanding agricultural trade.
The MEL Director will provide overall leadership and technical direction for all monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning activities. The position will ensure that project performance is tracked effectively, data is collected and analyzed with accuracy, and lessons learned are used to improve implementation and inform strategic decision-making.
Local Ethiopian professionals are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Key Responsibilities
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Research
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Design and implement a robust MEL system aligned with the project’s Theory of Change and USDA requirements.
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Oversee baseline, midterm, and final evaluations as well as special research studies and impact assessments.
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Manage ongoing data collection, analysis, and reporting using digital platforms such as CommCare and Power BI.
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Ensure consistent, high-quality data management processes and ethical data collection practices.
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Supervise contractors and third-party firms conducting monitoring and evaluation activities to ensure quality and timely deliverables.
Management, Capacity Building, and Coordination
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Supervise MEL teams at national and zonal levels and build capacity of program staff and implementing partners.
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Lead MEL coordination and represent Global Communities in technical working groups and donor coordination meetings.
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Provide leadership in preparing timely and accurate program reports (monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual).
Accountability and Learning
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Foster a learning culture within the program by promoting data-driven reflection and adaptive management.
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Lead co-creation of learning questions and guide the implementation of learning and knowledge-sharing activities.
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Oversee the design and operation of a project-level complaints and feedback mechanism, ensuring community accountability.
Qualifications and Experience
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Bachelor’s degree in monitoring and evaluation, statistics, agricultural economics, development studies, or related discipline.
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Minimum of six years of relevant experience in monitoring, evaluation, and learning; or ten years of equivalent experience in related areas.
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Advanced degree preferred.
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At least 10 years of progressively responsible MEL experience in donor-funded programs (USDA, USAID, or similar).
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Strong background in mixed-methods evaluation design and implementation.
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Experience working in agriculture or livestock value chain programs is an advantage.
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Demonstrated leadership and experience in mentoring diverse teams and building partner capacity.
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Skilled in digital MEL systems (CommCare) and data visualization tools (Power BI).
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Excellent written and spoken English; knowledge of local Ethiopian languages is a plus.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified applicants should apply online through the Global Communities career portal at the following link:
Application Link:
https://internationalcareers-globalcommunities.icims.com/jobs/2572/monitoring%2c-evaluation%2c-and-learning-%28mel%29-director----food-for-progress-program-%28ethiopia%29/job
Applications must be submitted no later than November 13, 2025.
Global Communities is an equal opportunity employer and encourages qualified women and local professionals to apply.