Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Advisor

Church World Service; New York (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Church World Service seeks an experienced MEL Advisor to lead agency-wide monitoring, evaluation, and learning efforts. You will design impact indicators, establish data collection systems, and train staff and partners to strengthen learning and decision-making across programs.

Respond to complex donor and field needs with robust frameworks, guidelines, and knowledge-sharing practices that support global impact and accountability. The role requires collaboration across multicultural teams.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in monitoring, evaluation, and learning, in an international non-profit context.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in MEL methodologies and tools (e.g., logical frameworks, theory of change, data visualization).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment.
• Proficiency in statistical software (e.g., SPSS, Stata, PowerBI) and data management systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership in the design and implementation of agency-wide impact indicators frameworks.
• Define data collection systems and methods and guide program focal points on data collection.
• Provide training and technical assistance to staff and partners on the impact framework.
• Advise on knowledge sharing across geographies and programmatic areas.
• Develop guidelines and training materials for program design guidelines and methodologies.
• Create MEL templates, guidelines, handbooks, and a learning hub or communities of practice.
• Design and develop MEL frameworks in coordination with programs leaders and ensure quality of measurement and reporting.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Written and verbal communication

Collaborative / teamwork

MEL methodologies

Education

Master’s degree in a relevant field

Tools

SPSS

Stata

PowerBI

Job description

The Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Advisor will play a pivotal role in enhancing the effectiveness and impact of our programs. This position will involve developing and implementing robust monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems to track progress, measure outcomes, and inform strategic decision-making. The MEL Advisor will work closely with program teams to foster a culture of learning and continuous improvement. The MEL Advisor will be the focal point for the implementation of CWS agency-wide impact framework and developing a CWS MEL, programs learning and knowledge management strategy and plan.
About CWS
Imagine waking up every morning with the chance to change someone's life. Imagine knowing your efforts will benefit both your career and our neighbors around the world. At CWS, our team knows they are making a difference every day. Whether you're in our U.S.-based offices supporting refugees, asylees or unaccompanied children ... implementing hygiene initiatives in Cambodia or rebuilding projects in Central America ... or even connecting remotely from your home on fundraising campaigns, grant reports, or critical communications - you have the opportunity to work towards a world where everyone has food, a voice and a safe place to call home.
Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership in the design and implementation of CWS agency-wide impact indicators frameworks, including:
• Define data collection systems and methods
• Guide program focal points on data collection
• Provide training and technical assistance to staff and partners on the implementation of the impact framework, specifically on data collection.
• Other tasks related to the implementation of this project
• Advise CWS on its journey toward creating/fostering an enabling environment for knowledge sharing across geographies and programmatic areas. This process would culminate in the development of CWS programmatic learning and knowledge management strategy and implementation plan.
• Develop guidelines and training materials for CWS Programs, program design guidelines and methodologies in collaboration with program and technical focal points. Including but not limited to:
• MEL templates, guidelines and handbooks
• Program Design Guidelines
• MEL Learning hub or similar communities of practice
• CWS Ethical Research Guidance for the Protection of Human Subjects and other MEL related guidance.
• Design and develop MEL frameworks for programs, in coordination with programs leaders, as needed, and work with program leaders and teams to ensure quality of impact measurement and reporting systems.
  

Performs other duties as assigned.
Required
Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., International Development, Social Sciences, Public Health, or related discipline)
• Minimum 7 years of experience in monitoring, evaluation, and learning, in an international non-profit context..
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in MEL methodologies and tools (e.g., logical frameworks, theory of change, data visualization).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment.
• Proficiency in statistical software (e.g., SPSS, Stata, PowerBI) and data management systems.
  

Preferred

• Experience with donor-funded projects.
• Knowledge of specific thematic areas relevant to the organization’s work (including protection, resilience, food and economic security, disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and emergency preparedness and response).
  

Benefits
CWS offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• 403 (b) Retirement Plan
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off (18 Paid Days Off; 24 Days after 2 Years)
• 14 Official Holidays
• 12 Sick Days Off (Accrued monthly)
• Life Insurance and AD&D
• Long Term and Short-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Accounts