Evidence Action scales proven interventions that improve the lives of millions. We only implement cost-effective programs whose efficacy is backed by substantial rigorous evidence. We identify innovative, appropriate financing mechanisms and build best-practice operational models. We voraciously self-evaluate, learn, and improve our models for scaling effect.
Evidence Action is looking for a (Senior) Director to lead the Global Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MLE) function. This role owns the organizational MLE strategy, provides senior leadership to a global team, and acts as a senior thought leader with donors and external partners.
Key Responsibilities
Lead organizational MLE strategy
- Own and drive Evidence Action's approach to evaluation for early-stage programs, including design and oversight of major evaluations for pilots and quality assurance of evaluation methodology and findings.
- Ensure early-stage MLE findings inform at-scale MLE as programs transition.
- Provide strategic oversight of at-scale program MLE through management of the Director, ensuring alignment with the broader function strategy.
- Lead the MLE Review process, driving organizational learning and ensuring recommendations inform function-wide improvements.
- Develop and maintain centralized MLE systems for sharing, tracking, and applying evidence internally and externally.
- Lead the development of Evidence Action's learning agenda, identifying high-value questions and ensuring findings inform program design.
- Champion the strategic use of data, technology, and AI to strengthen MLE and organizational decision-making.
- Serve as the primary senior point of contact for regional MLE leaders on function-wide coordination and ways of working.
Provide senior external and organizational leadership
- Serve as a senior thought leader and external champion for Evidence Action’s MLE Function with donors, board members, government partners, and peer organizations.
- Oversee the approach to external reviewers, vendors, and consultants, critically evaluating their recommendations.
- Partner closely with Cost-Effectiveness and other internal evidence functions to ensure coherence across the organization's evidence approach.
- Lead board- and donor-level communications on MLE progress, methodology, and organizational learning.
Lead and develop the Global MLE Function
- Provide direction and leadership to the MLE team, including direct management of a Director who leads at-scale program MLE.
- Set strategic direction and priorities, fostering a high-performing team culture.
- Develop team members' capabilities and build a platform for ongoing professional growth.
- Oversee the Global MLE budget, making resourcing recommendations aligned to organizational priorities.
- Collaborate with leadership to plan resources, recruit strategic bandwidth, and develop a long-term structural vision for the MLE Function.
Requirements and Qualifications
- 10+ years of progressive experience in monitoring, learning, and evaluation in a global development context.
- 5+ years in a senior leadership role within a matrixed organization.
- PhD or a comparable mix of advanced training and high-end technical experience in a relevant field (economics, statistics, public health, social science, or related).
- Expertise in program evaluation design and methodology, including impact evaluations, process evaluations, and mixed-methods approaches.
- Real-world experience managing large-scale evaluations from design through dissemination.
- Direct program implementation and technical assistance experience to governments; in-field experience is highly desirable.
- Track record of developing Directors or senior leaders and strengthening leadership bench capacity.
- Established networks across the MLE and leadership communities, including philanthropies and government stakeholders.
- Track record of external thought leadership through publications, conference presentations, or similar platforms.
- Action-oriented mindset with a focus on implementation over theory.
- Exceptional technical communication skills to bridge gaps between specialists and non-technical audiences.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply online by visiting the Evidence Action portal on Workable at https://apply.workable.com/evidence-action/. Follow the instructions to submit your application details and required documents.
