Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible. To do this, we know our teams do their best work when they are diverse and every member feels they belong. We welcome diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be stronger and have a long-term impact. Mercy Corps has worked across Iraq’s 18 governorates since 2003, implementing relief and development programming, more than a third of which has focused on the specific needs of internally displaced persons. Mercy Corps Iraq’s goal is to work with new and existing civil society, public and private sector partners to meet immediate and long-term needs by strengthening communities’ ability to rebuild amidst increasing crises. Mercy Corps Iraq focuses on (1) a relief-to-resilience pathway to meet the needs of conflict-affected communities leveraging agency expertise in conflict management and civil society development (2) a humanitarian response that empowers conflict-affected populations to meet their own needs (3) partnering with conflict-affected adolescents to address their diverse needs, promoting leadership and linkages with civil society. Mercy Corps is seeking a senior Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Director who will support the implementation of an anticipated five-year USAID -funded Iraq Civic Engagement Activity (ICEA) . foster a more politically engaged citizenry in Iraq, enhancing trust and participation in the country's democratic processes. This activity seeks to elevate civic literacy, empower citizens to actively engage and contribute to discussions on issues of concern, equipping citizens with the knowledge and skills necessary to participate effectively in the democratic processes. This includes fostering awareness of governmental processes, promoting access to accurate media content, facilitating increased engagement with government entities at various levels, and empowering citizens to participate in public life. The MEL Director will be responsible for oversight of Activity-level monitoring and evaluation - including qualitative inquiry and ensuring that a robust MEL system provides evidence needed for learning and adapting throughout the program life-cycle . This includes developing systems, instruments, methods and tools to track and aggregate data across activities, managing performance reporting to USAID and coordinating the sharing and dissemination of information and emerging practices to key stakeholders. The MEL Director will also be responsible for the capacity building and mentoring strategy for program staff and partners on themes related to monitoring, evaluation, accountability, reporting, and learning. Essential Job Responsibilities Set up and oversee the timely implementation of MEL systems, including developing and updating the Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan (AMELP), including review of its results framework, indicators, baseline and periodic data collection strategies and methodologies, data flow chart, data protection plan, M&E Technology Plan, and Learning Plan. Ensure all MEL policy related deliverables are met, including monitoring activities, evaluations, learning events and initiatives, quarterly/ annual reviews, Data Quality Assessments (DQAs), and all reporting requirements. Ensure an Indicator Plan built in or uploaded to TolaData , reflecting sex and age disaggregation (SADD) for relevant indicators, and all results for all indicators are updated regularly in TolaData to fulfill the program's monitoring, evaluation, and learning needs, as outlined in the M&E, Learning, and Technology Plans. Support knowledge management efforts and encourage effective utilization of evidence and learning for adaptive management practices and designing resource mobilization efforts. Use competency-based approaches to build the capacity of all relevant Activity and partner team members to develop and maintain a high-quality MEL system, which integrates regular reflection, learning, and adaption through analysis of quantitative and qualitative d ata and other knowledge gained through implementation of the AMELP. Knowledge and Experience Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience, including proven experience managing MEL staff Experience managing MEL and activities under USAID-funded programs Experience with and commitment to adaptive management and collaborative, learn, adapt (CLA) processes. rch skills, including participatory qualitative and quantitative methodologies and techniques, planning and managing surveys, and developing and refining data collection tools. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, and a proven ability to network and maintain effective working relationships with diverse actors. Previous experience in Iraq or similar context is essential. Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English ; fluency in Arabic highly desired . A successful candidate will have a demonstrated ability to lead and communicate effectively with team members and other stakeholders of varied work styles and cultures, follow procedures, and meet deadlines with flexibility and creativity in planning and problem solving. This position requires an ability to think creatively to achieve sustainable impact and enhance long-term resilience. They will have a proven ability to learn quickly, multi-task, prioritize, take initiative, and be accountable for results. They will understand the larger picture while remaining focused on problem solving and effectively navigating complex and sensitive political, conflict, and security dynamics. The most successful Mercy Corps team members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and changing environments, and make effective written and verbal communication a priority in all situations. The role is unaccompanied, eligible for R&R breaks, and hardship, and housing is provided in shared group housing in Erbil and when travel outside of Erbil is required . The team member must follow all security protocols at all times . Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact.