Senior Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Advisor (80-100 %) At Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance

DCAF – Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance is dedicated to improving the security of states and their people within a framework of democratic governance, the rule of law, respect for human rights, and gender equality. Since its founding in 2000, DCAF has contributed to making peace and development more sustainable by assisting partner states, and international actors supporting these states, to improve the governance of their security sectors through inclusive and participatory reforms. It creates innovative knowledge products, promotes norms and good practices, provides legal and policy advice, and supports capacity‐building of both state and non‐state security sector stakeholders.

DCAF’s Foundation Council brings together representatives of over 40 countries. Active all over the world, DCAF is internationally recognized as one of the world’s leading centres of excellence for security sector governance (SSG). DCAF is guided by the principles of human rights-based approach with gender equality at its core, democratic governance, impartiality and national ownership. For more information, visit www.dcaf.ch and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter) @DCAF_Geneva.

We are looking for an experienced and dynamic individual to be our next:

Senior Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Advisor (80-100 %)

Location: Geneva, Switzerland

Starting date: February 2025 or as soon as possible

Duration: Permanent

The role

As a pivotal member of our team, the Senior Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Advisor is tasked with steering DCAF towards strengthening an effective MEAL model, embracing the challenges and opportunities of transitioning towards a networked ‘Hub’ approach. He/she will be an important actor of the new Strategic Implementation team.

This role combines strategic leadership with technical MEAL expertise, aiming to foster a results-oriented culture and enhance our capacity for continuous learning and improvement. This is particularly crucial at the onset of a new strategic period that is putting MEAL at the center of its approach.

Working closely with the Director’s Office, Management Team (MT) and various DCAF entities, the advisor will work on the improvement, operationalization and harmonization of results-based planning, monitoring, evaluation, performance reporting and learning as DCAF is committed to continuous improvement as a leading centre for learning on SSG/R.

Key Responsibilities

1- MEAL reflections and strategic steering:

• Support the Director’s office and the Strategic Implementation Team in operationalizing the new 6-year strategy (2035-2030) within its budget framework, fostering an environment conducive to effective monitoring, evaluation, and learning.
• Spearhead the development of a robust MEAL framework in alignment with DCAF’s upcoming strategy, contributing to a cohesive approach to achieving strategic objectives.
• Support the seamless integration of performance management with DCAF’s information management system, providing support to Management Team (MT) reflections and strategic decision-making.

2 – RBM Institutionalization and MEAL Practice Enhancement:

• Drive the conceptual development of DCAF’s M & E framework, promoting a culture of results and systematic lesson learning across the organization.
• Provide MEAL-related guidance to DCAF entities and project teams, participating in project proposal review panels to ensure MEAL considerations are integrated from the outset.
• Support all DCAF entities in achieving compliance with the OECD-DAC Gender Marker and other commitments, ensuring accountability.

3 – Capacity Building and MEAL Network Strengthening:

• Strengthen and coordinate the network and enhance capabilities of DCAF’s MEAL focal points, enabling them to better support project teams with common approaches, project/programme monitoring, and reflective learning practices.
• Lead the development and coordinate the delivery of MEAL induction programs for new staff and ongoing capacity development initiatives for existing staff, focusing on mentoring and dedicated training for DCAF’s MEAL focal points and managers.
• Within the learning hub (in creation), enhance the existing MEAL network across DCAF by developing communities of practice, facilitating evidence sharing, promoting collaboration, and improving internal information.

4 – MEAL Reporting and Quality Assurance:

• Oversee the production of DCAF’s corporate performance report, emphasizing results-focused project/programme reporting and timely submission through MEAL network focal points.
• Conduct quality assurance for periodic performance reports and assist in the development of divisional, regional, or country reports.
• Streamline and strategize the performance report data collection process, and coordinate different level of reporting modalities to ensure proper evaluation over the period of the new strategy.
• Streamline the management and utilization of the DCAF Database/Dashboard to support decision-making and reporting processes.
• Track the impact of DCAF’s learning efforts and support the new learning hub and partner with other functions in the house in view of measuring the delivery of the strategy.

Your experience

• Advanced university degree, or equivalent professional experience, in international affairs and development, governance, economics, statistics, evaluation research security studies, human rights or related disciplines
• At least 10 years of professional experience in MEAL in international development or related fields
• Demonstrated leadership and advisory capabilities, with a knack for influencing strategy and operations
• Proficient in capacity building, mentoring, and training, with a commitment to fostering a learning culture.
• Familiarity with OECD-DAC Gender Marker or equivalent frameworks, showcasing a commitment to gender-sensitive programming
• Strong analytical, reporting, and coordination skills, capable of managing complex MEAL frameworks and initiatives
• Ability to work in a collaborative team environment, adhering to and promoting the values of the organisation
• Flexibility, responsiveness, adaptability and pragmatism
• Excellent English and French (both written and spoken).

We offer

• a rewarding, dynamic and meaningful work experience
• the chance to be part of a diverse team of collaborative, respectful, hardworking and values-driven people
• the chance to contribute to advance the security of all people through nationally owned, inclusive, and participatory security sector reforms based on international norms and good practices.