Head of Monitoring, Reporting, Evaluation, and Learning (MREL)

Location: UK (Remote) or the Levant
Role Type: Full‑time FTC
Closing Date: 5 November 2025

About ARK

ARK is a social enterprise, empowering local communities through agile and sustainable interventions to create greater stability, opportunity, and hope for the future. We believe strong, resilient communities are the foundation of local, national, regional, and international development and stability, ultimately fostering a safer, more peaceful, and prosperous world. Since 2008, we have delivered research and programmatic interventions validating this approach in over twenty countries. As a social enterprise, we partner with communities, donors, and other implementers to build local capacities, generate opportunity, and bring about sustainable change.

Learn more about our impact: https://www.ark.international/impact

About the Role

The Head of MREL oversees monitoring, reporting, evaluation, and learning activities across ARK’s global portfolio. The position is responsible for developing minimum MREL standards for each project and collaborating with Project Directors, Project Managers, and MREL Managers to ensure these standards are applied consistently while adapting to local contexts and donor requirements.

Key responsibilities include managing ARK’s MREL Managers, designing and delivering training, and implementing new MREL systems, frameworks, approaches, and tools that align with current sector standards and donor expectations. The role also engages senior donor MREL focal points, leads strategic engagement with ARK’s research function, and supports the broader Learning and Development objectives.

What You’ll Be Doing

Design, Development and Implementation of an ARK MREL System

• Work with the Head of Programmes to design, develop and implement an appropriate ARK MREL System, including minimum MREL standards for ARK projects.
• Support delivery teams (including Project Directors, Managers, Subject Matter Experts, etc.) and MREL teams (including MREL Managers, Coordinators, Officers, Advisors, etc.) to adapt and implement ARK’s MREL System to the country, project, or donor/funder context.
• Develop reference and technical resources (templates, databases, etc.) to enable effective implementation of the MREL System and minimum standards.
• Implement review processes to check the application of MREL Systems across ARK’s portfolio.
• Quality‑assure high‑priority MREL deliverables, such as project‑level MREL Systems, key tools, monitoring reports, change stories, learning briefs, endline evaluations, etc.

Line Management of MREL Resources

• Line manage ARK’s MREL Manager/Coordinator employees (configuration depends on each project’s structure and scale).
• Act as a focal point for ARK’s MREL Advisor and Evaluator contractors.

Sector Shaping

• Engage with donors/funders at strategic and senior levels to reinforce the value of investing in MREL and demonstrate project impact through creative reporting approaches.
• Track MREL sector developments and reflect these in ARK’s MREL System and minimum standards.
• Engage with sector‑specific forums to shape the debates around MREL.

Learning and Development

• Work closely with ARK’s Head of Learning and Development to create a culture of active evidence‑based learning and adaptation within project environments.
• Develop training resources and manage individual development plans for MREL Managers and Project Managers to ensure continual professional development in the field of MREL.
• Roll out MREL training packages tailored to project needs.

MREL Management at Project Level

• Assume the role of MREL Manager and/or MREL Advisor on priority or complex projects, where required.
• Develop and implement project‑specific MREL Systems, including Theories of Change, Results Frameworks, and data collection tools and methodologies in accordance with the overarching ARK MREL System and minimum standards.

Support Business Development

• Develop tentative ToCs, RFs, and project‑level MREL systems to support concepts and proposals that the Business Development team are working on.
• Showcase ARK’s MREL Systems and typical MREL products to prospective donors/funders.
• Identify opportunities for ARK to develop its offering and business in MREL‑focused projects, e.g., Third Party Monitoring opportunities.
• Ensure that MREL resources are adequately budgeted for during proposal development.

Support MREL Recruitment

• Work closely with HR to manage ARK’s MREL resource pool, identify and address capability gaps through recruitment processes, and maintain a roster of MREL Experts, Advisors, and Evaluators.
• Support the development of role profiles/job descriptions, and lead interviews and selection processes for MREL applicants.

Requirements

Essential:

• Extensive MREL experience in international development or stabilisation sectors.
• In‑depth knowledge of MREL methodologies, including complexity‑aware monitoring and adaptive management.
• Demonstrated experience with UK FCDO MREL systems and at least one other major donor.
• Proven track record of designing and implementing MREL systems in fragile and conflict‑affected settings.
• Experience managing MREL teams and mentoring junior staff.
• Expertise in mixed‑methods research (qualitative and quantitative data collection, analysis, and reporting).
• Commitment to ethical research practices, gender mainstreaming, and Do‑No‑Harm principles.
• Full professional fluency in English.

Desirable:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., International Development, Political Science, Sociology).
• Familiarity with data visualisation software and advanced data collection and analysis tools (e.g., ActivityInfo).
• Full professional fluency in Arabic or French.
• Experience working on projects in fragile or conflict‑affected contexts, especially in regions where ARK operates (Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen, Haiti, Ukraine, etc.).

Benefits

• Impactful Work: Your expertise will directly impact the lives of those in need.
• Global Reach: Collaborate with international experts and local stakeholders.
• Innovation: Engage in pioneering solutions for sustainable change.
• Career Growth: Expand your horizons with varied projects and challenges.

Our People

Our team covers a diverse range of professional backgrounds, from diplomacy, humanitarian, development and the military, to the UN, civil society groups, multilateral organisations, journalism, and the private sector.

Smart: We think deeply about things. We’re proud of our institutional knowledge and our grounding in rigorous research, which we use to make informed decisions.

Humble: Our work leaves little room for pride or arrogance. Our operating environment is constantly evolving, and we recognise our limitations. We believe in and rely on the education and experiences of others while remaining quick to read, invite feedback, and ask sensible questions.

Accountable: Each of us wants ARK, its partners, and beneficiaries to succeed. This means taking initiative, assuming ownership when necessary, and never giving up on our beneficiaries. We are committed and accountable, to both our donors and the communities we serve.

Collegiate: We know we are stronger together and that every contribution counts. We trust each other and always support each other.

Outspoken: We tackle diverse challenges, and we always want to find the best solution to a problem. We aren’t afraid to share our opinions, and we want to hear those of others too.

ARK Group is an equal‑opportunity employer. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. ARK Group does not discriminate on the basis of ability, age, gender identity or expression, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs or sexual orientation. We welcome all kinds of diversity. ARK Group places human dignity at the center of its development and stabilization work and is committed to the protection from sexual exploitation and abuse of children and adults. All ARK Group employees and related personnel are expected to share this commitment, and only those who uphold these values will be recruited as part of our team. This vacancy is therefore subject to a range of due diligence checks.