Various MEL Consultants

Job Description

KEY INFORMATION

• Programme: FCDO MEL Facility - Ukraine
• Duration: 4 years (2025/2026 - 2030)
• Positions: Multiple senior experts - e.g. Team Leader, Deputy Team Leader, Workstream Leads, TPM Lead, Evaluation Lead, Political Economy Analysis Lead, Thematic Experts.
• Location: Based in Ukraine or remote with potential travel (depending on role and feasibility).
• Contract type: Consultancy (short-term and long-term assignments, part-time or full-time).

SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT
The UK Government (FCDO) is launching a new Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) facility to provide independent evidence, third-party monitoring, and assurance across its expanding portfolio in Ukraine. The facility will cover humanitarian support, governance, energy security, anti-corruption and reform, political inclusion, economic and social recovery, and infrastructure reconstruction.

Operating in a highly complex and fragile environment, the facility will generate credible data and insights to strengthen accountability to both the British taxpayer and Ukrainian citizens, while ensuring adaptive learning and robust oversight of FCDO-funded programmes.


SUMMARY OF THE POSITIONS
We are establishing a Panel of Experts in Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) to support the delivery of this facility. Selected experts will form the Core Team, and additional experts may be part of a roster that may be contracted for specific assignments across the 4-year programme.
We are seeking senior MEL professionals with demonstrated experience in Ukraine. Experience in other Fragile and Conflict-Affected States (FCAS) is a plus. Experts will contribute to evaluation design, TPM, portfolio-wide research, thematic analysis, and assurance activities, depending on their profile and expertise.


KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibilities will vary by assignment and role, and may include:

• Leading or supporting MEL assignments such as TPM, evaluations, learning studies, VfM assessments, and political economy analyses.
• Designing and implementing monitoring frameworks, ToCs, indicators and data-collection approaches adapted to conflict contexts.
• Providing independent verification of programme delivery, including in hard-to-reach areas, using both in-person and remote methodologies.
• Conducting thematic or sectoral studies (e.g. humanitarian response, energy, governance, anti-corruption, social and economic recovery, reconstruction).
• Engaging with Ukrainian civil society and local partners to ensure inclusive, conflict-sensitive and gender-responsive MEL approaches.
• Producing high-quality reports, analysis and presentations for FCDO, government counterparts and partners.
• Advising on adaptive management, safeguarding, and fraud/aid-diversion risk monitoring.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Professional experience: At least 10-12 years in Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning, Third-Party Monitoring, or applied research in FCAS contexts.
• Ukraine/region expertise: Demonstrated experience working in Ukraine and/or Eastern Europe highly desirable.
• Donor experience: Solid track record with FCDO or other major donors (e.g. UN, World Bank, EU).
• Thematic expertise: At least one of the following sectors: humanitarian support, energy security, anti-corruption and reform, governance, political inclusion, economic and social recovery, infrastructure reconstruction.
• Leadership skills: Proven ability to lead teams and manage complex MEL assignments; prior experience as Team Leader, Deputy Team Leader, Workstream Lead, or Evaluation Lead an advantage.
• Technical skills: Strong grasp of MEL methodologies, adaptive programming, VfM, political economy analysis, conflict-sensitivity, and GESI (gender equality and social inclusion).
• Languages: Excellent written and spoken English (essential). Knowledge of Ukrainian or Russian (desirable).
• Availability: Flexibility to undertake short or long-term assignments, in-country or remote with potential travel to Ukraine.

APPLICATION PROCESS
Candidates are encouraged to apply by 26 September 2025.

For your application to be considered, please upload your documents as followed: Candidate Last Name, First Name, date, Title of the Position.

Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer, basing employment on merit and qualifications as they relate to professional experience and position expectations. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law.

We thank all applicants, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.

About the Organization

ABOUT US
Founded in 1985, Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company. Headquartered in Ottawa and with corporate hubs in Auckland, Berlin, Brussels, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Manila, Nairobi, Singapore and Stockholm, Cowater International has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 2500 projects and assignments in more than 95 countries. We work with governments, private sector actors and communities implementing projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, environmental improvements and advance equal opportunities for all. We are a diverse and experienced team committed to building a better tomorrow for the people we serve. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our yearly award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies since 2017.

We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow.