Chemonics seeks a Research, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (RMEL) Manager to support education programming in Northwest Syria. The Syria Education Programme II (SEP II) aims to provide children living in Northwest Syria with safe, inclusive, and quality education that meets their specialized learning, psychosocial, and protection needs. The RMEL Manager will be responsible for assisting the MERL Director with the implementation of the MERL plan and designing and populating the SEP II MERL system.
The project is open to this position being based in Türkiye, or Syria, to accommodate for the
evolving programme’s needs across locations, as well as the selected candidate’s location and
qualifications. Remote applications from strong candidates with a willingness to be based in Syria or visit regularly as it stabilises would be considered. This would be a short-term arrangement while security settles. We would consider a longer-term arrangement if there is regular, low cost travel from the region. In either case, the RMEL Manager will be expected to travel if necessary and situation permits within the areas of implementation to oversee and support programme activities.
Background:
SEP II, funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and running until 2027, provides primary school children access to quality, inclusive and sustainable education in conflict-affected areas of Northwest Syria. The project provides comprehensive support to schools and teachers, including pedagogical supervision, learning assessments, psychosocial support, and safeguarding measures. The goal is to foster hope for future generations by investing in capacitybuilding and models that facilitate learning.
Position description:
The role of the Research, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (RMEL) Manager will be part of
the MERL Department. The Manager will play a critical role in leading and supporting research, evaluation, and learning efforts under the SEP II programme. This includes designing and implementing comprehensive research and evaluation frameworks, promoting evidence-based decision-making, and facilitating adaptive learning within the programme. The RMEL Manager will ensure that programme activities are systematically assessed, lessons are captured and shared, and continuous learning drives programme improvements. While monitoring support will be a minor component, the primary focus will be on generating, analyzing, and applying knowledge for programmatic learning and accountability.
The RMEL Manager will adhere to and act in accordance with Chemonics’ professional code of
ethics, “Living Our Values,” and will make the principles of the code a part of the program’s
culture and operating procedures. They will uphold SEP II’s safeguarding standards at all times and will promote a safeguarding culture among partners, beneficiaries, and staff. They will also foster and maintain good relationships with potential and actual grantees, will disclose any affiliations that could be perceived as a conflict of interest, and will maintain confidentiality regarding program activities.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions):
Research and Evaluation:
- Support with the design, implementation, and management of research studies and
evaluations to assess the programme’s impact and effectiveness. - Develop and apply quantitative and qualitative data collection tools, ensuring robust
methodologies for evaluating programme interventions that will include but not be limited to learning outcomes, protection needs, continues professional development, and inclusive education goals. - Collaborate with external evaluators (TPMs), consultants, and partners to ensure effective
management of evaluations and studies. - Conduct ongoing analysis of evaluation data to inform programmatic decisions and refine
intervention strategies. - Provide technical input to ensure high-quality research design, data collection, and reporting that align with client expectations and sector best practices.
Learning and Knowledge Management:
- Provide inputs to the learning agenda to capture and disseminate lessons learned and best practices across the programme.
- Develop learning products, including reports, briefs, and presentations to communicate
findings to both internal and external stakeholders. - Support the Director with reflection and learning events to foster knowledge exchange and promote evidence-based decision-making.
- Support the Director in collaborating with the programme’s technical teams to integrate
learning into adaptive management and program design. - Manage a centralized knowledge management system for storing, sharing, and accessing
research, evaluation, and learning resources.
Technical Support and Capacity Building:
- Provide technical guidance to partners, programme staff, and stakeholders on research and evaluation methodologies, tools, and processes.
- Conduct training sessions and mentorship to enhance the capacity of partners in data
collection, analysis, and evidence-based decision-making. - Develop guidance notes, manuals, and toolkits to standardize data management and
learning approaches across the programme.
Monitoring and Reporting:
- Provide support in reviewing and analyzing monitoring data to track progress against key
performance indicators. - Contribute to the development of donor reports, ensuring alignment between monitoring
data and programme results.
Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:
- Support the Communication and Advocacy team in developing evidence-based
communication products, including success stories, case studies, infographics, and reports, to effectively share programme results, lessons learned, and best practices. - Collaborate with the Communication and Advocacy team to create technical briefs and
other materials for client, donors, and the education sector, aimed at informing and
influencing policy and practice. - Represent the programme in relevant research, evaluation, and learning platforms.
- Support in learning dissemination and co-facilitate learning labs.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and
responsibility satisfactorily. The qualifications listed below are representative of the required
knowledge, skills, and/or abilities needed to perform the principal duties.
- Strong experience in evaluation and research design and data collection, including
qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. - Experience in developing and implementing learning frameworks and integrating findings into programme improvement.
- Experience in data analysis and reporting, with a solid understanding of statistical tools
and software (e.g., SPSS, R, STATA, Excel) is preferred. - Proven experience (5+ years) in designing and managing research, monitoring, evaluation,
and learning (RMEL) activities, especially in development or humanitarian contexts. - Bachelors’ degree in social sciences or related field
- Knowledge and understanding of Syria context, conflict and security situation in Syria,
previous experience in Syria strongly preferred. - Desirable: Familiarity with UK donor-funded programs and understanding of donor
reporting requirements for research and evaluation - Excellent communication, and writing/reporting skills.
- Team player with the ability to also work independently.
- Demonstrated leadership, versatility, and integrity.
- Demonstrated understanding and commitment to equal human rights, gender equality,
disability and social inclusion, and safeguarding. - Fluency in Arabic, with strong speaking and writing skills in English.
Period of Performance:
The assignment is long-term through the life of the relevant donor contract.
Location of the assignment:
The assignment will be conducted in Türkiye or Syria with intermittent travel.
Supervision and reporting:
The RMEL Manager will report to the MERL Director.
Application instructions:
To apply please fill out this form: SEP II Job Application Form by April 21, 2025.
We will review the applications on a rolling basis. No telephone inquiries, please. Chemonics will contact finalists.
Chemonics is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and
employment practices on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, political
affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.
Chemonics values the protection of your personal data. If you are in the European Union, please read our EU Recruiting Data Privacy Notice to learn how we process personal data. You may access the notice via the following link: https://chemonics.com/eu-recruiting-data-privacy-notice/.