The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is globally recognized for its commitment to transforming the lives of those affected by humanitarian crises. Through an integrated approach that bridges emergency response with long-term development, the IRC champions innovative solutions to complex challenges. At the core of this effort is our dedication to rigorous Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) practices. In line with our vision to make our programs models of the highest global standards, we are inviting applications for the role of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Global Practice Lead.
This is a unique opportunity to join a high-impact team that drives global MEAL strategy across IRC’s operations. The position is available in three dynamic global locations—New York, USA; Nairobi, Kenya; and London, United Kingdom—with flexibility for remote work arrangements.
About the IRC’s Technical Excellence (TE) Group
The IRC’s Technical Excellence group forms the backbone of our programmatic quality assurance. Composed of seven specialized teams—Education, Economic Wellbeing, Governance, Health, Violence Prevention and Response, MEAL, and Grants & Operations—this group ensures that evidence-based practices, innovation, and cutting-edge solutions are embedded in all IRC operations worldwide. As part of our current transformation through the “Regional and Technical Alignment” process, we are realigning structures to bring practice and global leadership closer together. This shift introduces the role of the Global Practice Lead to strengthen strategic cohesion and accountability.
The Role of MEAL at the IRC
The MEAL unit provides global leadership and strategic direction to ensure the IRC produces and uses high-quality data for decision-making, learning, and accountability. Our MEAL strategy is guided by five interlinked priorities:
- Enhancing understanding of clients, programs, and outcomes
- Promoting widespread data use for program improvement
- Expanding and integrating data systems
- Building MEAL capacity across programs
- Increasing uptake and use of MEAL tools and products
Position Overview: MEAL Global Practice Lead
The MEAL Global Practice Lead is a pivotal leadership role within the Crisis Response, Recovery, and Development (CRRD) department. This individual will serve as the technical authority on MEAL standards across all IRC global practice areas. Working as a core member of the Measurement Unit’s senior management team and a strategic counterpart to other Technical Excellence teams, the MEAL Global Practice Lead will ensure consistent, high-quality MEAL approaches across diverse geographic and thematic programs.
This position offers a rare opportunity to drive a unified global MEAL vision, contribute to IRC’s broader strategic ambitions, and influence sector-wide learning and innovation.
Location Options
- New York, NY, United States
- Nairobi, Kenya
- London, United Kingdom
Remote work is also considered based on the candidate’s location and eligibility.
Employment Details
- Category: Fixed Term
- Type: Full-Time
- Compensation:
- New York, NY: USD 117,000.00 – 140,000.00 annually
- London, UK: GBP 71,093.86 – 82,942.84 annually
- Compensation in other locations to be aligned with local market benchmarks and experience
- Travel: Up to 25% international travel may be required
Detailed Job Responsibilities
1. Define the Gold Standard for What and How We Measure
- Lead the MEAL Technical Working Group in collaboration with Technical Units (TUs) to define consistent practices, develop global guidance, and resolve cross-cutting MEAL issues.
- Support TUs in identifying outcome indicators across individual, community, and systems levels.
- Provide technical leadership for the Core Indicator List, annual statistics, and other global data analysis efforts.
- Contribute to the evolution of the organization’s minimum and comprehensive MEAL standards, and develop associated competency frameworks.
- Oversee the design and maintenance of organizational indicators, tools, and methodologies; lead prioritization of tools, guidance, and systems like Data Toolkits and PID.
- Develop a strategy to embed evaluation and learning within program design and execution.
- Ensure client-centered programming by integrating client feedback into design and decision-making, supporting client responsiveness and mainstreaming feedback mechanisms.
2. Strengthen Capacity to Deliver MEAL Technical Excellence
- Coordinate MEAL-related efforts across TUs including development of methodologies, goal setting, technical assistance, and engagement in global consultations.
- Prioritize interventions for focused MEAL support based on data and strategy in collaboration with Technical Directors and TU MEAL Leads.
- Refresh and sustain the MEAL Community of Practice and other knowledge-sharing platforms.
- Collaborate with Deputy Director MEAL and regional teams to translate global standards into actionable regional and country-level practices.
- Guide technical teams in strengthening data literacy and usage across all types of analysis—quantitative and qualitative.
- Design and deliver strategic trainings and workshops to drive widespread adoption of MEAL tools, methodologies, and insights.
- Stay abreast of global MEAL developments and integrate emerging approaches into the IRC’s strategy.
3. Drive a Culture of Continuous Learning
- Work with the Senior Director, MEAL to promote a learning-centered environment that embraces adaptive management and reflective practice.
- Guide TUs and Regional Teams in developing learning agendas focused on practice improvement, program outcomes, and systems change.
- Identify cross-cutting learning themes and facilitate knowledge sharing across regions and teams.
- Support the use of adaptive management processes and promote the elevation of program learning into global policy and practice.
4. Business Development and External Influence
- Lead and maintain partnerships with external MEAL stakeholders including donors, academic institutions, peer organizations, and thought leaders.
- Support strategic grant planning, proposal development, and resource allocation for high-impact MEAL components.
- Represent the IRC in external MEAL-related forums, conferences, and collaborative platforms.
Key Relationships
- Reports to: Senior Director, MEAL, CRRD Technical Excellence
- Direct Reports: Global MEAL Practice Advisor
- Management in Partnership: TU Measurement/MEAL Advisors
Internal Collaboration Includes:
- Deputy Director, MEAL
- Regional Measurement Teams (six regions)
- Technical Excellence leadership and staff
- Global Advocacy and Policy teams
- CRRD Leadership and Global HQ stakeholders
Required Competencies and Skills
Candidates must demonstrate substantial experience and capability in the following areas:
- Developing and implementing key metrics and tools for tracking program impact
- Utilizing a diverse array of data analysis techniques, including statistical methods, qualitative analysis, and visualization tools
- Translating complex data into actionable insights that shape decision-making and design
- Leading evaluations and embedding learning into strategic planning and field implementation
- Working across functions and regions in complex, multicultural, and matrixed organizations
- Facilitating communities of practice and delivering effective knowledge transfer
- Managing technical teams with a focus on performance management, mentoring, and professional development
- Proficiency with tools including MS Office Suite, MS Project, and PowerBI
- Strong communication skills in English; additional proficiency in Arabic, French, or Spanish is highly desirable
Education Background
A master’s degree or equivalent experience in MEAL, international development, public policy, or a related humanitarian/development discipline is desirable. Applicants should demonstrate formal training or extensive experience in the use of data for programmatic decision-making and evidence-based strategy.
Recruitment Process
Applicants will undergo a structured recruitment process which includes:
- Initial screening call (virtual)
- First-round interview with hiring manager
- Final panel interview, including a task-based presentation
Equal Opportunity Statement
The IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity at all levels of the organization. We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and particularly welcome those who bring unique perspectives to our mission. IRC operates the Disability Confident Employer Scheme in the UK. Applicants who self-identify as having a disability and meet the minimum criteria will be guaranteed an interview.
Employee Benefits
The IRC offers a robust package of benefits to ensure the well-being of our staff:
- In the US: Medical, dental, and vision insurance at competitive rates, generous leave entitlements (10 sick days, 10 holidays, 20-25 PTO days), disability and life insurance, retirement savings (403b with matching), FSA plans, and employee assistance programs for mental health support.
- UK and Kenya packages follow competitive local market standards and include similar protections.
This is a rare leadership opportunity to join one of the world’s most respected humanitarian organizations and shape the future of MEAL globally. By joining the IRC as the MEAL Global Practice Lead, you will drive strategic coherence, champion learning, and enhance program impact at a global scale.
