Evidence and Learning Specialist at Danish Refugee Council (DRC)

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a humanitarian, non-governmental, non-profit organisation founded in 1956 that works in more than 30 countries throughout the world. DRC fulfils its mandate by providing direct assistance to conflict-affected populations – refugees, internally displaced people (IDPs) and host communities in the conflict areas of the world; and by advocating on behalf of conflict-affected populations internationally, and in Denmark, on the basis of humanitarian principles and the Human Rights Declaration. We understand “durable solutions” as any means by which the situation of refugees can be permanently and satisfactorily resolved, enabling them to live normal lives. Durable solutions can be voluntary repatriation, local integration or resettlement. In Denmark, DRC assists refugees in all aspects of integration as well as asylum procedures. Internationally, DRC actively participates in supporting the protection of refugees, and promoting durable solutions for conflict-affected populations. The DRC’s supreme authority is the Council, which consists of up to three representatives of each member organisation, six representatives of the voluntary groups and refugee counselling organisations cooperating with the Danish Refugee Council, and of the Executive Committee. DRC is an umbrella organisation and is currently consisting of 30 organisation members and voluntary groups, committed to the refugee cause. Membership of the DRC is open to non-party-political, voluntary, nationwide humanitarian and international organisations that work on a democratic basis, and whose aims conform to those of the DRC.

Experience : 3 years

Location: Abuja

Duties and Responsibilities

DRC in Nigeria aims to strengthen its evidence, learning, and knowledge management capacity, transforming into a learning-driven organization. The Evidence and Learning Specialist will bring the expertise needed to support this goal. In collaboration with MEAL team and under the supervision of the MEAL Manager, the role will maximize strategic evidence generation and utilization across programs.

The candidate will provide technical leadership in evidence generation, research and studies, guided by a comprehensive learning activities, ensuring that evidence is effectively used for program improvement, learning, advocacy, communication, and resource mobilization. The role will also focus on facilitating the exchange of best practices in research, evaluation, and analysis of monitoring data, driving learning and course corrections across DRC Nigeria’s programming, while contributing to knowledge sharing and capacity strengthening efforts.

The main responsibilities and tasks of the Evidence and Learning Specialist:

Strategy and System Development

Lead the development and implementation of an Evidence and Learning (E&L) strategy for DRC Nigeria, ensuring alignment with DRC’s Country Strategic Plan, Regional and Global MEAL priorities.
Support project and program development processes, providing technical input into the development of logical frameworks and results frameworks to guide evidence-based decision-making.
Collaborate with Technical Coordinators, Quality Assurance and Area Implementation, and, MEAL team as well as partners in the design and implementation of Evidence and Learning plans, including tracking and reporting on indicator performance across various projects.
Lead the consolidation of data and findings from project implementation to form a coherent base for analysis, lessons learned, and evidence generation to inform program improvement and future designs.
Provide strategic guidance to Implementation team, MEAL team in the Area level and partners, ensuring project commitments are translated into actionable implementation plan and monitoring systems.

Research and Evaluation

Lead the planning and tracking of assessments, evaluations, studies and research keeping the Evaluation Tracker up to date. Ensure all evaluations and studies are well-planned, aligned with program timelines, and carried out efficiently for accurate measurement and reporting.
Lead, facilitate and oversee the research, assessments and other study implementation activities, budget management, and coordinate work with Area Office teams, and ensures quality and smooth and efficient day-to-day operation of research and data collection activities, data quality assurance, data management, analysis and report writing and communicating results.
Collaborate with IT and program staff to ensure evaluation data and information are properly stored, maintained, and made accessible for analysis and reporting.
Support and guide Implementation and MEAL team in Areal level to effectively manage resources (e.g. budget, plans) for MEAL activities to ensure timely delivery of assessments, evaluations, and studies.

Knowledge Management, Evidence based learning and reflection

Lead and foster a learning culture within DRC Nigeria, aligning with Country, Regional and Global project learning agendas.
Lead the planning and oversight of learning and review activities ensuring the Learning and Action Tracker is consistently updated and followed up with actions.
Actively collaborate and coordinate with DRC Regional, HQ MEAL counterparts and Global MEAL Network to ensure the Global Learning practices shared, communicated and used within country, where necessary.
Provide technical support for thematic sector studies, regularly leading independent project reviews and making recommendations for necessary adjustments.
Ensure that findings from assessments and evaluations are integrated into project design and reporting to enhance evidence-based decision-making.
Lead the analysis and dissemination of programmatic learnings through document sharing, presentations, and other communication methods, ensuring lessons learned are widely accessible.
Conduct Quarterly review workshops in collaboration with relevant staff and ensure that outcomes are captured in the Learning tracker, shared and used for decision-making purposes in the Country Office
Provide regular technical supervision to Area MEAL and program staff through ongoing mentorship, field visits, and program reviews.
Collaborate with technical and program staff to design and implement assessments, studies, and learning initiatives to inform program strategies and operational improvements.
Strengthen the capacity of staff and partners in research, MEAL, ensuring alignment with DRC standards and best practices.
Archiving all research, assessment and evaluation tools, reports and any other related documents on DRC SharePoint.

Qualifications

Required

A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Monitoring and Evaluation, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Statistics, Research, or related fields. A Master’s degree is highly desirable.
Proven experience (at least 3 years) in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) roles, with a focus on evidence and learning strategy development.
Experience in managing research, assessments, studies, and evaluations in a humanitarian or development context.
Strong track record of working with Logical Frameworks (Logframe) and Results Frameworks to guide evidence-based decision-making.
Prior experience in capacity building and providing technical support to program teams on MEAL processes and tools.
Ability to foster a learning culture and facilitate knowledge sharing within the organization.
Familiarity with data management, data analysis, and using evidence to inform programmatic decisions.
Proficiency in data analysis software (such as SPSS, STATA, R, or equivalent) and database management.
Strong knowledge of digital data collection tools (such as KoBoToolbox, CommCare, or similar).
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work in diverse teams.