(Senior) Director, Global Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning

About Evidence Action

Evidence Action equips data-driven initiatives that impact lives at an exceptional scale by targeting overlooked health challenges. Their proven solutions, informed by leading research including Nobel-winning economists, have touched over 500 million people in 11 countries, collaborating extensively with governments to scale effective programs.

• The Deworm the World initiative has administered over 2 billion treatments, reducing parasite prevalence and boosting lifetime productivity by $23 billion.
• The Safe Water Now program has saved more than 15,000 children’s lives.
• Their interventions prevent more than 200,000 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) annually by collaborating with governments in low- and middle-income countries.
• The Accelerator tests innovative, cost-effective health solutions to uncover new opportunities for impact.

Working at Evidence Action means joining a team that balances innovation, autonomy, and collaboration, focusing on disruptive thinking and purposeful action that changes millions of lives.

Position Overview

This leadership role focuses on advancing Evidence Action's monitoring, learning, and evaluation (MLE) framework globally, ensuring rigorous data underpins program selection, design, implementation, scaling, and exit strategies. The Senior Director will lead the refinement of MLE protocols across the portfolio, explore AI opportunities, and enhance organization-wide engagement on evidence and learning. You will oversee the entire MLE function—from design and data collection to analysis and external dissemination—ensuring top technical standards and close collaboration with global leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive the organization’s MLE strategy, evaluating early-stage programs rigorously and quantitatively predicting outcomes using microeconomic tools.
• Ensure continuous iteration and protocol adherence as programs scale, collaborating closely with regional leaders to adapt MLE systems and processes.
• Lead a critical portfolio-wide MLE review addressing recent monitoring challenges, managing external consultants, and implementing sustainable improvements.
• Embed a culture of data-driven decision-making by identifying vital program questions and facilitating actionable MLE insights for program managers.
• Strategically integrate AI and technology to enhance MLE efficiency and elevate organizational learning.
• Provide senior leadership and mentorship to the MLE team, including managing a Director and overseeing budgets, resource planning, and recruitment.
• Represent Evidence Action externally, engaging with donors, board members, government partners, and peer organizations to share MLE progress and thought leadership.
• Collaborate with internal evidence functions to harmonize modeling, validation, and data utilization across programs.

Qualifications and Experience

• Over 10 years of advancing Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning functions, including substantial hands-on experience managing quantitative evaluation teams in global health or development sectors.
• At least 5 years in senior leadership roles within matrixed organizations, with demonstrated ability to influence data-driven decisions alongside program implementation teams and government stakeholders. Field experience is highly preferred.
• PhD or equivalent advanced training in economics, statistics, public health, or other quantitative disciplines.
• Expertise in designing and managing rigorous program evaluations that include impact, process, and mixed-methods analyses on large scales.
• Strong background in people leadership, including team development, delivering strategic direction, performance management, and mentorship of senior technical personnel.
• An established network within MLE and leadership communities, with a record of external thought leadership through publications or speaking engagements.
• Proactive, action-oriented leadership with a proven focus on implementation and clear decision-making under resource constraints.
• Comfort with ambiguity and transformational change, skilled in balancing current challenges with long-term innovation and risk-taking.
• Exceptional communication skills able to tailor complex technical information effectively for diverse audiences including technical teams, donors, and non-experts.

Location and Travel

Preferred work locations include Nairobi, Kenya; Abuja, Nigeria; or New Delhi, India, with flexibility, including the US. The role requires regular travel to program sites to maintain close communication and contextual understanding.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary and benefits align with role level and local regulations, reflecting market conditions in operational regions.

For US-based roles, expected compensation ranges from $155,000 to $185,000 annually, complemented by comprehensive benefits such as international health insurance, life and disability coverage, retirement plans, and flexible leave options.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Evidence Action is committed to diversity and inclusivity, inviting qualified candidates of all backgrounds to apply.