Consultant for Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Knowledge Management (Syria project)

World Council of Churches•Baltimore, MD

1d•Remote

About The Position

The World Council of Churches (WCC) seeks a consultant to support monitoring, evaluation, learning and knowledge management for its Syria programme. The consultancy is home-based, with possible travel to Syria, Geneva or other locations as required and subject to security considerations. The initial consultancy runs from November 2026 until 31 August 2027, with a maximum of 90 working days. An extension may be possible subject to satisfactory performance, programme needs and funding availability. Working closely with the Geneva-based programme team, implementing partners and field coordinators, the consultant will support adaptive programme management by reviewing implementation progress, assessing emerging outcomes and lessons learned, strengthening the programme’s Theory of Change, and ensuring decisions are informed by evidence, learning and conflict-sensitive approaches. The programme supports locally led peacebuilding in Syria, including civic mediation, social cohesion, inclusive peacebuilding, dialogue, community-based conflict monitoring and cooperation among religious and civic actors. The consultant will refine the project’s MEL framework, Theory of Change, results framework, indicators and means of verification; develop practical tools for monitoring dialogue, mediation, early warning and social cohesion interventions; and provide methodological guidance to partners and local coordinators. The role also includes consolidating and analysing qualitative information, assessing progress towards intended outcomes, facilitating learning and reflection, documenting results and good practices, reviewing programme reports, and contributing to knowledge products and donor reporting. Deliverables will be agreed with the WCC programme team during implementation, in light of programme priorities and the number of working days requested. Indicative outputs include an updated MEL framework and monitoring tools, periodic monitoring and learning summaries, contributions to programme reviews and donor reporting, documentation of results and lessons, and recommendations to improve evidence collection and adaptive management. The work requires confidentiality and discretion. Materials developed under the consultancy remain WCC property, and their circulation is subject to WCC authorisation. The consultant must comply with the WCC Code of Conduct. Applicants are asked to submit a technical proposal, a financial proposal stating a daily fee in CHF, EUR or USD, and a CV. Applications are due by 31 October 2026.

Requirements

Advanced university degree in development studies, social sciences, monitoring and evaluation, peace and conflict studies, international relations or another relevant discipline, or equivalent professional qualifications and experience.
Demonstrated professional experience designing, implementing, monitoring, evaluating and adaptively managing complex peacebuilding and social cohesion programmes.
Proven MEL expertise, including Theory of Change development, results frameworks, qualitative and participatory methodologies, outcome assessment, and development of practical monitoring and documentation tools.
Experience analysing qualitative information and documenting programme results, lessons learned and good practices.
Experience facilitating strategic reflection, learning processes and programme reviews with multidisciplinary teams and implementing partners.
Demonstrated experience preparing and quality-assuring donor reports, learning briefs and other programme documentation, ensuring consistency between reported results and supporting evidence.
Excellent analytical, drafting and communication skills, including the ability to synthesise complex information into clear findings and practical recommendations.
In-depth understanding of the Syrian political, social and religious context.
Fluency in written and spoken English.
Ability to meet confidentiality requirements and comply with the WCC Code of Conduct.

Nice To Haves

Previous professional experience related to Syria is considered a strong asset.
Good knowledge of Arabic and French.
Experience working with faith-based organisations and civil society actors.
Familiarity with donor-funded programmes and their reporting requirements.

Responsibilities

Review and refine the project’s MEL framework, Theory of Change, results framework, indicators and means of verification.
Develop practical monitoring and documentation tools adapted to dialogue, mediation, early warning and social cohesion interventions.
Provide methodological guidance and technical support to implementing partners and local coordinators in using monitoring tools, documenting results, and ensuring the quality and consistency of collected information.
Support collection, consolidation and qualitative analysis of information from implementing partners, local coordinators and community networks.
Assess progress towards intended outcomes, including changes in relationships, trust, cooperation and capacities for preventive engagement.
Facilitate periodic learning and reflection exercises with the WCC team and implementing partners.
Document good practices, lessons learned and significant changes.
Review programme reports for consistency between reported activities, supporting evidence, indicators and results.
Contribute to knowledge management and prepare learning-oriented briefs and reports.
Contribute to programme progress reviews and donor reporting.
Recommend improvements to evidence collection and adaptive programme management.