Market Systems Development - MEL & Adaptive Learning Consultant - Capacity Strengthening Support

Objectives

The primary objective of this role is to strengthen the team’s capacity to plan and implement MSD interventions, monitor and measure outcomes and impact, demonstrate Value for Money (VfM), and learn from and adapt MSD programming. This will be achieved through practical coaching, application of MSD MEL tools and methodologies, and the co-development of an internal MSD MEL Toolkit that captures tested approaches, tools, and lessons for ongoing and future programming, contextualizing and integrating key aspects of the Donor Committee for Enterprise Development (DCED) standard.

Consultant Objectives

• Provide tailored technical assistance to strengthen the team’s Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) capacity in support of MSD interventions.
• Through a combination of practical learning sessions, coaching, and advisory support, help the MEL and program team apply MSD-oriented approaches to results measurement, learning, adaptive management, and intervention validation.
• Support the team to establish MEL systems that capture results, measure outcomes/impact, attributable change, and demonstrate value for money (VfM) and recovery, as well as support strategic planning for the adaptation and scale up of MSD activities.
• Achieve a portfolio-level perspective, supporting the development of systems and approaches that can be applied across Mercy Corps Ukraine’s MSD programming rather than remaining program-specific.
• Contribute to the establishment of a sustainable MSD MEL practice within the program, enabling the team to generate meaningful insights, support adaptive management, and assess the potential for sustainability and scale of MSD interventions.

Activities of the Consultant

• Conduct MSD MEL Capacity Assessment and Develop Capacity Strengthening Plan
• Deliver Practical Learning Session(s) on Foundations of MSD MEL
• Provide Coaching and Mentoring (Individual and Small Group)
• Provide Ongoing Technical Advisory and Operational Support
• Design, Adapt, and Operationalize MEL Systems and Tools
• Guide Creation of an Internal MSD MEL Toolkit

Consultant Deliverables

• MSD MEL System and Capacity Assessment and Capacity Strengthening Plan
• Rapid assessment of MEL team capacities
• Capacity strengthening plan outlining existing strengths and areas for development, group and individual learning priorities, proposed learning and coaching approach, proposed workplan and engagement schedule, including schedule of learning sessions and coaching support, and recommendations for continued capacity strengthening beyond the assignment.
• Tailored coaching and mentoring for key staff
• Technical Assistance Specific support to design, adapt, and operationalize MEL systems and tools, as agreed
• Practical deliverables, as agreed
• Internal MSD MEL Toolkit