Consultant: Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL)

A government-backed RDI grant programme in Dubai is seeking an experienced MEL Consultant to establish its monitoring, evaluation, and learning foundations. The consultant will develop results frameworks, impact indicators, reporting systems, and evaluation processes to measure innovation outcomes across the full grant lifecycle.

Key Requirements

Master’s degree in International Development, Public Policy, Evaluation, or a related field.

At least 7 years of experience in Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL).

Strong expertise in Theory of Change, logframes, results-based management, and outcome harvesting.

Experience designing quantitative and qualitative indicators, baselines, targets, and data-quality assessments.

Familiarity with dashboards and reporting tools such as Power BI or Tableau.

Knowledge of research funding, Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), and innovation value chains.

Strong facilitation, analytical, and stakeholder communication skills.

Key Responsibilities

Develop a multi-level Theory of Change covering different grant instruments and innovation sectors.

Build a master logframe and results framework with SMART indicators, baselines, and targets.

Define dashboard requirements, KPI structures, data flows, and reporting processes.

Design grantee reporting templates and mid-term and end-of-grant evaluation protocols.

Establish a semi-annual Learning Series and prepare a MEL Handbook.

Train programme staff and support portfolio-level impact assessment.

Preferred Experience

Candidates with backgrounds in R&D programmes, innovation ecosystems, developmental evaluation, contribution analysis, and impact assessment will be particularly relevant.