Senior Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Officer

Location: Beirut, Lebanon (On-site)

Role Type: Full-time FTC

CLOSING DATE: 7 January 2026 (Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis)

About ARK

ARK is a social enterprise, empowering local communities through the provision of agile and sustainable interventions to create greater stability, opportunity and hope for the future. 

We believe that strong, resilient communities are the foundation of local, national, regional and international development and stability – and ultimately a safer, peaceful and more prosperous world. At ARK, we have delivered research and programmatic interventions validating this approach in over twenty countries since 2008. As a social enterprise, we work in partnership with communities, our donors, and other implementers to build local capacities, generate opportunity and bring about sustainable change. 

Learn more about our impact here:  https://www.ark.international/impact 

About the Role
The Senior Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) officer will be responsible for the measurement, monitoring and evaluation of the Lebanese Armed Forces National Security Programme (LAF NSAP), a UK government-funded programme that aims to strengthen the operational effectiveness and resilience of the Lebanese Armed Forces. The successful candidate will be responsible for implementing and improving the LAF NSAP MEAL plan and requisite tools and implementation of the plan and for analysis and interpretation of data and timely preparation of high-quality reports.

Main Duties:

• Plan and lead all project MEL activities in line with the agreed MEL plan to ensure ARK and the donor (FCDO) can track the effectiveness and efficiency of delivery, identify lessons, implement project changes and meet all reporting requirements
• Maintain and update the LAF NSAP MEL plan as required. This includes the Theory of Change, Results Framework, Logical Framework, indicator list, data collection tools and instruments, reporting schedule and any other MEL-related donor requirements.   
•  Review and improve the existing MEL frameworks based on experience and best practices/standards in the field.  
• Conduct focus group interviews, needs assessments, surveys, baseline and endline assessments as required.  
• Manage the data collection, knowledge management and analysis of data consistent with ARK guidelines  
• Create and deliver MEL trainings and provide ongoing support to the LAF NSAP mentors, trainers and advisors on the use of MEL tools.  
• Quality-assure all collected data on performance indicators (timeliness, accuracy, validity, reliability, integrity, completeness) including by conducting field visits to delivery locations.   
• Draft all M&E reports, including success, impact stories, and ad hoc requests.  
• Update the quarterly and annual progress reports, aggregating data and findings across programme components. Identify opportunities for contributing to and support the creation of other relevant reports and publications using program data and findings.  
• Manage and store all LAF NSAP programme data in secure locations.  
• Manage and support the work of the Third-Party Monitor (TPM).  
• Communicate M&E findings to stakeholders as requested by supervisor.  

Requirements

Essential:      

• Extensive MEL experience in the international development, security, or stabilisation sectors, working with governmental and intergovernmental donors.
• In-depth knowledge of MEL tools, techniques, and approaches, including complexity-aware monitoring and adaptive management models.
• Experience utilising qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis, as well as interest and advanced knowledge of relevant data collection, management, analysis, and visualisation software.

Desirable:

• Master's degree in a relevant subject e.g. International Development, International Relations, Political Science, Sociology, Anthropology or Area Studies.
• Experience working in the security sector including monitoring effectiveness of projects that train and equip military and policing actors.
• Experience of management information systems and visualisation software/tools.
• Experience working on projects funded by the UK CSSF/ISF.

Benefits

Why join ARK?  

• Impactful Work: Your expertise will directly impact the lives of those in need.  
• Global Reach: Collaborate with international experts and local stakeholders.  
• Innovation: Engage in pioneering solutions for sustainable change.  
• Career Growth: Expand your horizons with varied projects and challenges.  

Our People  

Our team covers a diverse range of professional backgrounds, from diplomacy, humanitarian, development and the military, to the UN, civil society groups, multilateral organizations, journalism and the private sector.  

Smart: We think deeply about things. We’re proud of our institutional knowledge and our grounding in rigorous research, which we use to make informed decisions.   

Humble: Our work leaves little room for pride or arrogance. Our operating environment is constantly evolving, and we recognize out limitations. We believe in and rely on the education and experiences of others while remaining quick to read, invite feedback, and ask sensible questions.   

Accountable: Each of us want ARK, its partners, and beneficiaries to succeed. This means taking initiative, assuming ownership when necessary and never giving up on our beneficiaries. We are committed and accountable, to both our donors and the communities we serve.   

Collegiate: We know we are stronger together and that every contribution counts. We trust each other and always support each other.   

Outspoken: We tackle diverse challenges, and we always want to find the best solution to a problem. We aren’t afraid to share our opinions, and we want to hear those of others too.   

ARK Group is an equal opportunity employer. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. ARK Group does not discriminate on the basis of ability, age, gender identity or expression, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs or sexual orientation. We welcome all kinds of diversity. ARK Group places human dignity at the center of its development and stabilization work and is this committed to the protection from sexual exploitation and abuse of children and adults. All ARK Group employees and related personnel are expected to share this commitment and only those who also uphold these values will be recruited as part of our team. This vacancy is therefore subject to a range of due diligence checks.