Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) Specialist

Employer: European Endowment for Democracy
Employment type: Full-time
Organisation type: EU Institutions & Intergovernmental Bodies
Areas: Research
Issue areas: Democracy & Governance
Salary: EUR 3,880-3,880 monthly

1

Location: Brussels, Belgium

Starting: November 2026

Contract type: Two-year fixed-term contract (with posible extension)

Salary: Approx. €3,880 gross/month + benefits

Deadline: 20 September 2026 at midnight (Brussels time)

Turn evidence into better decisions for democracy.

Democracy support isn't just about what we fund. It's about understanding what works, why it works, and how we can do it better.

At the European Endowment for Democracy (EED), we support bold individuals and organisations working to defend democratic values in some of the world's most challenging political environments. Measuring that work is rarely straightforward. Success isn't always immediate, linear, or easily captured in numbers.

We're looking for a Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Specialist to help us make sense of complexity. You'll work across the organisation to strengthen how we monitor our grants, improve reporting, generate insights, and turn evidence into learning that shapes future decisions.

This is a role for someone who enjoys combining analytical rigour with curiosity – someone who can move comfortably between data, research, systems and people.

What You'll Do

Working closely with EED's MEL Manager, you'll help strengthen monitoring, evaluation and organisational learning across our grant portfolio. Your work will include:
Supporting programme teams in developing monitoring plans and reviewing final grant assessments
Helping prepare donor logframes and maintaining reporting data in EU OPSYS
Reviewing narrative reports and ensuring the quality and consistency of monitoring information
Building dashboards and improving access to MEL data through PowerBI and other digital tools
Exploring how AI can improve data analysis, reporting and organisational learning
Conducting desk research to support evaluations, learning reviews and case studies
Helping strengthen MEL capacity across EED, including with country consultants and programme staff
Contributing to a culture where evidence informs decisions and learning is shared across teams

What You Bring

You have:
A Master's degree in development studies, economics, political science, sociology, European affairs or a related field
At least two years of professional experience in monitoring, evaluation and learning within civil society, democracy support or international development
Experience working with logframes, results frameworks and donor reporting
Strong analytical and research skills, including both qualitative and quantitative methodologies
Excellent written English and confidence drafting reports for donors
Experience using digital tools such as PowerBI, AI applications or similar data management platforms
A strong eye for detail and the ability to work accurately across multiple priorities

You are:
Curious and motivated by evidence rather than assumptions
Comfortable translating complex information into practical insights
Organised, independent and highly reliable
Collaborative and confident working across different teams
Discreet, professional and able to handle sensitive information with care

Good to have:
Experience working with democracy support organisations
Knowledge of the political context across the EU neighbourhood
Fluency in additional languages relevant to EED's work, such as Arabic, Russian, Ukrainian, Turkish or Western Balkan languages

Why Join Us?
Purposeful work: Help strengthen democracy support by improving how we learn from our work and demonstrate impact.
People-first culture: We believe our greatest strength is our people. We value different backgrounds, perspectives and ways of thinking, and work hard to create an environment where everyone can contribute and grow.
Benefits that matter: Our package includes complementary health insurance (CIGNA), meal vouchers, public transport or bike allowance, 13th month salary, holiday allowance, paid leave, parental leave, weekly teleworking, and annual training opportunities.

How to Apply

Please apply online through our recruitment portal with:
A one-page motivation letter
Your CV (Europass format)
Contact details for three professional references

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to the next stage of the recruitment process.

Please note that we do not accept applications or enquiries by phone, letter or email. All applications are handled in accordance with EU data protection legislation. Pre-employment screening and criminal records checks form part of the recruitment process.