Manager- MELS

        Manager- MELS

• Ensuring high-quality MEL planning and execution,
• Leading project-level evaluations and outcome monitoring,
• Driving data quality, analytics, and reporting, and
• Ensuring learning integration across projects and partners.  

• Lead the development and periodic revision of MEL Plans for all projects, ensuring alignment with the organization’s program model.
• Guide and support the MELS Officer/Sr. MELS Officer in executing project-level MEL tasks, ensuring alignment with organizational standards.
• Ensure effective rollout and management of Project Management Information System (PMIS).
• Standardize MEL tools, SOPs, quality assurance protocols, and reporting templates across all projects.
• Coordinate quarterly and annual data reviews, ensuring data integrity and consistency across all programs.
• Support digital transformation initiatives in MEL—including automation, dashboards, Power BI, and AI-enabled quality checks.
• Ensure integration of standard indicators, harmonized PIRS definitions, and alignment with Heifer’s MELS standards.

• Lead implementation of baselines, midline, endline surveys, outcome monitoring, and special studies across projects.
• Prepare and review ToRs for external evaluators; supervise consultants and research partners.
• Review data sets, conduct data cleaning, and ensure analysis is accurate and ready for reporting.
• Oversee routine Data Quality Assessments (DQAs) at partner and field levels.
• Ensure real-time tracking of log-frame and IPTT indicator progress for all projects.
• Support adaptive management through technical advisories and evidence-based recommendations.

• Lead consolidation and analysis of program data for monthly, quarterly, and donor reporting.
• Lead data validation, triangulation, and synthesis before reports are shared with external stakeholders.
• Develop dashboards, analytical briefs, and presentations for leadership and stakeholders.
• Develop periodic program performance briefs for decision-making.
• Support the Associate Director in generating evidence for proposal development, resource mobilization, and program design.
• Document and disseminate learning products, case studies, and program insights.
• Organize learning events and cross-project knowledge exchange sessions.

• Provide direct supervision, mentoring, and performance oversight to the MELS Officer/Sr. MELS Officer to ensure consistent quality of MEL implementation across projects.
• Build capacities of program teams, partner NGOs, enumerators, and field staff on MEL tools, data systems, and analytical methods.
• Support onboarding of new project staff on MELS guidelines, systems, and digital tools.
• Lead training on SurveyCTO, data quality protocols, ODK, dashboards, and evaluation methodologies.
• Support the Associate Director in building a culture of evidence-driven decision-making within the program team.

• Support development of MEL budgets, theory of change, logical framework, PIRS, and evaluation frameworks for new proposals.
• Contribute to donor reporting, especially sections related to outputs, outcomes, and impact.
• Track sub-award performance (physical and financial) and provide MEL-related guidance to sub-awardees.

• Master’s degree in development studies, Economics, Statistics, Agriculture, Public Policy, Management, or other relevant fields.
• Advanced training in MEL, research methods, or data analytics is preferred.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Systems (MELS) within INGOs/development sector.
• At least 3–4 years leading MEL functions at project or portfolio level, including evaluation design, sampling, data management, and analysis.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience managing and supervising a team, preferably MELS staff.
• Demonstrated experience managing or quality assuring baselines, midlines, endlines, and outcome monitoring.
• Strong experience in digital MEL systems, including ODK/SurveyCTO, PMIS, and data visualisation platforms.
• Proven ability to validate, analyze, and synthesize complex data for decision-making.
• Experience developing MEL components for proposals (log frames, ToC, indicators, PIRS, MEL budgets, evaluation costing).
• Experience coordinating with external evaluators, research agencies, and managing evaluation contracts.
• Familiarity with agriculture/livestock development programs is an advantage.  

• Strong analytical skills with experience in quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Proficiency in at least one statistical or analytical software (SPSS, STATA, R, or equivalent).
• Advanced Excel and Power BI skills for dashboards and performance tracking.
• Strong understanding of MEL planning, logframe/results framework, IPTT, and data quality standards.
• Ability to interpret data and generate actionable insights aligned with program strategies.
• Ability to lead technical teams and coordinate MEL execution across multiple projects.

• Excellent communication, facilitation, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and deliver within deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise, coach, and build capacityof teammembers, ensuring high-quality MEL execution.
• High level of integrity, professionalism and meticulous attention to data quality.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse cultures and stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to translate evidence into program improvements.
• Commitment to continuous learning and innovation in MEL.