Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Manager

Job ID: 1423

Heifer International is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with some form of disability.

Function

This position will manage the development and implementation of Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Systems for projects executed within country programs. A strong emphasis is on data collection, integrity, data analysis, reporting, and dissemination to key stakeholders. The incumbent will provide technical input to project reviews and proposals and will provide leadership and support in implementing Heifer’s regional and global monitoring and evaluation systems at the country level. This includes ensuring standards in baseline surveys, living income benchmarking, impact monitoring, and evaluation processes that contribute to global strategies.

The PMEL Manager represents Heifer’s country-level management, program knowledge, and perspective in developing strategies within Heifer and with development partners and the private sector. The incumbent will also be responsible for documentation during the design, implementation, and post-implementation phases of programs and projects.

Responsibilities & Deliverables

A. Implement monitoring, evaluation, learning, and systems for country-specific projects (30%)

• Collect, collate, and manage data to support needs assessment, project design, project logical framework design, target setting, and progress management.
• Conduct and manage project baseline and periodical surveys, living income benchmarking, and monitor project progress and evaluations as per the MEL plan.
• Ensure the effective implementation of MELS policies, procedures, and guidelines for country-specific projects (e.g., program audits).
• Ensure proper use of available digital tools and technology for effectively managing MELS activities.
• Provide support to implementing partners in preparing their MELS plans and in using digital tools for data collection and management.
• Elevate MELS-related challenges to the Country Director and Program Director for coordination with the SVP - Africa Programs to find timely solutions.

B. Contribute to program effectiveness by designing monitoring, evaluation, learning, and systems for country-specific projects (20%)

• Design a monitoring and evaluation plan incorporating core standard indicators defined by HQ and set targets for indicators.
• Create indicator reference sheets for all indicators.
• Support the design of projects/programs and develop Results/Logical frameworks.
• Design data collection tools, development plans, and processes, ensuring high quality and data integrity.
• Review and adjust M&E plans, targets, tools, and processes periodically.
• Ensure alignment of country/project M&E plans and procedures with donor and organizational standards and requirements.
• Support the development of an MELS budget and staffing plan for each funded project.
• Assist in networking with other development organizations, governments, and other agencies to promote Heifer’s development model/initiatives and potential collaborations.
• Support MLE interventions for program beneficiary organizations, such as farmer producer organizations (FPOs) and implementing partners.

C. Data management, analysis, and utilization for learning (20%)

• Summarize and aggregate data at the country level and contribute to organization-wide data aggregation.
• Properly manage and clean data for analysis to support project management, learning, and reporting needs.
• Ensure timely data availability and reporting to stakeholders as needed.
• Respond to periodic donor and headquarters requests for additional information on project activities and results.
• Document lessons learned, successes, failures, and best practices through case studies.
• Develop and monitor country-level action agendas to ensure follow-through.

D. Capacity Development (15%)

• Equip MEL staff and implementing partners’ staff with skills to deliver MELS activities efficiently.
• Build implementing partners’ capacity in MEL activities, including proper record-keeping and data management.
• Supervise and manage MEL support staff to ensure efficiency and compliance.
• Provide coaching and training to equip MEL staff to deliver responsibilities efficiently.
• Contribute to recruiting, training, and supervising external parties contracted to implement special surveys and studies required for project evaluations.

E. Fundraising (10%)

• Support the development of concept notes and project proposals for potential donors.
• Assist in research and evaluation initiatives and document lessons learned to support positioning strategies at the country or regional level.
• Network with other development organizations, governments, and agencies to promote Heifer’s development model/initiatives and potential collaborations.
• Support the Director of Programs in data collection and updates for all value chains of interest in the country.
• Assist the Country Director in developing partnership/donor mapping and resource mobilization plans while updating the country’s capacity statements.

F. Other Assigned Functions (5%)

Perform other job-related duties as requested.

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in International Development, Project Planning and Management, Economics, Statistics, or other relevant disciplines with a focus on monitoring and evaluation. A Master’s degree is preferred.

Eight (8) years of substantial monitoring and evaluation experience for bachelor’s degree holders and five (5) years for master’s degree holders.

Preferred Requirements

• Demonstrated experience in coordinating and working with international donors and grantees on PMEL/MLE systems.
• Experience in supporting and monitoring field-based programs in the region.
• Experience managing databases and coordinating evaluations, surveys, and impact monitoring.
• Professional training in project management.

Most Critical Proficiencies

• Innovative, analytical, and solutions-oriented.
• A strong understanding of issues related to poverty, hunger, agriculture, and the environment, as well as knowledge of the nonprofit sector.
• Demonstrated experience in statistical analysis, reporting, and analyzing program performance.
• Knowledge of market systems interventions and linkages to poverty alleviation.
• Excellent organizational skills, including strong attention to detail.
• Experience in building partner institutions’ capacity in documentation, knowledge management, progress measurement, and industry advocacy.

Essential Job Functions and Physical Demands

• Ability to understand, appreciate, and implement Heifer’s Values-Based Holistic Community Development model.
• Creativity, systematic thinking, and willingness to incorporate innovative solutions.
• Strong skills in quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods and the ability to communicate MEL concepts clearly.
• Ability to assign and review direct reports’ work while using participatory management skills with junior and senior staff.
• Proven team leadership and supervisory skills, with the ability to train and work cooperatively with a diverse team, including field staff in various locations.
• Constant communication with colleagues and external stakeholders via face-to-face, phone, and electronic communication.
• Handling sensitive information with confidentiality.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks with minimal supervision and meet strict deadlines.
• Willingness and ability to travel.

Key Behavioural Competencies

• Accountability
• Professional Excellence
• Humility
• Customer Orientation
• Empathy
• Innovation

Deadline: 25th March 2025