ABOUT THE JOB

The MEL Manager provides strategic and technical leadership for the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning function of the DONUTS 2 Programme. The role is responsible for updating coordinating and maintaining and leading the development of a programme wide MEL system that facilitates:

High quality, timely and reliable data collection processes and clear guidance on data collection methodologies and tools across all projects.
Generation of evidence for programme decision-making and adaptive management.
Robust design and oversight of programme evaluations.
Harmonised MEL tools, indicators, methodologies, data and reporting standards across the programme.
A learning processes that supports reflection, knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Key Performance Areas

MEL System Design and Management

Lead the implementation of the DONUTS 2 MEL system, aligned with the programme Theory of Change and Results Framework.
Lead the DONUTS MEL team, including Fairtrade Africa’s regional MEL focal points
Develop and standardise MEL tools, protocols, templates and guidance for the programme teams
Manage programme repositories and digital data systems.
Monitoring, Data Quality and Reporting

Coordinate and support the regional specialists and projects’ teams in quarterly and annual monitoring processes across the programme
Lead data quality assurance (DQA), including checks, field verification and validation reviews.
Consolidate and analyse data for reporting on programme results through donor reports and internal programme updates.
Ensure secure storage and proper management of all programme MEL data.
Evaluation Management

Design ToRs and manage external consultants for evaluations (baselines, midterm and endline etc) and studies.
Provide technical oversight of survey design, sampling, data collection, and analysis.
Facilitate utilisation of evaluation findings in programme decision-making.
Learning, Knowledge Management and Adaptive Planning

Lead the programme learning agenda, reflection processes and evidence-based adaptations.
Organise learning workshops.
Facilitate knowledge exchange between program stakeholders.
Capacity Strengthening and Technical Support

Build MEL capacity of regional programme teams and partners.
Provide ongoing technical backstopping to programme teams.
Programme Management and Coordination

Participate actively in the DONUTS programme management team to support strategic steering.
Coordinate the MEL working groups across the programme.
Support proposal development, planning and budgeting with MEL inputs.
Provide evidence for risk management, planning reviews and strategic decision processes.
SKILLS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Qualifications

Master’s degree in Monitoring & Evaluation, Statistics, Economics, Social Sciences or related field.
Experience and Competencies

Minimum 5 years’ experience managing MEL in complex, multi-country or multi-partner programmes.
Proven experience designing MEL frameworks, indicators and data systems.
Experience managing evaluations (baseline, midline, endline).
Strong quantitative and qualitative analysis capabilities.
Excellent communication and coordination skills.
Ability to develop MEL guidance, tools and capacity-building materials.
Proficiency in data analysis software and digital survey platforms.
Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously.

Qualified applicants will be subjected to background checks as a pre-condition of employment. Completed applications should be saved in the applicant’s name and the position (MEL MANAGER – DONUTS) and be e-mailed