Vacancy: Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Manager

Job Description

Summary of Role

The Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Manager serves as a senior MEL specialist within Ghana, steering the formulation and execution of comprehensive MEL systems to significantly amplify the organization's programme efficacy and impact. Working closely with the Head of Programmes and receiving strategic direction from the Country Director, this critical role is instrumental in sculpting the overarching MEL strategy, instilling a culture of perpetual learning, and anchoring decision-making processes in robust evidence.

Entrusted with elevating the organization’s MEL frameworks, the MEL Manager oversees a spectrum of essential functions from programme design and rollout to the intricacies of MEL system deployment, data gathering, analytical processes, and insightful reporting.

Additionally, the MEL Manager should possess the ability to integrate cutting-edge technologies, such as AI, to transform our MEL systems and procedures, further advancing our organizational goals.

Accountability and Working Relationships

The MEL Manager will report to the Country Director.  She/he will line manage at least 4 Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Mangers/ Officers and work closely with the Head of programmes and other Managers and staff.

Key Responsibilities

Programme Design and Implementation

• Assist with the integration of MEL considerations into the conceptualization and design phase of all new programmes and projects, ensuring MEL frameworks are foundational to programme proposals and align with the organization’s strategic goals and donor requirements.


• Conduct monitoring visits to projects including grant programmes


• Lead the MEL component of proposal development, collaborating with programme teams to ensure that MEL plans are robust, realistic, and woven into the narrative and budget of funding applications.


• Provide technical MEL guidance in the management of grants, including the development of log frames, indicators, and monitoring plans that meet donor expectations and facilitate effective programme implementation and evaluation.


• Support the design and implement baseline studies to inform programme design, develop measurable and relevant indicators for output, outcome, and impact levels, ensuring they are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) and aligned with the organization’s strategic objectives.


• Develop comprehensive MEL plans that detail methodologies for data collection, analysis, and reporting, ensuring plans are operationalized and integrated into programme management cycles from inception through completion.


• Support with the conduct MEL capacity assessments for programme teams and partners, identifying gaps and designing initiatives to strengthen MEL capabilities, ensuring teams are equipped to implement MEL plans effectively.


• Engage with key stakeholders during the programme design phase to understand their needs and expectations, ensuring that MEL activities are relevant and aligned with the interests of communities, beneficiaries, and donors.

MEL Systems Development and Management

• Build on and lead the creation and continuous improvement of a comprehensive MEL framework tailored to Ghana's strategic vision, programmematic areas, and operational needs.


• Oversee the operationalization of MEL systems across all projects and programmes.


• Develop and implement a robust data management strategy that ensures data integrity, privacy, and security.


• Design and manage a dynamic performance monitoring system that tracks project and programme outcomes against planned objectives and indicators.


• Initiate and oversee evaluative studies, including baseline, mid-term, end-line evaluations, and impact assessments.


• Build the capacity of project staff and partners in understanding and effectively utilizing the MEL system. This includes conducting training sessions, workshops, and ongoing support to ensure that MEL practices are deeply embedded within the organization and among implementing partners.


• Establish mechanisms for learning and adaptation within the MEL system, ensuring that findings from MEL activities are systematically captured, disseminated, and utilized to inform ongoing programme adjustments and strategic planning.


• Implement quality assurance processes for all MEL activities, including regular data quality audits and methodological reviews to ensure the reliability and validity of MEL data and findings.


• Develop and manage a reporting system that efficiently aggregates and synthesizes MEL data into actionable insights and reports for various audiences, including programme teams, senior management, donors, and external stakeholders.

Capacity building and leadership

• Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify the current MEL capacities, skills gaps, and learning needs of Ghana’s staff and implementing partners.


• Develop and implement a targeted capacity-building plan based on the identified needs.


• Demonstrate strong leadership by setting a high standard for MEL practices within the organization.


• Provide regular mentoring and coaching to the MEL Officer and other key staff involved in MEL activities.


• Actively work on team development by identifying opportunities for team members to grow their roles within the organization.


• Strengthen cross-departmental collaboration by facilitating regular meetings between the MEL team and other departments.


• Establish robust feedback mechanisms within the team and across the organization to gather insights on the MEL system’s effectiveness and areas for improvement.

Learning and Knowledge Sharing

• Develop and implement a comprehensive knowledge management system that captures, organizes, and disseminates learning from MEL activities across the organization.


• Organize regular learning forums and workshops where staff and partners can share experiences, challenges, and successes related to MEL activities.


• Establish structured processes for periodic reflection on MEL findings and project outcomes such as quarterly and annual meetings. Facilitate sessions that allow project teams to review data, discuss implications, and strategize on necessary programme adaptations.


• Develop strategies for effectively communicating MEL findings to a variety of audiences, including internal stakeholders, donors, partners, and the communities served.


• Ensure that learning from MEL activities is integrated into strategic planning and decision-making processes.


• Foster a community of practice among MEL professionals within and beyond the organization.


• Implement feedback mechanisms for stakeholders, including community members and beneficiaries, to share their perspectives on programme impacts and areas for improvement.


• Encourage the documentation of impactful stories and case studies that illustrate the real-world effects of the organization's work.


• Utilize technology to facilitate knowledge sharing, such as online platforms, databases, and social media.

Management responsibilities

• Line manage a number of MEL managers/Officer.


• Guide staff in preparing progress reports in accordance with approved donor and reporting formats and ensure their timely submission.


• As the head of the MEL unit, take responsibility for leading and nurturing the team, fostering an environment of professionalism, mutual respect, and continuous improvement.


• Efficiently manage the workload within the MEL team, ensuring equitable distribution of tasks and appropriate allocation of resources to meet project deadlines and organizational priorities and ensuring responsibilities are clearly defined between team members.


• Implement a robust performance management process for the MEL team, setting measurable objectives, conducting regular performance reviews, and providing constructive feedback.


• Contribute to the organization’s strategic planning processes, bringing insights from MEL activities to inform goals, strategies, and resource allocation.


• Regularly report to senior management and stakeholders on MEL team activities, progress against objectives, and the impact of MEL on programme outcomes.


• Work closely with programme managers, finance, and communications teams to ensure MEL activities are integrated into broader organizational processes and that findings are effectively utilized across functions.


• Identify and manage risks associated with MEL activities, including ethical considerations, data privacy, and compliance with national and international standards.


• Represent the MEL function in internal and external meetings, presenting MEL findings and strategies to a variety of audiences, including donors, partners, and beneficiaries.

Others

• Support other evaluative activities as they arise.


• Represent  at external meetings with donors, partners and others as required


• Undertake other tasks as may be required, commensurate with experience

Required Skills or Experience

• University degree is development studies, MEL, statistics or related field in social sciences with specialized training in MEL methodologies.


• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in similar capacity of MEL role, with a proven track record in developing and implementing MEL systems, data analysis, and impact evaluation. Experience in MEL in education, child protection and health related programme will be an added advantage.
  
  
  
  • An ability and experience in integrating cutting-edge technologies, such as AI, to transform MEL systems and procedures, further advancing our organizational goals.
  
  
  
  


• Proficiency in data analysis software (SPSS, STATA, R, Powerbi, Tableau etc.) and qualitative analysis tools (NVivo, ATLAS.ti), along with strong capabilities in data visualization and report writing.


• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, the ability to manage cross-functional teams, and a strong orientation towards collaborative work and stakeholder engagement.


• Experience with qualitative and quantitative MEL data collection and analysis methods, including tracking outcome indicators, is desirable.


• Must be detail oriented and highly organized. Able to support and respond to the needs of the project teams as quickly as possible to support evidence-based decision making.


• Knowledge of designing and managing MEL systems


• Report writing, research, monitoring and evaluation.


• Strong report writing and communication skills