Position

MEL Officer

The International Centre for Evaluation and Development (ICED) is an international non-profit organization that aims to provide, inspire, and support thought and practice leadership in evaluation in the Global South. Its vision is a sustainable, resilient development in Africa that leads to human dignity and well-being, flourishing societies and communities, and a planet that is a thriving home for all. Its mission is to advance Monitoring and Evaluation theory and practice in support of sustained and resilient development in countries and regions in Africa.

ICED is a “think-and-do-tank” rooted in practical realities and experiences across cultures and contexts, filling an important niche in the global evaluation architecture. With its operating headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, offices in Accra, Ghana and Maryland, USA, satellite offices in Uganda and Senegal, and a range of international alliances and partnerships, ICED is the first international organization based in Africa that focuses explicitly on research and innovation in evaluation for development.

JOB PURPOSE / POSITION SUMMARY

ICED is seeking motivated and detail-oriented MEL Officers to support the ICED-led MEL functions. Working under the guidance of the Senior MEL Technical Director and the relevant Management team members, the MEL Officer will provide day-to-day technical and administrative support for the design, implementation, and adaptation of monitoring, evaluation, and learning processes across various sectors and platforms – including data collection, indicator tracking, data quality assurance, and reporting.

The MEL Officer will help ensure that MEL processes are timely, rigorous, and youth-centered, reflecting the ICED MEL values and guidelines, while contributing to a culture of continuous learning and evidence-based adaptive management within the organization. This is an opportunity to build technical MEL skills within a supportive, multi-country, multi-partner environment.

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KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
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The MEL Officer will have the following responsibilities:

Provide day-to-day MEL technical support to the Senior MEL Technical Director in the execution of MEL functions and programs in ICED and other partners organizations and donors.
Support the design, adaptation, and roll-out of Theories of Change (ToC) and MEL frameworks, including participatory co-creation of outcome and impact indicators with programs and projects for current and future stakeholders.
Assist in developing and regularly updating the Indicator Tracking Table (ITT) and related MEL databases and trackers, ensuring indicators are disaggregated by age, gender, geography, and vulnerability in line with the Foundation’s definition of youth.
Support the collection, entry, cleaning, and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data, including administration of surveys, interviews, and other data collection tools, and undertake basic data quality checks.
Contribute to the planning and conduct of baseline studies, quarterly/semi-annual/annual impact monitoring, and rapid reviews of initiative components across assigned platforms.
Support implementation of Data Quality Assessments (DQAs) against the five data quality standards (validity, reliability, integrity, precision, and timeliness), including use of the DQA Tracker and Guide, and follow-up on corrective action plans with partners.
Assist in preparing the standard package of MEL deliverables – inception reports, methodological/technical notes, presentations for participatory sense-making sessions, high-level strategic summaries, and narrative reports – for internal and external audiences.
Support the application of participatory, indigenous-knowledge, and youth-centered approaches to MEL, including capturing case studies, outcome stories, and lessons learned.
Provide logistical and administrative support for MEL field activities, including data collection missions, stakeholder consultations, and learning/reflection events.
Provide logistical and administrative support for MEL field activities, including data collection missions, stakeholder consultations, and learning/reflection events.
Maintain organized project files, records, and evaluation documentation in line with ICED’s data management standards.
Perform other MEL-related duties as assigned by the Senior MEL Technical Director or Team Leader.

Education:

At least a bachelor’s degree in Monitoring and Evaluation, Statistics, Economics, Social Sciences, Development Studies, International Relations, or a related discipline; a master’s degree is an added advantage.

Experience and Professional Skills:

A minimum of 7–10 years of experience in monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) roles, ideally on donor-funded or foundation-funded, multi-country development programs.
Working knowledge of MEL concepts, tools, and approaches, including Theory of Change, results/indicator frameworks, and data quality assurance.
Practical experience with quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methods, including digital data collection tools (e.g., KoboCollect, ODK, or similar).
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and familiarity with data management or analysis software (e.g., SPSS, Stata, Power BI, or similar) is an added advantage.
Prior exposure to youth-centered, participatory, or systems-informed MEL approaches, and/or experience applying gender and inclusion lenses to data collection and analysis, is highly desirable.
Familiarity with safeguarding principles and commitment to upholding safeguarding standards when working with young people and vulnerable groups.
Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear reports, briefs, and presentations for varied audiences.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, partners, and deadlines across platforms.
Ability to work collaboratively within a multi-partner consortium structure and to take direction from senior MEL staff across ICED,
Willingness and ability to travel to project sites across Africa countries of operation for data collection and field support as required.
Proficiency in French is an added advantage for positions supporting Francophone Africa.

Other Competencies We Value in a Candidate:

Integrity: Honest, above reproach, and appropriate in actions/behaviour and transparency in conduct.
Result Oriented/Focused: Focused and able to consistently set and meet goals.
Professionalism: Applies ethics, principles, standards, and expertise in all areas of work.
Willingness to Learn: Eager to build technical MEL skills and take on growing responsibility over time.
Teamwork and Interpersonal Relations: Works and relates with others in mutual support and respect towards common goals and a shared vision; not domineering or patronizing in attitude or behaviour.
Multi-Cultural Fit and Respect for Diversity: Able to work effectively, respectfully, and inclusively with people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives across a multi-country consortium.
Commitment to Youth Voice and Safeguarding: Genuine commitment to youth-centered, participatory practice and to the safety and wellbeing of young people and vulnerable participants.
Commitment to ICED’s Mission: Has a passion for the work of the organization

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to apply through the application link provided by clicking the Apply button below. As part of the application, candidates should attach their CV & Cover Letter. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified. Applicants are therefore encouraged to apply early.

ICED is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates.

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