Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Manager at International Potato Center

This position is required to help establish MEL in new large research and development projects at CIP. The MEL Manager will ensure that CIP’s Sweetpotato Program implements high quality MEL systems and practices that are aligned to broader CGIAR systems and make use of latest versions of tools and platforms for accuracy, efficiency and consistency. The remit of the position will evolve over time in response to the development of MEL systems within CIP and the wider CGIAR. It will at least initially have a focus on establishing MEL in new large research and development projects and will coordinate MEL specialists across other projects to ensure one programmatic MEL process. The position will report to the global MEL Manager and will be based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and regularly update a detailed MEL plan for the sweetpotato program aligned to the program’s results framework, work plans and donor expectations. Ensure that this MEL plan is well embedded in CIP and CGIAR MEL systems and can support accurate, efficient and consistent reporting;
• Design and regularly review output and outcome indicators to ensure they capture meaningful data and do so accurately and effectively. Identify any adjustments needed to indicators or data collection methods and propose these for consideration by program leadership and PI’s.
• Oversee and supervise implementation of the MEL plan for all program activities and liaise with other sweetpotato project MEL staff for peer review to ensure consistency in MEL implementation. Identify training needs and contribute to staff training and mentoring.
• In coordination with relevant CIP teams, ensure that equipment and tools for MEL implementation are available where and when needed including during regular monitoring and during special surveys.
• Contribute to program reporting by preparing MEL reports in a timely and competent manner as advised by the Program Leader and PI’s. Mentor junior staff in the preparation of MEL reports;
• Participate in program planning and review meetings and evaluations, as well as in CIP and CGIAR wide MEL team discussions and development activities.

Requirements

• MSc in a relevant field such as economics. Specific recent training in Monitoring and Evaluation (and Learning) is required;
• Excellent and up-to-date understanding of current MEL methodologies, tools, and practices;
• Excellent understanding of indicators and their implementation methods in the area of agriculture and nutrition as defined by major international donors such as USAID, DFID, EU, and BMGF;
• At least 7 years of hands-on experience leading the MEL component of programs funded by international donors;
• First-hand experience of MEL approaches and methodologies in the CGIAR or other international research organizations is an advantage;
• Excellent leadership and communication skills to promote effective collaboration within and across project teams.