Director of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning at Trees for the Future

RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Lead Kenya’s MEL Systems Transformation 
• Oversee the overhaul and strengthening of Kenya’s MEL systems to ensure data accuracy, integrity, and verifiability in alignment with carbon reporting requirements. 
• Partner with Central Office to implement and refine global MEL tools, systems, and QA/QC protocols. 
• Identify system gaps in data quality, documentation, and audit trails and drive practical improvements in coordination with Central Office. 
• Ensure reliable tracking of farm-level data, including spatial data and farmer identification systems, in alignment with evolving organizational standards. 
• Support preparation for carbon validation, monitoring, and verification processes, and confidently represent Kenya MEL systems during investor and auditor site visits. 
• Build and Lead a High-Performing Distributed MEL Team 
• Directly supervise the MEL Officer, GIS Officer, and have secondary oversight of regional MEL Assistants across three regions, with anticipated team expansion. 
• Strengthen team capacity in data quality assurance, problem-solving, and adaptive management practices. 
• Establish clear quality standards, accountability mechanisms, and documentation expectations across the MEL function. 
• Support recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and professional development of MEL staff. 
• Foster strong collaboration between MEL and Program leadership, particularly the Director of Field Programs and Program Managers. 
• Drive Country-Wide Transition Toward Evidence-Based Adaptive Management 
• Lead an country-wide transition toward evidence-based adaptive management, ensuring data is understood and used as a tool for program improvement rather than performance policing. 
• Design and facilitate practical learning loops that translate monitoring data into actionable program adjustments. 
• Strengthen understanding among field staff, Lead Farmers, and managers regarding the purpose, standards, and value of high-quality data collection. 
• Promote a culture of data integrity, transparency, and continuous improvement across regions. 
• Ensure Field-Embedded Quality Assurance 
• Conduct regular field visits (approximately 20%) to directly observe field implementation, data collection, shadow MEL Assistants, and identify quality risks. 
• Review and strengthen data quality assurance protocols, including spot checks, verification procedures, and documentation practices. 
• Work hands-on with field teams to correct inconsistencies and reinforce standards. 
• Ensure monthly and quarterly reporting processes are timely, accurate, and aligned with internal and carbon-related requirements. 
• Contribute to Global MEL Strategy and System Design 
• Serve as a senior thought partner to Central Office MEL leadership during TREES’ global MEL systems redesign. 
• Provide structured feedback on pilots and iterations of Salesforce, TaroWorks, GIS integrations, and reporting frameworks. 
• Help ensure that new global systems are practical, field-ready, and scalable across country programs. 
• A bachelor’s

WHO YOU ARE  

• A systems-level MEL leader: You have led large-scale monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems in complex, multi-site programs. You understand what strong data architecture looks like — from field collection protocols to quality assurance processes to reporting pipelines — and you have strengthened or rebuilt systems before. You are comfortable operating where data systems require reform and structure. 
• A hands-on transformation leader: You do not lead exclusively from behind a desk. You engage directly with implementation realities, spending time in the field to observe data collection, identify quality risks, and work alongside teams to improve standards. You balance strategic vision with operational execution, leveraging strong analytical skills and the ability to translate data into actionable insights.  
• A builder of distributed teams: You have successfully led and developed dispersed technical teams across multiple regions. You know how to set expectations, establish accountability, mentor staff, and align MEL teams with program leadership. 
• A cross-functional collaborator: You work effectively with Program Directors and operational leadership to integrate MEL into implementation. You are able to influence senior stakeholders and position data as a tool for learning and improvement rather than compliance alone. 
• A driver of evidence-based culture: You have experience leading or contributing to an organizational shift toward evidence-based adaptive management. You promote data integrity, transparency, and continuous improvement, and have strong knowledge of data quality assurance and control processes. 
• A credible technical representative: You can clearly explain MEL systems, quality controls, and reporting standards to donors, investors, and third-party auditors during site visits. You are confident discussing verification processes and data safeguards, and can interpret and support the implementation of external reporting or verification standards.

REQUIREMENTS 

Education 

• Master’s degree in Statistics, Demography, Economics, International Development, Environmental Sciences, or a related field preferred. 
• A bachelor’s degree with substantial additional professional experience may be considered. 

Professional Experience 

• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning within large-scale NGO, development, or environmental programs. 
• Demonstrated experience as the senior MEL lead across multiple regions or dispersed field operations. 
• Proven experience strengthening or reforming MEL systems, including data quality assurance, documentation standards, and reporting workflows. 
• Experience collaborating across functions (e.g., Program, Training, GIS, IT) to improve data systems and drive implementation improvements. 
• Experience supervising and developing technical MEL staff. 
• Experience engaging donors, investors, or auditors on technical data systems and reporting standards. 
• Experience in agriculture, environmental, climate, or natural resource programs preferred, but not required. 
• Experience with carbon-related standards is an asset, but not required.