Job Vacancies at International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC)

The Global MELS Manager leads implementation of IFDC’s Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Sharing (MELS) framework, ensuring strong systems for performance tracking, learning, and accountability across programs.

The role supports data-informed decision-making across Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and the U.S., and requires expertise in international agricultural development, digital data systems (including Power BI), and adaptive management.

Responsibilities

• Build, lead, and mentor the MELS team, strengthening staff capacity through structured training programs and promoting a data-informed culture;
• Lead the implementation of the MELS framework and oversee rollout of the Results Framework, ensuring alignment with institutional strategy and priorities;
• Establish and facilitate Communities of Practice (CoPs) organizing knowledge-sharing events and peer exchanges to strengthen collaboration and scale effective practices;
• Provide technical guidance on MELS systems and tools, including CROPP and Power BI dashboards. Standardize indicators, oversee data quality processes (DQRs), and promote the use of GIS and advanced analytics;
• Lead the development and dissemination of knowledge products (e.g., case studies, policy briefs, reports) to support learning, external engagement, and organizational visibility;
• Coordinate and oversee internal and external evaluations, including impact evaluations, mid-term reviews, and DQRs. Lead thematic studies under the learning agenda in collaboration with academic and research partners;
• Lead preparation of periodic reports and dashboards to track progress and provide insights to senior management and the Board.

Requirements

• Master's degree in a relevant field, such as agriculture, international development, or evaluation;
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in MELS in international agricultural development, with demonstrated experience designing and implementing organizational MELS strategies and results frameworks. Experience in Sub-Saharan Africa or South Asia or the U.S. strongly preferred;
• Demonstrated experience managing teams and coordinating with project/program teams;
• Proficiency in conducting evaluations and managing data analysis;
• Excellent writing and communication skills in English (French fluency preferred).

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As Director of Scaling Soil Health, you will lead the department’s portfolio of projects and programs, ensuring that IFDC’ s soil health agenda translates into measurable impact for farmers at scale. In this role, you will drive the integration of innovative soil fertility technologies and practices into sustainable, scalable solutions, while fostering collaboration across research, development, and implementation teams.

Your overarching goals will be to:

• Scale soil fertility innovations: Integrate scalable soil fertility technologies and practices into development programs soil health scaling frameworks to maximize adoption and farmer impact.
• Drive research-to-practice solutions: Collaborate with Research Programs to develop tools and approaches that address fertilizer and soil health challenges, leveraging the Global Network of Fertilizer Innovation Centers (GNFIC).
• Deliver results and impact: Ensure soil fertility projects are implemented effectively, achieving high-quality deliverables, strong financial performance, and measurable outcomes for farmers.
• Strengthen synergies and adaptation: Forge strong links with IFDC’s Research Programs to scale crop nutrient solutions and innovative fertilizers, while providing feedback for continuous refinement and adaptive learning.

This role offers the opportunity to shape the future of soil health scaling, ensuring IFDC’s initiatives deliver sustainable, long-term improvements in productivity, soil fertility, and agricultural resilience across farming communities. 

Responsibilities

• Drive the integration of soil health scaling frameworks into IFDC’s global portfolio, ensuring the Scaling Soil Health Department directly advances the 2026–2035 Strategy;
• Break down operational silos by fostering high-level collaboration between Research Programs and implementation teams to turn innovation into scalable impact;
• Serve as a primary technical advocate for IFDC, expanding the global partner network and leading high-value project acquisitions through strategic positioning with major donors;
• Cultivate a high-performance culture by mentoring the next generation of leaders and ensuring the portfolio meets elite standards of donor compliance and financial accountability;
• Provide the VP Programs with actionable strategic insights that translate project status and technical results into organizational impact.

Requirements

• PhD in soil/environmental science, crop science, agronomy, or a related field with a focus on systemic impact;
• Minimum 15 years of relevant experience, including at least 5 years in Africa, with a proven track record of managing complex, multi-country agricultural programs;
• Demonstrated ability to navigate international donor frameworks and build high-level alliances across governments and the private sector;
• Expertise in translating complex scientific research and soil health commitments into investment-ready development programs and policy-level dialogues;
• Proven capability in leading geographically dispersed, multidisciplinary teams and mentoring staff toward organizational goals;
• Deep familiarity with international donor regulations and the ability to oversee complex budgets with absolute transparency and results-based accountability.