Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Lead at ACDI VOCA

• ACDI/VOCA is seeking an MEL Lead for an upcoming program in Nigeria funded by USAID. The purpose of the $25-50 million USAID Nigeria Food Basket Activity is to increase the productivity and competitiveness of select value chains (maize, rice, and horticulture) and markets by building capacities of agri-businesses, removing barriers to investments, and developing innovative financial products. 
• The MEL Lead will manage the program’s performance monitoring and learning plans, as well as develop appropriate qualitative and quantitative measurement tools. They will supervise the M&E team in conducting baseline and annual data collection surveys, reporting, and building the M&E capacity of implementing partners. The program is anticipated to start in 2025 and this position will be based in Nigeria.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage overall MEL activities of the program  
• Ensure effective reporting, data collection, and monitoring systems are in place  
• Coordinate with program teams to develop and update the Performance Monitoring Plans and work with the donor on its implementation and updating  
• Ensure M&E quality and standards adhere to guidelines and industry standard good practices  
• Track and analyze project indicators and other useful statistics to prepare high-quality, timely reports using the recommended formats and communication channels  
• Conduct regular field visits to monitor community projects for compliance, efficiency in implementation, and overall satisfaction of beneficiaries and stakeholders  
• Participate in the knowledge management system to capture relevant information that will inform decisions, support project reporting requirements, and foster learning within the project  
• Design interventions to increase the flow and effectiveness (leading to behavior change) of information based on assessments  
• Facilitate regular staff meetings to share experiences and lessons and to brainstorm ways of applying new learning  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in evaluation, development studies, economics, statistics, or relevant field is required; master’s degree is preferred. 
• Minimum 8 years of progressively responsible experience in managing the M&E component of a donor-funded project.  
• Knowledge of and experience with USAID rules and regulations is highly desired.   
• Proven experience in quantitative and qualitative research methods, survey design and implementation, and statistical data analysis is required.  
• Familiarity with applying the Collaborating, Learning and Adapting (CLA) approach to management is desired.  
• Experience working in Nigeria required.  
• Fluency in English is required.