Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Manager at Community Engagement & Social Development Initiative (CESDI)

Project: Lake Chad Inclusive Economic and Social Recovery Project (RESILAC*2)

Location: Damaturu, Yobe State, Northeast Nigeria

Contract Duration: 23 Months (Fixed Term)

Reports To: Project Manager / Head of Programs

Funding Partner: Action Against Hunger (ACF) / CARE International

Position Summary

The MEL Manager will provide strategic oversight and technical leadership for the monitoring, evaluation, and learning functions of the RESILAC*2 project. The post-holder will design and manage robust MEL systems that ensure accountability, learning, and evidence-based decision-making throughout the project cycle across Damaturu and Fune LGAs.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement a comprehensive Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) framework and plan aligned with RESILAC*2 project objectives and donor requirements.
• Develop and manage all data collection tools including surveys, questionnaires, focus group discussion guides, and key informant interview protocols.
• Lead baseline, midline, and endline assessments and ensure data quality, reliability, and integrity across all project locations.
• Establish and maintain a functional project Management Information System (MIS) for real-time data capture and analysis.
• Prepare high-quality MEL reports including monthly, quarterly, and annual progress reports for submission to ACF/CARE and the consortium.
• Track project indicators against targets and provide timely analysis to project management for course correction.
• Facilitate regular project reviews, After Action Reviews (AARs), and learning workshops with staff, partners, and communities.
• Support the mainstreaming of gender-sensitive and inclusion-responsive MEL approaches across all project components.
• Lead capacity building for project staff and community-level monitors on data collection, reporting, and use of MEL tools.
• Coordinate with ACF and CARE consortium MEL teams to align reporting formats and standards.
• Manage the community feedback and accountability mechanism, ensuring beneficiary complaints and feedback are captured and acted upon.
• Ensure compliance with ACF/CARE MEL standards, donor requirements, and organizational MEL policies.
• Produce learning briefs, case studies, and evidence products for internal and external dissemination.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (minimum) in Statistics, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Public Health, or a related field. A Master's degree is an added advantage.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive MEL experience in humanitarian programming, at least 3 of which are at a senior/managerial level.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing MEL frameworks for multi-sector development or resilience programs.
• Strong quantitative and qualitative data analysis skills; proficiency in SPSS, STATA, Kobo Toolbox, ODK, or similar tools.
• Experience with EU and AFD-funded projects and familiarity with their reporting requirements is highly desirable.
• Experience working in Northeast Nigeria or similar fragile/conflict-affected settings.
• Demonstrated experience in gender-sensitive and community-based MEL approaches.

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent analytical, report writing, and data visualization skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work with diverse teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Fluency in written and spoken English; knowledge of Hausa is an asset