Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Specialist

Job description

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Specialist to lead the monitoring, evaluation, and learning functions for large-scale, donor-funded projects focused on vulnerable women in Africa. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience managing M&E systems within grant-funded programs, demonstrating strong impact assessment skills, robust documentation capacity, and a proven track record of ensuring accountability and continuous improvement throughout project implementation.

Key Responsibilities

Design and Implement M&E Frameworks: Develop, refine, and operationalize comprehensive M&E systems aligned with donor and organizational requirements, ensuring they effectively capture project progress, outcomes, and impact.
Grant Management: Oversee M&E activities related to grant-funded projects, ensuring compliance with donor guidelines and contractual obligations.
Impact Assessment & Learning: Conduct rigorous impact assessments to measure project effectiveness, contribute to organizational learning, and identify areas for improvement.
Capacity Building & Training: Lead training sessions for project staff, partners, and stakeholders on M&E tools, methodologies, and reporting requirements to strengthen overall M&E capacity.
Data Collection & Analysis: Ensure high-quality data collection, validation, and analysis, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methods to produce actionable insights.
Reporting & Documentation: Prepare detailed, accurate, and timely reports for internal review and external donors, maintaining meticulous documentation of methodologies, findings, and lessons learned.
Ensure Accountability: Enforce accountability mechanisms across project activities, ensuring adherence to policies, procedures, and ethical standards.
Adaptive Management: Facilitate and promote a culture of learning by analyzing monitoring data during project implementation, making necessary adjustments to improve performance and outcomes.
Quality Assurance & Corrections: Identify performance gaps early through continuous monitoring and recommend corrective actions during the project cycle to enhance results.
Stakeholder Engagement: Maintain strong relationships with project beneficiaries, government agencies, donors, and partners to ensure transparency and collaborative success.

Qualifications & Experience

Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies, Social Sciences, Monitoring & Evaluation, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.

Experience:

Minimum of 5 years of experience in M&E, with at least 2 years in large, donor-funded projects.
Proven track record managing grants and implementing M&E systems in Africa, particularly with vulnerable women populations.
Demonstrated expertise in impact assessment, data analysis, and documentation.
Strong experience in training and capacity building of diverse teams.

Technical Skills:

Excellent knowledge of M&E methodologies, tools, and software (e.g., MS Excel, SPSS, NVivo, or similar).
Familiarity with international donor standards (e.g., USAID, DFID, EU, etc.).
Strong analytical and report writing skills.

Other Attributes:

Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work under pressure, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
Commitment to ethical standards, transparency, and accountability.