Head – Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Impact Assessment (MELIA)
- Nairobi, Kenya or Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Full-time
- Directorate
The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit the Head – Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Impact Assessment (MELIA) to lead the development and implementation of systems to monitor, evaluate, and enhance the impact of the institute’s programs. This role will ensure data-driven decision-making, fostering a culture of accountability, and promoting continuous learning. The incumbent will develop and refine impact assessment strategies and theories of change aligned with institutional goals. The role will work closely with internal teams and external stakeholders to design frameworks, analyze outcomes, and provide actionable insights to improve program effectiveness and scalability. Impact assessments will be published aligned to ILRI’s institutional goals for 2030.
The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) works to improve people’s lives in low- and middle-income countries through livestock science that contributes to equitable and resilient livestock systems to deliver food systems transformation with climate and environmental benefits.. It is one of 15 CGIAR research centers dedicated entirely to animal agriculture research for the developing world. Co-hosted by Kenya and Ethiopia, it has regional or country offices and projects in East, South and Southeast Asia as well as Central, East, Southern and West Africa. www.ilri.org
Key Responsibilities
Thought Leadership and Strategy Development
- Develop ILRI’s MELIA plan and oversee its implementation.
- Develop the unit’s strategy, interface with research teams and other stakeholders, providing thought leadership and coordination.
- Develop and refine impact assessment studies and theories of change aligned with institutional goals.
- Design frameworks and indicators to track progress toward outcomes and long-term impact.
- Lead the development, management and updating of MEL tools, strategy/frameworks and systems.
Monitoring and Evaluation Systems Development
- Design and implement a comprehensive MEL framework to track program performance, outcomes, and impact.
- Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and data collection methodologies tailored to program goals.
- Oversee the collection, cleaning, and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data. Ensure data quality through regular audits and validation processes. Utilize advanced data analysis tools and software to generate insights.
Implementation of Impact Assessments
- Lead and/or coordinate impact assessment studies aligned to the institute’s high-level goals such as baseline, midline, and endline studies, mixed method approaches, and modelling as required.
- Keep track of impact assessments carried out across ILRI and interact with implementing scientists to encourage alignment to the institute’s KPI.
- Compile the results of impact assessment studies for use in communication or fund-raising materials.
- Commission and/or manage internal/external evaluations.
Requirements
- 7 years’ experience with PhD or 12 years with masters in MELIA roles within development programs or projects.
- Proven experience in designing and implementing MELIA systems for complex programs.
- Experience in international agricultural or development sector with not less than 3 years in management role for MEL or IA. Extensive knowledge of MELIA concepts/systems/approaches, research design, data management, quality assurance and control procedures.
- Strong knowledge of MELIA frameworks, methodologies, and tools (e.g., logical frameworks, theories of change, results-based management).
- Proficiency in statistical software (e.g., SPSS, Stata, or R) and data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau).
- Proactive, creative, self-motivator, detail-oriented and results-driven.
- Ability to establish goals and priorities, to plan, coordinate and effectively monitor tasks, milestones and target achievements.
- Sound expertise in Monitoring and Evaluation and Reporting of international donor-funded programs/initiatives.
- Digitally savvy with a demonstrated affinity for electronic systems, analytical software packages and other online tools.
- Strong interpersonal skills to engage with diverse teams and stakeholders.
