Zizi Afrique Foundation (ZAF) is seeking to recruit a Senior Officer – Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) on behalf of the Harnessing Education Research for Impact (HERI) in Africa initiative. HERI-Africa is a collaborative and forward-looking initiative that brings together diverse stakeholders, including governments, universities, and civil society research organizations. The initiative aims to transform the landscape of education research in Africa by enhancing its productivity, visibility, and practical impact.
The overarching goal of HERI-Africa is to elevate the proportion of impactful education research conducted within the continent from the current 3% to an ambitious 30% by the year 2050. Through this effort, the initiative seeks to ensure that education research directly informs policy, practice, and community development across Africa. This long-term program is dedicated to improving learning outcomes, promoting smooth transitions and mobility for young people, and strengthening education and training systems through the application of high-quality, context-relevant research.
Although HERI-Africa has a Pan-African reach, this specific position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya. The Senior Officer – MEL will operate within Zizi Afrique Foundation’s structure and contribute to ensuring the initiative’s success through effective monitoring, evaluation, learning, and accountability mechanisms.
Position Overview
The Senior Officer – Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) will play a critical role in ensuring that HERI-Africa’s strategies, outputs, and outcomes are systematically monitored, evaluated, and reported. The officer will oversee performance tracking, data management, and learning processes, supporting evidence-based decision-making and adaptive programming.
This position demands a professional who can provide strategic guidance, technical leadership, and practical support in designing and implementing MEL systems. The successful candidate will work closely with internal teams, partners, and stakeholders to strengthen learning and accountability across the initiative.
The role also requires a strong ability to analyze data, generate insights, and facilitate reflection and learning processes that influence program direction. The officer will be expected to foster collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement in the use of evidence to inform decision-making.
Scope of Work
The MEL Senior Officer will oversee the performance tracking and learning functions of HERI-Africa. This includes establishing systems for monitoring progress, collecting and analyzing data, managing reporting processes, and ensuring the program continually learns and adapts to emerging evidence. The officer will work to align HERI-Africa’s MEL systems with ZAF’s overall MEL framework while ensuring that HERI-specific goals and indicators are adequately addressed.
The role will require strong coordination and analytical capabilities, a commitment to accuracy and quality, and the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights.
Detailed Job Description
1. Program MEL Framework and Support (20%)
The Senior Officer will develop and implement a comprehensive MEL framework tailored to the HERI-Africa initiative. This framework will align with Zizi Afrique Foundation’s organizational MEL strategy and ensure consistency across programs.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Designing and rolling out a results-oriented MEL framework that captures the initiative’s outcomes and impacts.
- Promoting a culture of accountability and learning within the HERI-Africa team and among partners.
- Providing technical support to program teams to integrate MEL processes into day-to-day implementation.
- Developing user-friendly data collection and reporting systems for project teams.
2. Program Theory of Change and Results Framework (20%)
The MEL Senior Officer will lead the development and refinement of the initiative’s Theory of Change (ToC) and Results Framework.
Responsibilities will include:
- Working with program teams and partners to clarify the logic of change underpinning HERI-Africa’s activities.
- Establishing measurable indicators and targets aligned with the initiative’s strategic objectives.
- Ensuring the ToC and Results Framework are used as living documents that guide implementation and learning.
- Regularly reviewing and updating the framework to reflect emerging evidence and evolving priorities.
3. Data Management, Analysis, and Reporting (25%)
Accurate data management is central to the role. The officer will oversee data collection, validation, analysis, and reporting processes to ensure timely and reliable information flow.
Responsibilities will include:
- Designing data management systems that allow for efficient collection and storage of program data.
- Ensuring data quality through systematic checks and verification mechanisms.
- Conducting data analysis and generating regular progress reports for internal and external stakeholders.
- Synthesizing findings and presenting results in clear and actionable formats to inform management and donors.
- Supporting the documentation of success stories, case studies, and best practices.
4. Collaborative Learning and Adaptation (20%)
The officer will play a central role in fostering a culture of learning and reflection within the initiative.
Responsibilities will include:
- Organizing and facilitating learning reviews and reflection sessions to assess program performance and identify lessons.
- Ensuring that monitoring and evaluation findings are effectively used to adapt strategies and improve program effectiveness.
- Promoting cross-learning between teams, partners, and collaborators across Africa.
- Supporting the development of learning products, such as briefs, papers, and presentations, to share insights from HERI-Africa’s work.
5. Program MEL Planning and Accountability (10%)
The officer will coordinate MEL planning processes and ensure accountability to donors and stakeholders.
Responsibilities will include:
- Preparing and updating annual MEL plans aligned with the initiative’s work plans.
- Ensuring compliance with donor MEL requirements and reporting standards.
- Providing technical input in the design and development of project proposals and work plans.
- Tracking progress against set indicators and targets, and ensuring timely reporting.
6. Support and Coordination (5%)
The officer will also support coordination functions to ensure smooth MEL operations.
Responsibilities will include:
- Coordinating with other MEL officers, program managers, and partners to harmonize data collection tools and processes.
- Participating in coordination meetings and contributing MEL insights to program discussions.
- Providing mentorship and capacity building to staff and implementing partners on MEL tools and practices.
Key Deliverables
- A comprehensive and operational MEL framework for HERI-Africa.
- Regular data reports and performance updates aligned with program indicators.
- Evidence-based learning products and documentation.
- Functioning data management systems ensuring accuracy and reliability.
- Active integration of MEL processes in program implementation.
Desirable Skills and Qualifications
- A Master’s degree in social science, statistics, project management, Monitoring and Evaluation, or a related field.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is preferred.
- At least five years of demonstrated experience in monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning within complex development programs, preferably in NGOs.
- Experience in education, research-to-policy, or evidence-use programs is desirable.
- Proficiency with statistical software and data collection tools such as SPSS, KOBO Toolbox, and ODK.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement MEL plans.
- Experience in budgeting, financial planning, and reporting.
- Strong organizational and editorial skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with proven ability to work with diverse stakeholders.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
- Leadership and people management capabilities, with a record of building and leading high-performing teams.
- Strategic thinking and agility to respond effectively to dynamic environments.
- Ability to balance multiple priorities and manage demanding workloads.
Work Environment and Compensation
Zizi Afrique Foundation offers a competitive compensation package designed to attract and retain highly qualified professionals. The package includes:
- Comprehensive family medical cover.
- Pension scheme.
- Annual leave of 25 working days.
- Additional benefits aligned with the organization’s human resource policies.
The position is based in Nairobi, Kenya, with the flexibility of a hybrid work arrangement that allows for both office-based and remote work. Occasional travel to project sites will be required for data collection, coordination, and learning activities.
This role is demanding and calls for an individual with a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence. The position operates within a dynamic, fast-paced environment that requires a minimum of 40 working hours per week, though flexibility is expected depending on program needs.
The successful candidate will thrive in an ambitious, self-driven, and mission-oriented environment. A strong sense of accountability and commitment to advancing HERI-Africa’s goals will be essential.
Application Process
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications through the provided application form.
