Monitoring, Evaluation

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) Specialist

Department: Operations

Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract

Location: Africa

Reporting To: Head of Technical and Policy Coordination

Description Allied Talent Partners (ATP), a Three Cairns Group initiative, is a mission-driven, not-for-profit talent marketplace focused on solving the human capital bottlenecks slowing down sustainable development efforts in emerging economies, with an initial focus on Africa.  ATP connects vetted, experienced, context-relevant professionals to high-impact opportunities in energy access and sustainable development – strengthening local capacity and fuelling economic vitality. We specialize in fixed-term, deliverable-driven engagements – from interim leadership and generalist projects to niche technical expertise – handling project scoping, talent vetting and matching, contracting, payroll, and compliance so that our clients can focus on impact.

High-Level Overview

Client:
Our client is an international development organisation supporting a national government in establishing a central coordination unit responsible for steering and overseeing priority energy-sector programs. The unit will support planning, delivery oversight, performance tracking, and improved decision-making across multiple national initiatives aimed at expanding energy access and sector resilience.

Project:
The client is seeking a Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) Specialist to design, operationalise, and embed an integrated MEL system within this coordination unit. The role is responsible for developing the results framework, leading data collection and analysis processes, coordinating reporting, and enabling institutional learning. This includes ensuring alignment with national priorities and external partner requirements, strengthening governance, and supporting transparency and performance accountability. 

The MEL Specialist will work closely with government counterparts, technical partners, and stakeholders across the energy sector. The role requires strong MEL technical leadership, experience in multi-stakeholder environments, and the ability to translate complex program objectives into measurable results and actionable insights. 

Role and Responsibilities
Role: Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) Specialist
Direct Report: Head of Technical and Policy Coordination
Candidates Required: 1

Key Deliverables: 

Monitoring & Results Framework Development

• Develop the program's MEL framework, including indicators, baselines, targets, and measurement methodologies. 
• Ensure alignment with national planning frameworks and partner reporting requirements. 
• Establish data-governance protocols, validation procedures, and documentation standards. 
• Translate program objectives across multiple thematic pillars into measurable outcomes. 

Data Collection, Analysis & Performance Tracking

• Lead data collection from government institutions and sector stakeholders. 
• Conduct quantitative and qualitative analysis to assess progress against targets. 
• Identify deviations, emerging risks, and performance gaps, and recommend corrective actions. 
• Maintain structured datasets, indicator registers, and analytical tools. 

Reporting, Documentation & Learning

• Produce structured periodic reports summarising trends, progress, risks, and recommendations. 
• Develop dashboards and analytical visualisations for leadership decision-making. 
• Document lessons learned and best practices, contributing to continuous improvement. 
• Support development and delivery of mid-term reviews, thematic studies, and learning events.

Stakeholder & Interface Management

• Coordinate with internal teams, government institutions, and development partners to consolidate data and performance insights. 
• Participate in coordination meetings, present findings, and support technical discussions. 
• Ensure information consistency across programs and reporting cycles. 

Capacity Building & Institutional Strengthening

• Train internal teams on MEL concepts, tools, data processes, and reporting systems. 
• Develop user guides, templates, and procedural manuals. 
• Ensure knowledge transfer to sustain MEL operations within the coordination unit. 

Key outputs:

• Integrated MEL Framework 
• Indicator sets, baselines, methodologies 
• Data-collection systems and procedures 
• Periodic performance reports and dashboards 
• Learning agenda and evaluation plans 
• Inception Report and Completion Report 

Requirements Experience Required:

• Minimum 5 years' experience leading MEL functions on development programs. 
  
• Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning Systems Design – Experience developing MEL frameworks for multi-pillar programmes, including indicator design, baselines, targets, data flows, verification methods, and results chains aligned with government or partner requirements. 
  
• Data Governance, Quality Assurance & Analytics – Ability to establish data-collection and validation systems across institutions, supported by strong quantitative/qualitative analysis and proficiency with tools like Excel, PowerBI, SPSS or STATA. 
  
• Multi-Institutional Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement – Experience coordinating MEL activities across government agencies or partners, aligning reporting requirements, and managing diverse stakeholders to ensure consistent information and coherent reporting. 
  
• Evaluation, Learning & Knowledge Management – Background supporting mid-term, thematic, or final evaluations, synthesising lessons learned, and producing clear analytical reports, dashboards, and decision-support materials. 
  
• Capacity Building & Institutional Strengthening – Experience training teams on MEL tools and processes, developing practical guidance materials, and helping embed sustainable MEL practices within institutions.

Technical Requirements:

• Master's degree in Monitoring & Evaluation, Statistics, Development Studies, Economics, Public Policy, or related field. 
• Proficiency in data-analysis and MEL tools (e.g., Excel, PowerBI, SPSS, STATA). 
• Strong understanding of data governance, quality assurance, and verification protocols. 
• Ability to design dashboards, performance tools, and structured reporting formats. 
• Sector experience in energy or public-sector reform is an advantage. 

Other Skills:

• Strong analytical capability and problem-solving skills. 
• Excellent communication and presentation skills. 
• High attention to detail and documentation discipline. 
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work under pressure. 
• Effective collaboration across multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.

Working Arrangement
Location: Lome, Togo or any other location agreed upon in advance
Travel: Limited

Terms of agreement:
Start Date: January 2026
Contracting Period: 12 months, with potential extension 
Includes a 3-month initial evaluation period 

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