MELI Manager
Key Responsibilities
1. Design and Implementation of MELI Systems
- Develop, refine, and
maintain fit-for-purpose monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MELI)
frameworks and tools that align with SmartStart’s strategic goals and
learning priorities.
- Collaborate with IT
and data teams to ensure MELI systems are robust, flexible, and support
real-time data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Establish and update key performance indicators (KPIs) and feedback
mechanisms to track programme progress and impact
2. Data-Driven Learning and Adaptive Management
- Enable teams and
stakeholders to collect, interpret, and use data for programme improvement
and strategic decision-making.
- Build capacity
across the organisation to engage with performance data, identify gaps,
and take corrective action.
- Facilitate regular
review sessions and learning loops to synthesise insights, drive programme
adaptation, and foster continuous improvement.
3. Experimentation, Evaluation, and Knowledge Management
- Lead the design and
execution of rapid-cycle experiments and developmental evaluations to test
and adapt programme models.
- Manage MELI
projects, including scope, schedule, finance, risk, and quality, ensuring
effective resource allocation and team performance.
- Support the
dissemination and integration of evaluation findings and experimental
insights into programme planning and development cycles.
4. Strategic Alignment and Systems Thinking
- Synthesise data and
insights to support leadership in sense-making, decision-making, and
strategic coherence.
- Promote alignment
between MELI activities, organisational strategy, and funder requirements.
- Ensure SmartStart’s
Theory of Change is embedded in decision-making and programme design.
5. Reporting and Communication
- Coordinate with
programme and data teams to produce accurate, timely, and insightful
monitoring and evaluation reports for internal and external stakeholders.
- Develop and maintain
standardised reporting templates and guidelines to ensure consistency and
compliance with donor and internal requirements.
- Present data
insights and recommendations to senior management and key stakeholders.
6. Capacity Building and Change Management
- Develop and deliver
training on MELI methodologies, data interpretation, and adaptive
management to staff and partners.
- Support teams and
partners in adopting MELI tools, frameworks, and practices, fostering a
culture of disciplined innovation and structured experimentation.
7. Continuous Improvement and Innovation
- Facilitate the
interpretation and sense-making of data to derive actionable insights and
recommendations.
- Promote a culture of
continuous improvement by encouraging data-driven decision-making and
innovation across the organisation.
- Develop and
implement feedback mechanisms to capture lessons learned and best
practices from ongoing projects.
8. People Management
- Manage and support
direct reports, facilitating their growth and development through
coaching, training, and capacity-building.
Requirements
Qualifications and Experience
· Master’s
(or working towards) degree in MELI or related field
· At
least 4 years’ relevant experience
· Demonstrated
expertise in at least three technical MELI areas, such as building M&E
systems, evaluation design, impact studies, research, designing and
facilitating M&E training, and providing technical assistance
· Proficiency
in mixed-methods research approaches; quantitative approaches, advantage
· Experience
managing multiple M&E-related projects and external contractors
· Proven
experience in technical writing and presentation/facilitation
· Deep
understanding of at least one area of the development sector (education,
health, early childhood development, youth skills, etc.)
· Experience
managing fieldwork advantageous
· Work
experience in funder reporting is advantageous