Robust Monitoring, Evaluation and Adaptive Learning

• Lead the development and continuous management of AWARD MEL&R strategy, tools, frameworks and systems;
  
• Oversee the design, implementation and reporting of ME&L activities across AWARD initiatives and programs to track outputs, outcomes, impact and transformation;
  
• Lead periodic learning reviews and advise on project/program’s overall approach and adjustments, and prepare regular and ad hoc updates;
  
• Oversee the implementation of quality assurance and control protocols and ensure internal consistency and validity of project/program’s monitoring checks to enable improved capturing and narration of programmatic results and impact.
  

Gender-Responsive Evidence, Applied and Evaluative Research

• Ensure the systematic integration of gender and social inclusion perspectives across MEL frameworks, indicators, tools, and analytical approaches;
  
• Lead the development and application of gender-responsive and intersectional indicators, including the collection and analysis of sex- and age-disaggregated data;
  
• Guide applied and evaluative research on outcomes, impact, institutional change, and policy influence related to gender equality in agricultural research and development;
  
• Ensure research initiatives are methodologically rigorous, learning-oriented, and produce actionable evidence for policy and practice.
  

Knowledge Management, Learning and Influence

• Lead the synthesis, documentation and dissemination of findings, lessons learnt and best practices through internal platforms and external forums;
  
• Collaborate with AWARD units to translate evidence into accessible and influential knowledge products including peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations; and consistent engagement with research, policy, and practitioner networks.
  

Donor engagement, Grant Performance and Resource Mobilisation Support

• Contribute to technical donor reporting ensuring alignment with AWARD’s strategy, learning objectives and donor standards;
  
• Contribute to proposal development and grants’ negotiations including design of high quality ME&L inputs, to ensure successful proposals;
  
• Monitor project/program overall performance against agreed milestones, targets and indicators and make useful recommendations to address gaps and improve efficiency and effectiveness.
  

Capacity Building and Team Leadership

• Lead and manage the MEL&R unit, including staff and consultants, fostering a culture of coaching, mentoring, learning, accountability, and professional growth;
  
• Support other AWARD units with technical guidance and ensure clarity on MEL&R standards and expectations;
  
• Promote inclusive, participatory, and gender-responsive MEL&R practices across AWARD portfolio through collaborative learning processes.
  

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in international development with a focus on agrifood systems and impact and with at least 5 years in a senior management MEL&R role;
  
• Experience working across multiple African countries on AR4D issues is essential;
  
• Demonstrated experience designing and leading MEL systems, frameworks and tools for multi-country, donor-funded programs and initiatives;
  
• Demonstrated understanding of gender and social inclusion analysis and gender-responsive MEL&R approaches, research design, data management, quality assurance and control procedures;
  
• Demonstrated strategic and systems thinking with strong analytical skills
  
• Track record of producing high-quality reports, studies, knowledge products and dissemination to various audiences;
  
• Excellent command of the English Language, working knowledge of French language would be an added advantage.