Trees for the Future (TREES) is seeking a Director of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) to lead the transformation and strengthening of Kenya’s MEL systems. As we continue to expand our impact through the Forest Garden Approach, this role is critical in ensuring data accuracy, integrity, and verifiability, particularly in alignment with carbon reporting requirements. You will be responsible for overseeing the overhaul of systems, leading a distributed technical team, and fostering a culture of evidence-based adaptive management.
Responsibilities
Lead Kenya’s MEL Systems Transformation
- Oversee the overhaul and strengthening of Kenya’s MEL systems to ensure data accuracy and integrity in alignment with carbon reporting requirements.
- Partner with the Central Office to implement and refine global MEL tools, systems, and QA/QC protocols.
- Identify system gaps in data quality, documentation, and audit trails and drive practical improvements.
- Ensure reliable tracking of farm-level data, including spatial data and farmer identification systems.
- Support preparation for carbon validation, monitoring, and verification processes and represent Kenya MEL systems during investor and auditor site visits.
Build and Lead a High-Performing Distributed MEL Team
- Directly supervise the MEL Officer, GIS Officer, and provide secondary oversight of regional MEL Assistants.
- Strengthen team capacity in data quality assurance, problem-solving, and adaptive management.
- Establish clear quality standards, accountability mechanisms, and documentation expectations.
- Support recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and professional development of MEL staff.
Drive Country-Wide Transition Toward Evidence-Based Adaptive Management
- Lead the transition ensuring data is understood and used as a tool for program improvement rather than performance policing.
- Design and facilitate learning loops that translate monitoring data into actionable program adjustments.
- Promote a culture of data integrity, transparency, and continuous improvement across regions.
Ensure Field-Embedded Quality Assurance
- Conduct regular field visits (approximately 20%) to observe field implementation and data collection.
- Review and strengthen data quality assurance protocols, including spot checks and verification procedures.
- Ensure monthly and quarterly reporting processes are timely and accurate.
Contribute to Global MEL Strategy and System Design
- Serve as a senior thought partner to Central Office MEL leadership during global system redesigns.
- Provide structured feedback on pilots and iterations of Salesforce, TaroWorks, GIS integrations, and reporting frameworks.
Requirements
- Education: Master’s degree in Statistics, Demography, Economics, International Development, Environmental Sciences, or a related field preferred. A bachelor’s degree with substantial additional professional experience may be considered.
- Experience: Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in MEL within large-scale NGO, development, or environmental programs.
- Senior Leadership: Demonstrated experience as a senior MEL lead across multiple regions or dispersed field operations.
- System Reform: Proven experience strengthening or reforming MEL systems, including data quality assurance and reporting workflows.
- Technical Integration: Experience collaborating across functions (e.g., Program, Training, GIS, IT) to improve data systems.
- Technical Representation: Experience engaging donors, investors, or auditors on technical data systems and reporting standards.
- Sector Knowledge: Experience in agriculture, environmental, climate, or natural resource programs is preferred. Experience with carbon-related standards is an asset.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified? Go to Trees for the Future on ats.rippling.com to apply.
