Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officer Heifer International

Heifer International is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability.

The Organization

Heifer Project International is a global non-profit organization founded in 1944 that works towards ending hunger and poverty while caring for the earth. Heifer International Uganda (HIU) began operations in 1982 and has since grown into one of the country’s leading agricultural and Community Development Organizations with focus on building pro-poor value chains that integrate youth, women empowerment and environmental sustainability. Driven by our Mission, Heifer has reached an incremental number of 4 million families in Uganda through agriculture and environmentally sound economic development programs. By 2030, Heifer Uganda’s Program goal is to support 400,000 smallholder farmers towards attaining a Sustainable Living Income and build sustainable and resilient economies.

The Tractor for Africa project is a five-year initiative by Heifer International that aims at improving farmer production and productivity through the promotion of unique innovative financing models that enhance access to tractors and related equipment. On the other hand, the AYuTe Africa challenge is an accelerator project that seeks to catalyze smallholder productivity by promoting innovative/disruptive technologies advanced by young entrepreneurs or agritech start-ups. The Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officer will therefore lead the implementation and management of MEL frameworks for the Tractors for Africa Project and the AYuTe Africa Challenge Uganda

Function

The Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officer, under the technical guidance of the Project Manager, will provide MEL support to the Tractor for Africa Project and the Africa Youth Innovation Project (AYuTe). The MEL Officer will collaborate closely with project partners and their M&E leads to ensure data-driven decision-making.

The MEL officer will support the design and implementation of data collection, analysis, and dissemination strategies and tools, as well as facilitate a strong connection between project activities and MEL efforts, proposing appropriate data-driven approaches for interventions. Additionally, the MEL Officer will assist the Project Manager in gathering critical data to stimulate investments from processors, service providers, and farmers in the dairy sector. They will provide technical assistance, training, and advisory support on MEL strategies to shape the overall MEL framework. This includes tracking and documenting key project outcomes, strengthening data-driven decision-making, and building capacity in data usage and indicator tracking.

Furthermore, the MEL Officer will analyze monthly data, support training in quality assurance methods, and lead efforts to strengthen the Farmers Producer Organizations (FPO) Information System. They will also be responsible for preparing periodic reports and promoting programmatic learning across the projects.

Responsibilities & Deliverables

A. Program Effectiveness (50%)

• Develop annual monitoring and result measurement (MRM) plans with private sector partners, ensuring alignment with program objectives and donor expectations.
• Prepare, consolidate, and submit reports according to donor requirements and the MEL plan, ensuring compliance with reporting standards.
• Design and implement M&E tools (e.g., surveys, tracking sheets, FGD guides) to facilitate data collection and evaluation, ensuring high-quality, actionable insights.
• Maintain and manage the project’s data management system, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and accessibility for effective decision-making.
• Actively engage with the Project Manager and teams to identify potential challenges in data collection, reporting, and project implementation.
• Lead collaborative problem-solving sessions with project teams to address issues, ensuring efficient solutions and aligning with project goals and timelines.

B. Knowledge and Information Management and Reporting (30%)

• Develop knowledge management activities, identifying lessons and other information that could be shared with partners and key stakeholders.
• Document learning and best practices in the project area.
• Provide data deemed important for concept paper or proposal development.
• Create and maintain an updated database for innovators and farmers at the project and FPO levels.

C. Management and Compliance (10%)

• Maintain a project database as per the MEL framework(s).
• Prepare and consolidate monthly, quarterly, mid-term, and annual reports for various project stakeholders.
• Closely review data and indicator progress to ensure that corrective recommendations are provided on a timely basis.
• Maintain accurate project data/information in both electronic and hard copy files.

D. Partnership and Engagement (10%)

• Provide technical input and expertise in the development of project proposals, ensuring alignment with donor priorities, Heifer’s strategic goals, and the needs of the target communities.
• Attend relevant government and partners’ meetings to further develop collaboration and obtain new methods and ideas.
• Prepare presentations to foster strong MEL practices.
• Participate in the documentation and dissemination of lessons learned and best practices.

Minimum Requirements

E. May perform other job-related responsibilities as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Statistics, Social Research, Development Studies, or an equivalent field with an academic focus on Monitoring and Evaluation.
• Minimum of five (5) years of related working experience, of which three (3) years should be hands-on experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning on projects or related work areas.
• Relevant experience in NGOs or field-based projects will be an added advantage.

Key Behavioural Competencies

• Accountability
• Professional Excellence
• Humility
• Customer Orientation
• Empathy
• Innovation

Deadline for Application: 25th March 2025