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.
  

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