Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Officer

Minimum Academic and Professional Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Public Health, Information Management, or a related field from a recognized university.

• Additional training or certification in digital data systems, data engineering, or MEL frameworks is an added advantage.

• A minimum of two (2) years of progressive experience in monitoring and evaluation, data management, or MEL systems design.

• Demonstrated experience in the non-profit, legal aid, access-to-justice, or human rights sector is highly desirable.

• Experience working with multi-donor programmes and complex data environments is required.

A. MEL Systems Design and Management

• Lead the design, development, and continuous improvement of MEL systems across all programmes and research projects.

• Develop and review results frameworks, logical frameworks, and theories of change in collaboration with programme teams.

• Translate programme requirements into functional system specifications and user-friendly data collection solutions, ensuring integration with KITUO’s Legal Case Management System (LCMS) and other institutional data platforms.

• Oversee the configuration and deployment of digital data collection tools, including mobile-based platforms, electronic registries, and interoperable digital ecosystems.

• Maintain and regularly update a comprehensive MEL plan for all active projects, aligned with donor requirements and KITUO’s strategic plan.

• Champion cross-cutting themes including gender equality, disability inclusion, age-responsiveness, and legal empowerment in MEL system design, indicator development, and data analysis.

• Set and enforce MEL standards, approve data collection tools, and ensure MEL compliance across all programme teams.

B. Data Collection, Management, and Quality Assurance

• Develop and standardize data collection tools, survey instruments, and case-tracking registers appropriate to each programme area.

• Establish and enforce data quality assurance mechanisms, including validation rules, routine audits, and data cleaning protocols.

• Supervise and coordinate data collection activities across field teams, programme staff, and community-based monitors.

• Maintain centralized, well-organized databases for the storage, retrieval, and analysis of programme data.

• Disaggregate all programme data by gender, age, disability status, geographic location, and other relevant equity dimensions to support inclusive and rights-based programming.

• Strengthen data backup, recovery, and cybersecurity measures to safeguard organizational data assets.

C. Reporting, Analytics, and Knowledge Management

• Lead the development of periodic programme reports monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual submitted on time and to the standard required by internal management and donors.

• Produce data visualizations, dashboards, and automated reporting systems to support evidence-based decision-making at all levels.

• Document lessons learned, best practices, case studies, and success stories drawn from programme implementation.

• Support the preparation of donor reports by consolidating performance data, narrative updates, and indicator progress.

• Share MEL findings, programme outcomes, and learning with communities and beneficiaries as part of downward accountability commitments, using accessible and appropriate formats.

• Contribute to knowledge products such as policy briefs, learning papers, and programme evaluations.

D. Evaluation and Learning

• Plan and coordinate internal and external evaluations, including baselines, mid-term reviews, and end-line assessments, within agreed project timelines.

• Develop evaluation frameworks, terms of reference for evaluations, and data collection instruments.

• Facilitate after-action reviews, reflection sessions, and organizational learning events to embed lessons into programme design.

• Actively use evaluation findings to inform programme adaptation, resource allocation, and strategic decision-making not merely for documentation purposes.

• Collaborate with programme teams to incorporate evaluation recommendations into ongoing and future programming cycles.

• Support research initiatives that generate evidence on effective legal empowerment, access-to-justice, and community advocacy strategies.

• Maintain a structured learning agenda aligned with KITUO’s strategic plan priorities and donor accountability commitments.

E. Capacity Building and Technical Support

• Provide ongoing technical support and mentorship to programme and research teams on MEL systems, digital tools, and data quality standards.

• Develop user guides, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and training materials for data collection and reporting.

• Conduct regular training sessions for staff, paralegals, and community-based monitors, with a focus on building sustainable internal MEL capacity.

• Clarify supervisory responsibilities for any data clerks, MEL assistants, or interns assigned to the MEL function, and provide direct day-to-day supervision as applicable.

• Support the onboarding of new programme staff on KITUO’s MEL frameworks, tools, and data culture.

F. Partnerships, Donor Engagement, and Compliance

• Liaise with donors, partner organizations, and sub-grantees on MEL requirements, reporting standards, and compliance expectations.

• Support the alignment of KITUO’s MEL systems with donor reporting frameworks, international best practices, and sector-specific standards in legal aid and access-to-justice programming.

• Participate in consortium-based MEL processes, joint evaluations, and multi-organizational learning activities.

• Represent KITUO in MEL-related forums, technical working groups, and sector networks.

• Contribute to proposal development by providing MEL design inputs, indicator frameworks, and results measurement strategies.

G. Safeguarding, Ethical Data Practices, and Institutional Compliance

• Uphold and enforce KITUO’s safeguarding policies in all data collection and MEL activities, particularly when working with vulnerable populations including refugees, survivors of GBV, persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities.

• Obtain and document informed consent from data subjects prior to data collection, in accordance with the Data Protection Act, 2019, and organizational policies.

• Establish clear protocols for handling sensitive data relating to legal cases, client identities, and personal circumstances, ensuring access is limited to authorized personnel only.

• Contribute to risk assessments, safeguarding compliance reviews, and the implementation of accountability-to-affected-populations (AAP) frameworks.

• Adhere to all internal organizational procedures, HR regulations, procurement policies, and ethical guidelines.