Head – Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Impact Assessment (MELIA)

Job Description

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit the Head – Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Impact Assessment (MELIA) to lead the development and implementation of systems to monitor, evaluate, and enhance the impact of the institute’s programs. This role will ensure data-driven decision-making, fostering a culture of accountability, and promoting continuous learning. The incumbent will develop and refine impact assessment strategies and theories of change aligned with institutional goals. The role will work closely with internal teams and external stakeholders to design frameworks, analyze outcomes, and provide actionable insights to improve program effectiveness and scalability. Impact assessments will be published aligned to ILRI’s institutional goals for 2030.

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) works to improve people’s lives in low- and middle-income countries through livestock science that contributes to equitable and resilient livestock systems to deliver food systems transformation with climate and environmental benefits.. It is one of 15 CGIAR research centers dedicated entirely to animal agriculture research for the developing world. Co-hosted by Kenya and Ethiopia, it has regional or country offices and projects in East, South and Southeast Asia as well as Central, East, Southern and West Africa. www.ilri.org.

Key Responsibilities

Thought Leadership and Strategy Development

• Develop ILRI’s MELIA plan and oversee its implementation.
• Develop the unit’s strategy, interface with research teams and other stakeholders, providing thought leadership and coordination.
• Develop and refine impact assessment studies and theories of change aligned with institutional goals.
• Design frameworks and indicators to track progress toward outcomes and long-term impact.
• Lead the development, management and updating of MEL tools, strategy/frameworks and systems.

Monitoring and Evaluation Systems Development

• Design and implement a comprehensive MEL framework to track program performance, outcomes, and impact.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and data collection methodologies tailored to program goals.
• Oversee the collection, cleaning, and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data. Ensure data quality through regular audits and validation processes. Utilize advanced data analysis tools and software to generate insights.

Implementation of Impact Assessments

• Lead and/or coordinate impact assessment studies aligned to the institute’s high-level goals such as baseline, midline, and endline studies, mixed method approaches, and modelling as required.
• Keep track of impact assessments carried out across ILRI and interact with implementing scientists to encourage alignment to the institute’s KPI.
• Compile the results of impact assessment studies for use in communication or fund-raising materials.
• Commission and/or manage internal/external evaluations.

Technical backstopping for project/program’s progress tracking

• Review and advise on project/program’s overall approach and adjustments and prepare regular and ad hoc updates.
• Lead 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.
• Contribute to proposal development and grants’ negotiations including design of high-quality MELIA.
• Contribute to the review of existing grants’ overall performance and indicators against achieved cumulative results and make useful recommendations for performance improvement.

Capacity Strengthening & Technical Advisory

• Build capacity of program teams and partners in outcome mapping, impact metrics, and data use.
• Advise project teams on integrating impact thinking from inception to closure.
• Train staff and partners on MELIA concepts, tools, and best practices.
• Build the capacity of teams to implement MELIA activities effectively.

Learning, Communication & Uptake

• Prepare high-quality MELIA reports, dashboards, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Communicate evaluation findings and recommendations clearly to diverse audiences.
• Translate impact findings into user-friendly products such as briefs, dashboards, infographics or case studies).

Resource Mobilisation: Contribute to resource mobilisation by working with program leaders, scientists and business development unit during proposal development.

People Management:

• Lead talent management initiatives including recruitment, management and development of a high performing MELIA team and promote a collaborative and inclusive workplace culture.
• Oversee the unit’s operations.

Requirements

• 7 years’ experience with PhD or 12 years with masters in MELIA roles within development programs or projects.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing MELIA systems for complex programs.
• Experience in international agricultural or development sector with not less than 3 years in management role for MEL or IA. Extensive knowledge of MELIA concepts/systems/approaches, research design, data management, quality assurance and control procedures.
• Strong knowledge of MELIA frameworks, methodologies, and tools (e.g., logical frameworks, theories of change, results-based management).
• Proficiency in statistical software (e.g., SPSS, Stata, or R) and data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau).
• Proactive, creative, self-motivator, detail-oriented and results-driven.
• Ability to establish goals and priorities, to plan, coordinate and effectively monitor tasks, milestones and target achievements.
• Sound expertise in Monitoring and Evaluation and Reporting of international donor-funded programs/initiatives.
• Digitally savvy with a demonstrated affinity for electronic systems, analytical software packages and other online tools.
• Strong interpersonal skills to engage with diverse teams and stakeholders.

Post location: The position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya or Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Terms of Appointment: 

This position is at job level HG 19, and it is open to both national and international applicants. The position is a three (3) year contract, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding. ILRI offers a competitive international salary and benefits package which includes pension, medical insurance, life insurance and allowances for: education, housing, security, relocation, and home leave.

 

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants should send a cover letter and CV expressing their interest in the position, what they can bring to the role, and the names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about their professional qualifications and work experience.

The applications will be addressed to the Head of People and Culture and submitted through: OUR RECRUITMENT PORTAL by clicking on “Apply Now” on or before 13 September 2025.

The position title and reference number: REF: MELIA/08/2025 should be clearly marked on the subject line of the online application.

ILRI does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, or training). ILRI also does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.

ILRI is an equal opportunity employer.