Program / MEL Intern - Signature Programs at Heifer International

Heifer International is an international development organization dedicated to improving food security and income opportunities for rural families while promoting sound stewardship of natural resources. As a private, non-governmental organization based in Little Rock, Arkansas, Heifer has created lasting change for farming households in over 125 countries across Latin America, Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe for over 70 years.

Heifer International does so much more than put food in the mouths of hungry people. Heifer helps people feed themselves. The goal of every Heifer project is sustainability - project partners achieving self-reliance. And year after year, as partner families Pass on the Gift of knowledge and one or more of their animals' offspring to others in need, they become links in a network of hope, dignity and self-reliance that helps hundreds of others care for themselves.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Program / MEL Intern - Signature Programs

Location: Abuja

Purpose of Signature Programs Department

• The Signature Program Department provides technical support to country program teams across the Africa Region with a focus on quality and evidence-based signature program (SP) design, project execution excellence, adaptive management, impact measurement and reporting.
• The SP Department also maintains Heifer’s standards of program/project quality, performance management and compliance with donors’ requirements.

Function

• The Signature Programs Intern will support the Signature Program Team with Program Management and MELs deliverables in line with Program Management & MELs Quality Control and Quality Assurance activities.
• This internship provides an opportunity for the Intern to work in a dynamic, cross-functional team across different time zones and develop key skills in Program/project Management and Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning. The Intern will be located in Abuja, Nigeria.

Responsibilities & Deliverables
Documentation and Operations Support (40%):

• Gather and organize Signature Program files and documents such as reports and ensure they are up-to-date and easily accessible by team members.
• Contribute to smooth operation of the Signature Program Department by supporting organization of program events, including scheduling meetings, preparing and/or organizing team minutes, etc.
• Support in organizing and coordinating field visits for progress monitoring and program quality assurance and ensure proper filing of field trip reports.
• Contribute to compilation of relevant procurement documentation (e.g. Terms of Reference, Request for Proposal, etc) in support of identification of suitable consultants and contract signing.
• Provide general administrative support to the Signature Program team.

Performance Monitoring Support (35%):

• Organise Africa Region’s historical performance data by relevant themes in support of spatial analysis and data visualization using Power BI.
• Support organization and maintenance of Africa-wide program performance data on SharePoint and other platforms, ensuring their accuracy and up-to-date status.
• Support Signature Program (SP) team in tracking progress towards achievement of key milestones and deliverables by reporting period e.g. Fiscal Year (FY).
• Participate in data analysis and assist in the preparation of reports summarizing performance data from monitoring and evaluation activities.
• Tracking completion of shared tasks managed on virtual platforms such as SharePoint and follow up with colleagues accordingly.
• Support in coordinating Progress Reporting across all Country Programs using the desired reporting template or format.

Learning, Adaptation and Capacity Building (20%):

• Participate in evidence-based program review meetings and brainstorming sessions to identify opportunities for program improvement.
• Contribute to the preparation of knowledge and experience sharing events, including periodic Community of Practice sessions.
• Contribute to the team’s preparation for “Pause and Reflect” and documentation for feedback to the leadership and other stakeholders accordingly.
• Manage the Signature Program Department’s learning log and provide summary of lessons at end of every quarter.

Others (5%):

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Signature Program Director.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics, International Development, Business Management, Economics or related fields.

Most Critical Proficiencies:

• 1-2 years’ experience in development practice, including internships or volunteer work in monitoring and evaluation and/or project delivery or related fields.
• Good organizational skills, ability to make recommendations for improvement and contribute to overall program strategy.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to develop good relationships with a wide range of actors required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently in the field and demonstrate initiative.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work cooperatively with team members.

Key Behavioural Competencies:

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

Application Closing Date
27th June, 2025.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online