Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Manager at Community Engagement & Social Development Initiative (CESDI)

Community Engagement & Social Development Initiative (CESDI) is a non-governmental organization committed to the sustainable livelihood of under privileged women, children and youth. CESDI is duly registered with the Nigerian Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) since 2014. The Organization is involved in community development, capacity building, economic empowerment, social counseling, social mobilization, raising awareness/ education on health and conflict resolution/peace building initiatives.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Manager

Location: Damaturu, Yobe
Contract Duration: 23 Months (Fixed Term)
Reports to: Project Manager / Head of Programs
Funding Partner: Action Against Hunger (ACF) / CARE International
Project: Lake Chad Inclusive Economic and Social Recovery Project (RESILAC*2)

Position Summary

• The MEL Manager will provide strategic oversight and technical leadership for the monitoring, evaluation, and learning functions of the RESILAC*2 project.
• The post-holder will design and manage robust MEL systems that ensure accountability, learning, and evidence-based decision-making throughout the project cycle across Damaturu and Fune LGAs.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement a comprehensive Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) framework and plan aligned with RESILAC*2 project objectives and donor requirements.
• Develop and manage all data collection tools including surveys, questionnaires, focus group discussion guides, and key informant interview protocols.
• Lead baseline, midline, and endline assessments and ensure data quality, reliability, and integrity across all project locations.
• Establish and maintain a functional project Management Information System (MIS) for real-time data capture and analysis.
• Prepare high-quality MEL reports including monthly, quarterly, and annual progress reports for submission to ACF/CARE and the consortium.
• Track project indicators against targets and provide timely analysis to project management for course correction.
• Facilitate regular project reviews, After Action Reviews (AARs), and learning workshops with staff, partners, and communities.
• Support the mainstreaming of gender-sensitive and inclusion-responsive MEL approaches across all project components.
• Lead capacity building for project staff and community-level monitors on data collection, reporting, and use of MEL tools.
• Coordinate with ACF and CARE consortium MEL teams to align reporting formats and standards.
• Manage the community feedback and accountability mechanism, ensuring beneficiary complaints and feedback are captured and acted upon.
• Ensure compliance with ACF/CARE MEL standards, donor requirements, and organizational MEL policies.
• Produce learning briefs, case studies, and evidence products for internal and external dissemination.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree (minimum) in Statistics, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Public Health, or a related field. A Master's degree is an added advantage.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive MEL experience in humanitarian programming, at least 3 of which are at a senior/managerial level.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing MEL frameworks for multi-sector development or resilience programs.
• Strong quantitative and qualitative data analysis skills; proficiency in SPSS, STATA, Kobo Toolbox, ODK, or similar tools.
• Experience with EU and AFD-funded projects and familiarity with their reporting requirements is highly desirable.
• Experience working in Northeast Nigeria or similar fragile/conflict-affected settings.
• Demonstrated experience in gender-sensitive and community-based MEL approaches.

Skills and Competencies:

• Excellent analytical, report writing, and data visualization skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work with diverse teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Fluency in written and spoken English; knowledge of Hausa is an asset

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send a Cover Letter, detailed CV, and copies of relevant Certificates to: humanresourcesunit@cesdinitiative.org with "Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Manager – RESILAC*2" as the subject of the email.

Note

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applications from women, persons with disabilities, and candidates from Yobe State are strongly encouraged.
• CESDI promotes zero tolerance of fraud, sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. All staff are required to adhere to our organizational Code of Conduct and Safeguarding policies.