Senior Manager Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Research (MEL&R)

Information about the Role\n\nThe World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) is seeking a Senior Manager for Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Research (MEL&R) to lead the strategy and systems for the African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) initiative. This is a leadership position responsible for directing MEL&R strategies, tools, and frameworks to ensure the systematic tracking of outputs, outcomes, and long-term impact. The role focuses heavily on fostering a culture of adaptive learning and evidence-based decision-making, particularly through the integration of gender-responsive methodologies and social inclusion within agrifood systems.\n\n### Key Responsibilities and Duties\n\nRobust Monitoring, Evaluation and Adaptive Learning\n* Lead the development and continuous management of AWARD MEL&R strategy, tools, frameworks, and systems.\n* Oversee the design, implementation, and reporting of ME&L activities across AWARD initiatives and programs to track outputs, outcomes, impact, and transformation.\n* Lead periodic learning reviews and advise on project/program’s overall approach and adjustments.\n* Oversee quality assurance and control protocols to ensure internal consistency and validity of monitoring checks.\n\nGender-Responsive Evidence, Applied and Evaluative Research\n* Ensure systematic integration of gender and social inclusion perspectives across all MEL frameworks and indicators.\n* Lead the development and application of gender-responsive and intersectional indicators, including sex- and age-disaggregated data analysis.\n* Guide applied research on outcomes and policy influence related to gender equality in agricultural development.\n* Ensure research initiatives are methodologically rigorous and learning-oriented.\n\nKnowledge Management, Learning and Influence\n* Lead the synthesis and dissemination of findings and best practices through internal platforms and external forums.\n* Collaborate with units to translate evidence into knowledge products like peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.\n\nDonor Engagement and Grant Performance\n* Contribute to technical donor reporting ensuring alignment with strategy and standards.\n* Provide high-quality ME&L inputs for proposal development and grant negotiations.\n* Monitor overall performance against milestones and targets to improve efficiency and effectiveness.\n\nCapacity Building and Team Leadership\n* Manage the MEL&R unit, fostering a culture of coaching, mentoring, and professional growth.\n* Provide technical guidance to other AWARD units on MEL&R standards.\n* Promote inclusive and participatory practices across the portfolio.\n\n### Qualifications and Experience\n* Minimum of 10 years’ experience in international development with a focus on agrifood systems and impact.\n* At least 5 years in a senior management MEL&R role.\n* Experience working across multiple African countries on Agricultural Research for Development (AR4D) issues is essential.\n* Demonstrated experience designing and leading MEL systems for multi-country, donor-funded programs.\n* Strong understanding of gender and social inclusion analysis and gender-responsive research design.\n* Strategic and systems thinking with strong analytical skills.\n* Track record of producing high-quality reports and knowledge products.\n* Excellent command of English; working knowledge of French is an added advantage.\n* Educational background: BA/BSc/HND in a relevant field.\n\n### How to Apply\n\nInterested and qualified candidates should apply online via the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) career portal at https://www.myjobmag.co.ke/apply-now/1154475 or visit the official website at www.cifor-icraf.org to find the application link under their careers section.