Head of Monitoring and Evaluation

Action Appointments Development Recruitment (Pty) Ltd; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A nonprofit organization based in Johannesburg is seeking a Head of Monitoring & Evaluation. This role will lead the development of M&E frameworks that align with the organization's mission to empower vulnerable communities. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in M&E roles and possess strong interpersonal skills with a commitment to participative design. This is a one-year contract with a possibility of extension to a permanent position. Apply via email with the required documents by February 2, 2026.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred, but not required.
• 5+ years in senior M&E roles within NGOs.
• Proficiency in English; local language knowledge is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of M&E frameworks and systems.
• Support inclusion of children's voices in evaluations.
• Guide Learning Lead in developing evaluations.

Skills

Participative design

Interpersonal skills

Data management

Education

Degree in Monitoring & Evaluation or related field

Job description

MAMAS Alliance is part of Kinderfonds MAMAS—a reputable Dutch NGO founded 25 years ago at the personal request of Nelson Mandela. Kinderfonds MAMAS funds 34 grassroots NGOs across South Africa, each dedicated to empowering vulnerable children, youth, and families to reach their full potential. These organizations support children throughout their journey, from birth to their first job. MAMAS Alliance serves as the network through which these NGOs share knowledge, initiate programs, and, importantly, raise additional funds from South African corporates.

About the Job

The Head of Monitoring & Evaluation will strengthen impact measurement, learning, and data-informed decision-making across MAMAS Alliance. Based in Johannesburg, the role leads the development of M&E frameworks, indicators, and data systems aligned to the organisation’s theory of change, while supporting partner learning, evaluations, and capacity strengthening. The position contributes to impact reporting, storytelling, and funding proposals.

Key Responsibilities

1. Support improvements to KFM operations:

Provide input to assess and improve Kinderfonds MAMAS internal systems such as programme management, grant management and financial control in order to support strategic decision-making (what to grow, change or stop).

Together with the Learning Lead, develop reflection and learning processes to help internal teams turn data insights into new and better ways of working

Continue developing/improving indicators related to our new theory of change

Develop data use-cases with teams to identify key metrics and ways to gather data

Develop data gathering tools and processes with teams and partners (including baselines) which are accessible and stimulate engagement with data

Support inclusion of children and youth voices in defining what success looks like for them, as well as the key milestones they identify to reach their full potential.

3. Support learning:

Guide the work of the Learning Lead to develop baselines and evaluations to assess results of capacity of building for MAMAS and for our MAMA Partners.

Support MAMA partners to strengthen their systems for data management (including data security) to improve accountability, learning and support the development of track records to attract new donors.

Support the communications team to use data to tell impact stories which will inspire stakeholders and promote engagement.

Provide input (track records, case studies and MEAL input) for funding proposals and programme development

Position in the organization:

You will be based in our office in South Africa and will report directly to the Executive Director of Kinderfonds MAMAS based in the Netherlands. You will liaise with the Managing Director for South Africa regarding HR/Office matters.

You will manage the work of the Learning Lead and work closely with members of the management team, programme managers and the Scaling Lead.

Requirements

Degree in Monitoring & Evaluation, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or related field (Master’s preferred).

At least 5+ years of experience in senior M&E roles within NGOs or development programmes, ideally with network organisations.

Drivers License and own car

Willingness to travel

Strong skills in participative design and implementation of M&E frameworks and theories of change

Proficiency in English (spoken and written); knowledge of local South African languages is an advantage.

Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills with cultural sensitivity.

Ability to work from MAMAS Alliances’ office in Johannesburg.

To apply

This is a one-year contract with the intention of extension to a permanent role.

To apply, email your application (completed AA bio form, one page motivation letter and updated CV [all in MS Word format]) by Monday 02nd February 2026 to [e-mail]