Monitoring Evaluation And Learning (Mel) Manager

Agribusiness Systems International; Oos-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 30 000 - 60 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Manager to lead data collection and analysis efforts. This role is pivotal in driving sustainable agricultural development through effective monitoring and evaluation of projects aimed at uplifting smallholder farmers. You will collaborate with diverse teams to implement innovative MEL strategies and ensure compliance with organizational standards. If you are eager to make a significant impact in the agricultural sector and possess strong analytical and communication skills, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience in monitoring and evaluation for donor-funded projects.
• Strong report writing and communication skills essential.

Responsibilities

• Oversee data collection, monitoring, and reporting activities.
• Develop MEL strategies and systems for data collection and analysis.

Skills

Monitoring and Evaluation

Data Analysis

Report Writing

Collaboration

Communication Skills

Education

Master's Degree in Statistics or Development

Tools

MS Office

Teams

Zoom

SharePoint

Job description

Tanager is an international nonprofit that connects smallholder producers and private businesses to co-create new ways of realizing life-changing economic and social opportunities.

Our process builds on years of technical expertise, on-the-ground presence, and public/private partnerships to unite economic growth with social innovation.

Together, we are ushering in an era of equitable market systems that combine profitability with the power to address urgent challenges in poverty, malnutrition, and gender inequity.

Overview

In , Tanager partnered with the John Deere Foundation to pilot the Imbewu Farmer Development program, which aims to transition smallholder maize farmers from subsistence farming to commercial production.

Derived from the Zulu word for "seed," Imbewu symbolizes growth and potential—values central to the program's mission.

Building on the success of the first phase, Tanager and the John Deere Foundation are proud to launch Imbewu II from November – October .

Imbewu II will expand efforts to improve smallholder farmers' productivity, minimize post-harvest losses, and enhance profitability, driving sustainable agricultural development.

It offers a continuum of services to support farmers as they progress from subsistence to commercial agriculture, including digital extension, on-farm training, improved access to finance and markets, and tailored support for commercial farmers.

The program emphasizes climate-smart approaches, gender and youth empowerment, farming as a business, and access to finance.

Building on its initial work with 2, smallholder maize farmers, Imbewu II aims to support 6, farmers, increase yields by 37%, and incomes by 68%.

Position Summary

Pursuant to its mission, Tanager seeks experienced professionals for the role of Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Manager.

The MEL Manager will oversee daily data collection, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting activities, as well as formative research, impact assessments, and learning initiatives.

They will develop and manage systems to monitor progress and impact, ensuring results meet organizational and donor standards.

This position is based in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa, reporting to the Imbewu Team Lead. The contract is annual, with potential extension based on performance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and operational management of MEL components.
• Develop and implement a MEL strategy, including systems and tools for data collection, indicator tracking, impact assessments, and reporting.
• Coordinate with the Data and Learning Director and technical teams to manage GIS and cloud-based MIS systems.
• Conduct routine assessments, analyze data, and facilitate learning sessions and project reviews.
• Collaborate with technical staff to analyze findings, recommend adjustments, and share lessons learned.
• Ensure compliance with reporting requirements and conduct field visits to observe activities and gather data.
• Organize surveys, interviews, and discussions to evaluate project outcomes.
• Maintain and update the Performance Monitoring Plan and MIS documentation.
• Generate reports, visualizations, and trend analyses of project indicators.

Qualifications

• Master's degree preferred in relevant fields such as statistics, development, economics, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in monitoring and evaluation, preferably for donor-funded projects.
• Experience developing M&E systems, dashboards, and analytical reports.
• Experience with NGOs or NPOs is desirable.
• Strong report writing, collaboration, innovation, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in MS Office, Teams, Zoom, SharePoint, and other communication tools.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to travel as required.

Application Process

Please submit your resume to [contact email] by December 15th. Include the position title in the subject line and attach your application as a single document. Provide your employment history and relevant consulting work. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Tanager is an equal opportunity employer, encouraging women, minorities, and diverse groups to apply. Tanager does not charge any recruitment fees.