Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) Specialist

Allied Talent Partners; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A nonprofit talent marketplace is seeking a Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning Expert to design and operationalize a MEL system for sustainable development initiatives. The role requires a minimum of 7 years of experience in MEL, with a strong emphasis on data analysis and stakeholder engagement. Key responsibilities include developing MEL frameworks, overseeing data management, and producing reports. The position is based in Maseru, Lesotho, with a start date in March 2026, offering a 12-month contract with renewal possibilities.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of monitoring and evaluation experience.
• At least 5 years of direct MEL systems design and management.
• Proven experience in multi-stakeholder programmes.

Responsibilities

• Design an integrated MEL framework for the National Energy Compact.
• Lead systematic data collection and maintain a central MEL database.
• Prepare regular progress reports and presentations for stakeholders.

Skills

Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning

Data Analysis

Team Coordination

Report Writing

Stakeholder Engagement

Education

Master’s degree in relevant field

Tools

Excel

PowerBI

SPSS

STATA

Job description

Description

Allied Talent Partners (ATP), a Three Cairns Group initiative, is a mission‑driven, not‑for‑profit talent marketplace focused on solving the human capital bottlenecks slowing down sustainable development efforts in emerging economies, with an initial focus on Africa. ATP connects vetted, experienced, context‑relevant professionals to high‑impact opportunities in energy access and sustainable development – strengthening local capacity and fuelling economic vitality. We specialise in fixed‑term, deliverable‑driven engagements – from interim leadership and generalist projects to niche technical expertise – handling project scoping, talent vetting and matching, contracting, payroll, and compliance so that our clients can focus on impact.

High‑Level Overview

The client is seeking a Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) Expert to design, operationalise, and continuously strengthen a comprehensive MEL system for the National Energy Compact. The MEL Expert will enable evidence‑based decision‑making, performance accountability, transparency, and institutional learning across all Compact pillars, supporting government leadership and development partners to track progress and adapt implementation. The assignment forms part of the client’s localisation strategy, and preference will be given to qualified Lesotho nationals.

Role and Responsibilities

Role

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) Specialist

Key Deliverables MEL System Design & Results Framework

• Design, operationalise, and maintain an integrated MEL framework for the National Energy Compact, including theory of change, results chains, indicators, baselines, targets, and methodologies.
• Translate targets across all Compact pillars into measurable indicators aligned with national priorities and development partner requirements.
• Develop harmonised MEL tools, guidelines, and procedures for data collection, processing, validation, and documentation.

Monitoring, Data Management & Quality Assurance

• Lead systematic data collection from implementing institutions, utilities, regulators, and project implementation units.
• Establish and maintain a central MEL database and/or dashboard consolidating administrative, project, survey, and sector data.
• Ensure data quality through validation protocols, verification checks, and documentation standards.
• Participate in project monitoring and coordination meetings, producing timely meeting summaries and follow‑up actions.
• Conduct regular field missions (at least one per quarter) to Compact project sites and prepare mission reports.

Analysis, Reporting & Performance Tracking

• Conduct quantitative and qualitative analysis to assess progress against Compact targets and identify performance gaps, risks, and emerging issues.
• Prepare regular narrative and indicator‑based progress reports, dashboards, briefing notes, and presentations for the High Committee, Government, and development partners.
• Produce monthly progress reports detailing tasks performed, risks identified, and mitigation measures.

Evaluation, Learning & Knowledge Management

• Coordinate and support mid‑term, thematic, and final evaluations in collaboration with government and development partners.
• Review and validate evaluation outputs, ensuring analytical rigor and actionable recommendations.
• Document lessons learned and good practices and ensure their integration into policy dialogue, programme design, and investment decisions.
• Organise and facilitate learning events and technical exchanges with government, utilities, regulators, private sector actors, and partners.

Coordination, Advisory & Capacity Building Support

• Provide technical advice to the High Committee on MEL‑related matters, ensuring integration of MEL into planning, budgeting, and implementation processes.
• Coordinate with ministry MEL units, utilities, and partners to promote harmonised indicators and reporting systems.
• Deliver at least two structured capacity‑building sessions annually to strengthen national capacities in monitoring and evaluation of complex energy programmes.
• Respond to ad hoc analytical or advisory requests from the High Committee leadership within agreed timelines.

Key outputs

• Inception Report (within two weeks of contract start)
• Draft and final MEL Framework, including theory of change and results framework
• MEL Plan with indicators, baselines, targets, data sources, roles, and reporting schedules
• Centralised MEL database and/or performance dashboard
• Monthly progress reports and periodic performance reports
• Learning event briefs and evaluation summaries
• Completion Report documenting achievements, timelines, and forward‑looking recommendations

Requirements Experience Required

• Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible experience in Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning within development programmes or public‑sector initiatives.
• At least 5 years of direct experience designing and managing MEL systems, preferably in energy, infrastructure, or access‑to‑services sectors.
• Proven experience working in multi‑stakeholder and sector‑wide programmes involving government institutions, development partners, and the private sector.
• Demonstrated capacity to design and operationalise results frameworks, MEL plans, and theories of change.
• Experience supporting evaluations, learning processes, and evidence‑informed decision‑making.

Technical Requirements

• Master’s degree in Monitoring & Evaluation, Statistics, Economics, Public Policy, Development Studies, Energy, or a related field.
• Strong quantitative and qualitative data analysis skills, including familiarity with survey methods; knowledge of the Multi‑Tier Framework (MTF) for energy access is an asset
• Proficiency in MEL and data analysis tools (e.g. Excel, PowerBI, SPSS, STATA).
• Strong understanding of data governance, quality assurance, and verification protocols.

Other Skills

• Fluency in French (oral and written); working knowledge of English is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical, communication, and facilitation skills.
• High attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment.

Working Arrangement

Location: Maseru, Lesotho

Travel: Occasional domestic travel

Terms of Agreement

Start Date: March 2026

Contracting Period: 12 months, with possibility of renewal subject to performance and funding availability