The Population Council is inviting applications from qualified professionals for a Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Consultant position supporting programmes implemented across Africa. The consultancy will contribute to strengthening monitoring systems, evaluating programme performance and improving evidence-based decision-making for initiatives supported by the Mastercard Foundation.
The assignment is coordinated by Population Council Kenya and offers an opportunity for experienced monitoring, evaluation and learning specialists to support development programmes operating across multiple African countries. The consultant will provide technical assistance to implementing partners, strengthen MEL systems and help improve the quality, consistency and use of programme data.
Applications are due by 21 October 2026.
About the Population Council MEL Consultancy
Population Council Kenya leads an inter-regional consortium of Function-Oriented Impact Partner Organizations, including ThinkPlace Kenya, Le Barometre and the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA).
The consortium supports the Mastercard Foundation’s Impact Strategy through impact measurement, evaluation, programme design and organisational learning. Its work spans several programme platforms, including the Pan-Africa Program, Scholars, Secondary Education and Transition, Higher Education Collaboratives and Strategic Initiatives, and Strategic Partnerships and Innovations.
These programmes operate across 35 African countries, creating a need for reliable monitoring systems, consistent performance measures and stronger institutional capacity to use evidence effectively.
The selected consultant will help establish and deliver a structured MEL accompaniment programme tailored to the needs of participating implementing partners.
Key Responsibilities
The consultant will work across six technical workstreams to strengthen partner-level MEL systems and support effective programme implementation.
1. Inception and partner prioritisation
The consultant will review programme frameworks, existing MEL documentation, reporting requirements and previous evaluation findings. Responsibilities include identifying participating partners, establishing a support register, prioritising technical assistance and preparing a detailed implementation workplan.
2. MEL capability assessments
The consultant will assess partners’ monitoring systems, theories of change, results chains, indicators, targets, data tools and reporting processes. Each partner or partner cluster will receive an improvement plan based on documented needs and identified gaps.
3. MEL framework and infrastructure development
The consultant will help refine theories of change, MEL plans, learning questions, data collection tools and reporting calendars. Additional responsibilities include strengthening data architecture, participant-level records, data quality procedures, data dictionaries, access controls and accountability across partner organisations.
4. Measurement and reporting alignment
The assignment requires aligning partner monitoring systems with Shared Measures 2.0 and applicable measures covering employment, youth transitions, inclusion, institutional strengthening and systems change. The consultant will identify reporting gaps, clarify indicators and responsibilities, and help prevent double counting of collaborative programme contributions.
5. Learning and adaptive management
The consultant will support learning agendas, technical working sessions, coaching and communities of practice. The role also involves documenting how evidence informs programme adaptations and preparing concise, decision-ready learning briefs for programme and platform discussions.
6. Monitoring, reporting and handover
The consultant will maintain partner support records, prepare monthly dashboards and quarterly analytical reports, document unresolved risks and produce a final synthesis with recommendations for sustaining improvements after the consultancy ends.
Expected Deliverables and Timeline
The consultancy will run from 26 October 2026 to 30 June 2027, with a maximum of 30 working days distributed across the contract period.
Key deliverables include:
- 30 October 2026: Inception package, including methodology, workplan and quality assurance arrangements.
- 15 November 2026: Live partner MEL support register.
- 15 December 2026: Partner diagnostic assessments and improvement plans.
- 31 March 2027: Strengthened MEL products, including refined frameworks, learning agendas, data collection tools and reporting templates.
- 31 May 2027: Evidence of capability development, coaching activities and partner application of learning.
- 30 June 2027: Final synthesis, handover documentation and sustainability recommendations, alongside scheduled monthly and quarterly reporting.
Qualifications and Experience
Applicants should possess an advanced degree in monitoring and evaluation, statistics, economics, development studies, social sciences or a related discipline.
Candidates must have at least five years of professional experience in monitoring and evaluation, impact evaluation or strategic planning. Relevant experience should include developing theories of change, designing MEL frameworks, tracking performance indicators and supporting adaptive management.
Additional requirements include experience mentoring or training teams and partner organisations, excellent written and spoken English, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate with diverse teams across Africa. Experience with international organisations, NGOs or development programmes in Africa is also required.
Location, Duration and Compensation
The consultancy is based in Nairobi, Kenya, with remote work also indicated as an option. The assignment may involve travel, with travel costs covered directly by Population Council Kenya.
The contract period extends from 26 October 2026 to 30 June 2027, subject to a maximum of 30 working days. Compensation will be based on existing consultancy rates for the consortium-supported activities.
Payments will be output-based and made within 30 calendar days after receipt of a valid invoice and written approval of the corresponding deliverable. Payment depends on satisfactory acceptance of the submitted work.
Ethical Standards and Equal Opportunity
The consultant must comply with approved data-protection, safeguarding and responsible-data requirements. Personally identifiable information must not be requested, received or transferred without specific authorisation and approved safeguards. All deliverables will undergo documented technical and quality reviews.
Population Council Kenya is an equal-opportunity organisation and encourages applications from qualified candidates, including women, young professionals, people with disabilities and members of underrepresented communities. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and they will be required to present a valid Police Clearance Certificate.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their applications by 21 October 2026.
Application email: By email
Required email subject line: Consultancy – Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Expert
Applicants should ensure that their submissions demonstrate relevant MEL experience, technical expertise, and a record of strengthening programme monitoring and evidence-based decision-making.
Opportunity source: Population Council Kenya, as advertised on ReliefWeb.
