Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Officer

About the Role

Kakute Projects is searching for a Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Officer to join the EXPLORE initiative—an 18-month effort aimed at enhancing community-centered energy market access through the establishment of local innovation hubs. Operating primarily in Arusha and Manyara, Tanzania, this project links rural households, micro businesses, SMEs, technology providers, local agents, and financiers to boost availability and effective use of decentralized renewable energy.

The MEL Officer will direct the design and management of monitoring and evaluation systems, track project indicators, coordinate baseline data collection, validate field data, document insights, create case studies, and contribute to donor reporting. Beyond this project, the role includes strengthening Kakute’s wider organizational MEL systems by refining tools and fostering internal learning.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive MEL framework including an indicator tracking system for the EXPLORE project.
• Create and implement data collection tools tailored for hubs, SMEs, local agents, and beneficiaries.
• Organize and manage baseline data collection activities across all project hubs.
• Monitor progress towards key targets such as hub activations, SME engagement, household outreach, productive-use adoption, trainings, and financing connections.
• Compile and disseminate monthly and quarterly monitoring reports.
• Ensure the secure storage, cleaning, and backup of project data to maintain integrity.
• Assist project staff and hub coordinators in collecting precise and reliable data.
• Conduct field inspections to validate reported outcomes and activities, reviewing evidentiary documents such as attendance records, reports, photos, and beneficiary details.
• Implement measures to avoid duplicate counting of beneficiaries and adoption metrics.
• Obtain necessary permissions for the use of photos, interviews, and case studies.
• Facilitate quarterly learning reflection sessions and document lessons learned on various facets including hub activation and financing linkages.
• Produce 4 to 6 detailed case studies showcasing project impacts and insights for adaptation and scaling.
• Support donor reporting by providing well-supported data, analysis, and contributing to mid-term and final learning insight reports.
• Manage MEL records to ensure they are audit-ready and accessible for review.
• Evaluate and enhance Kakute's existing MEL tools and reporting approaches, crafting organizational templates for use across projects.
• Upgrade data storage, documentation practices, and evidence management to strengthen organizational learning.
• Provide capacity-building for staff on MEL basics, data quality assurance, reporting, and learning methodologies.
• Help leverage project data for organizational fundraising, proposal development, and strategic planning.

Candidate Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in relevant disciplines such as Monitoring and Evaluation, Statistics, Development Studies, Project Management, Social Sciences, Economics, Community Development, Energy, or Agriculture.
• Minimum of five years' experience in MEL, research, data management, or donor reporting roles.
• Demonstrated experience on projects funded by donors.
• Proven capacity to develop and utilize data collection instruments.
• Exposure to community-based rural development, livelihoods, energy, agriculture, or SME projects highly desirable.

Required Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets.
• Familiarity with digital data collection platforms such as KoboToolbox, ODK, Google Forms, SurveyCTO, or equivalent.
• Competency to design straightforward, functional monitoring tools.
• Strong data analysis and technical report writing abilities.
• Experienced handling quantitative and qualitative datasets.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to data accuracy.
• Capability to train field personnel in data collection methods.
• Effective communicator fluent in both English and Swahili.
• Willingness to undertake regular travel to project locations.

Personal Attributes

• Field-savvy and pragmatic.
• Exceptionally organized and dependable.
• Curious and eager to learn.
• Adept at working with rural communities.
• Skilled at simplifying MEL processes for non-specialist users.
• Trustworthy and meticulous with data handling.
• Reliable team player and capable of independent work.

Application Process

Applicants should send a cover letter, an updated curriculum vitae, contacts of two professional referees, and samples of prior MEL, research, reporting, or case studies, if available, via email with the subject "MEL APPLICATION: EXPLORE" to the designated contacts provided by Kakute Projects. Applications must be submitted by noon on Wednesday, 22nd July.

Additional Information

The position is located in Arusha, Tanzania and involves consistent travel to several project hubs. The contract period is 18 months, conditional on funding and performance. Kakute Projects is committed to diversity and encourages applications from candidates with relevant field experience focusing on rural development, clean energy access, community empowerment, and local economic growth.