MONITORING, EVALUATION AND LEARNING (MEL) OFFICER

MONITORING, EVALUATION AND LEARNING (MEL) OFFICER

Are you passionate about data, accountability, and using evidence to strengthen programmes that advance justice and human rights? This role is ideal for someone with experience in monitoring, evaluation, learning, data systems, and reporting within the nonprofit, legal aid, or human rights sector. As a MEL Officer, you will lead the design and management of integrated MEL systems, strengthen data quality and reporting, support organizational learning, and help demonstrate the impact of KITUO’s work in legal aid, public interest litigation, community empowerment, and access to justice.

1. ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND

Kituo Cha Sheria – Legal Advice Centre (hereinafter KITUO) is a national non-governmental organization established in 1973 to empower the poor and marginalized and to enhance equity and access to justice for all. Over the decades, Kituo has grown into a nationally recognized institution offering free legal aid services, advancing public interest litigation, and empowering communities through legal education and paralegal training. KITUO has carved its niche in the areas of land, labour, housing, and related areas of law as they apply to the human rights of the poor and marginalized.

KITUO operates through a multidisciplinary approach that blends legal representation, community mobilization, research and knowledge management, grassroots capacity-building, and institutional advocacy. The organization is guided by its Strategic Plan 2026–2030, organized around six focus areas: Land, Climate and Environmental Justice; Governance Justice and Rule of Law; Migration Justice and Governance; Legal Aid and Empowerment; Economic and Social Justice; and Organizational Development and Sustainability.

To strengthen programmatic effectiveness, accountability, and institutional learning, Kituo Cha Sheria seeks to engage a MEL Officer. This need is driven by identifiable strategic gaps — including fragmented, project-based data systems, increasing complexity in multi-donor reporting environments, and the absence of a unified MEL architecture that can support organization-wide learning and strategic decision-making. The MEL Officer will lead the design, management, and continuous improvement of KITUO’s MEL systems across all programmes and projects, establishing a cohesive, integrated, and future-ready data culture within the organization.

2. PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The MEL Officer provides technical leadership in monitoring, evaluation, and learning across all of KITUO’s programmes and projects. The position ensures that robust, evidence-based MEL systems are in place to track programme performance, support organizational learning, and demonstrate accountability to beneficiaries, donors, and other stakeholders.

The role is directly linked to KITUO’s core programmatic outcomes  including the delivery of legal aid, advancement of public interest litigation, community legal empowerment, and advocacy for structural justice reforms. Robust MEL is essential to demonstrating the impact of KITUO’s work in these areas, identifying what works, and enabling evidence-based adaptation of programmes.

The MEL Officer will transition KITUO from fragmented, project-based data systems to a cohesive, integrated, and rights-based MEL architecture, while championing a culture in which data is actively used for programme improvement, strategic decision-making, and accountability to communities served. The role has the authority to set MEL standards, approve data tools, and enforce MEL compliance across all programme teams.

3. KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
4. MEL Systems Design and Management

• Lead the design, development, and continuous improvement of MEL systems across all programmes and research projects.
• Develop and review results frameworks, logical frameworks, and theories of change in collaboration with programme teams.
• Translate programme requirements into functional system specifications and user-friendly data collection solutions, ensuring integration with KITUO’s Legal Case Management System (LCMS) and other institutional data platforms.
• Oversee the configuration and deployment of digital data collection tools, including mobile-based platforms, electronic registries, and interoperable digital ecosystems.
•   Maintain and regularly update a comprehensive MEL plan for all active projects, aligned with donor requirements and KITUO’s strategic plan.
• Champion cross-cutting themes including gender equality, disability inclusion, age-responsiveness, and legal empowerment  in MEL system design, indicator development, and data analysis.
• Set and enforce MEL standards, approve data collection tools, and ensure MEL compliance across all programme teams.

1. Data Collection, Management, and Quality Assurance

• Develop and standardize data collection tools, survey instruments, and case-tracking registers appropriate to each programme area.
• Establish and enforce data quality assurance mechanisms, including validation rules, routine audits, and data cleaning protocols.
• Supervise and coordinate data collection activities across field teams, programme staff, and community-based monitors.
• Maintain centralized, well-organized databases for the storage, retrieval, and analysis of programme data.
•   Disaggregate all programme data by gender, age, disability status, geographic location, and other relevant equity dimensions to support inclusive and rights-based programming.
• Strengthen data backup, recovery, and cybersecurity measures to safeguard organizational data assets.

Reporting, Analytics, and Knowledge Management

• Lead the development of periodic programme reports monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual  submitted on time and to the standard required by internal management and donors.
• Produce data visualizations, dashboards, and automated reporting systems to support evidence-based decision-making at all levels.
• Document lessons learned, best practices, case studies, and success stories drawn from programme implementation.
• Support the preparation of donor reports by consolidating performance data, narrative updates, and indicator progress.
• Share MEL findings, programme outcomes, and learning with communities and beneficiaries as part of downward accountability commitments, using accessible and appropriate formats.
• Contribute to knowledge products such as policy briefs, learning papers, and programme evaluations.

1. Evaluation and Learning

• Plan and coordinate internal and external evaluations, including baselines, mid-term reviews, and end-line assessments, within agreed project timelines.
• Develop evaluation frameworks, terms of reference for evaluations, and data collection instruments.
• Facilitate after-action reviews, reflection sessions, and organizational learning events to embed lessons into programme design.
• Actively use evaluation findings to inform programme adaptation, resource allocation, and strategic decision-making  not merely for documentation purposes.
• Collaborate with programme teams to incorporate evaluation recommendations into ongoing and future programming cycles.
• Support research initiatives that generate evidence on effective legal empowerment, access-to-justice, and community advocacy strategies.
• Maintain a structured learning agenda aligned with KITUO’s strategic plan priorities and donor accountability commitments.

Capacity Building and Technical Support

• Provide ongoing technical support and mentorship to programme and research teams on MEL systems, digital tools, and data quality standards.
• Develop user guides, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and training materials for data collection and reporting.
• Conduct regular training sessions for staff, paralegals, and community-based monitors, with a focus on building sustainable internal MEL capacity.
• Clarify supervisory responsibilities for any data clerks, MEL assistants, or interns assigned to the MEL function, and provide direct day-to-day supervision as applicable.
• Support the onboarding of new programme staff on KITUO’s MEL frameworks, tools, and data culture.

1. Partnerships, Donor Engagement, and Compliance

• Liaise with donors, partner organizations, and sub-grantees on MEL requirements, reporting standards, and compliance expectations.
• Support the alignment of KITUO’s MEL systems with donor reporting frameworks, international best practices, and sector-specific standards in legal aid and access-to-justice programming.
• Participate in consortium-based MEL processes, joint evaluations, and multi-organizational learning activities.
• Represent KITUO in MEL-related forums, technical working groups, and sector networks.
• Contribute to proposal development by providing MEL design inputs, indicator frameworks, and results measurement strategies.

1. Safeguarding, Ethical Data Practices, and Institutional Compliance

• Uphold and enforce KITUO’s safeguarding policies in all data collection and MEL activities, particularly when working with vulnerable populations including refugees, survivors of GBV, persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities.
• Obtain and document informed consent from data subjects prior to data collection, in accordance with the Data Protection Act, 2019, and organizational policies.
• Establish clear protocols for handling sensitive data relating to legal cases, client identities, and personal circumstances, ensuring access is limited to authorized personnel only.
• Contribute to risk assessments, safeguarding compliance reviews, and the implementation of accountability-to-affected-populations (AAP) frameworks.
• Adhere to all internal organizational procedures, HR regulations, procurement policies, and ethical guidelines.

4. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
5. Minimum Academic and Professional Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Public Health, Information Management, or a related field from a recognized university.
• Additional training or certification in digital data systems, data engineering, or MEL frameworks is an added advantage.
• A minimum of two (2) years of progressive experience in monitoring and evaluation, data management, or MEL systems design.
• Demonstrated experience in the non-profit, legal aid, access-to-justice, or human rights sector is highly desirable.
• Experience working with multi-donor programmes and complex data environments is required.

1. Technical Skills and Competencies
2. MEL Technical Capacity

• Strong grounding in monitoring and evaluation methodologies, results-based management, and theory of change development.
• Proficiency in quantitative and qualitative data collection, analysis, and reporting techniques.
• Experience with digital data collection platforms such as KoboToolbox, ODK, CommCare, or similar tools.
• Ability to design and manage databases, data warehouses, and centralized data repositories, with understanding of system interoperability and integration.
• Familiarity with data visualization tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or equivalent platforms.
• Understanding of data governance, access controls, informed consent, and ethical data management practices.

1. Analytical and Research Skills

• Ability to analyze complex data sets, synthesize findings, and produce evidence-based reports and policy briefs.
• Strong quantitative and qualitative research skills, including use of statistical analysis software (SPSS, Stata, or R).
• Ability to translate technical findings into practical, user-friendly insights for non-technical audiences.

iii. Communication and Reporting Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; proficiency in Kiswahili is an advantage.
• Strong report-writing skills with demonstrated ability to meet donor reporting standards and deadlines.
• Ability to present MEL findings clearly and concisely to diverse audiences, including programme staff, management, donors, and community members.

1. Organizational Skills

• Strong documentation, record-keeping, and information management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments, meet deadlines, and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• High attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.

1. Personal Ethics and Professionalism

• High level of integrity, discretion, and confidentiality in handling sensitive programme and beneficiary data.
• Commitment to human rights principles and the rights of marginalized, vulnerable, and underserved populations.
• Demonstrated commitment to gender equality, disability inclusion, and rights-based programming.

5. BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

• Passion for accountability, organizational learning, and evidence-based programme improvement.
• Strict ethical responsibility and impartiality in handling sensitive data and programme information.
• Sensitivity to cultural, ethnic, gender, socioeconomic, and identity-related differences among communities served by KITUO.
• Collaborative and team-oriented, with proven ability to work across multidisciplinary teams.
• Proactive in identifying data quality risks, designing solutions, and driving continuous improvement.
• Self-motivated, with the ability to manage workloads independently while maintaining professionalism.
• Adaptable and open to learning, embracing new technologies and evolving best practices in MEL.

6. REPORTING AND SUPERVISION

Direct Supervisor: Head of Programmes / Programme Manager

The MEL Officer reports directly to the Head of Programmes (or Programme Manager in their absence). This reporting line is fixed and consistent across all projects to ensure clear accountability, coherent MEL oversight, and coordinated decision-making.

The Officer works closely with:

• Programme Officers and Legal Officers across all thematic pillars
• Project Assistants and Administrative Staff
• Finance and Grants Management teams
• Community Paralegals and Field-based monitors
• Data clerks or MEL assistants (where applicable — subject to direct supervisory responsibility)
• External evaluators and research consultants
• Sub-grantee and partner organization MEL focal points

Regular performance reviews will be conducted against agreed KPIs to align responsibilities with organizational objectives and donor requirements. The position requires travel to project sites, community areas, and partner meetings as part of routine duties.

7. KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs)

Performance of the MEL Officer will be assessed against the following indicators, reviewed on a quarterly basis:

Key Performance Indicator	Measure	Target
Data quality assessment score	% of datasets meeting quality standards	≥ 90% per quarter
Reporting timeliness	% of reports submitted by deadline	100% on-time submission
MEL system uptake across programmes	% of programme staff actively using MEL tools	≥ 85% within 6 months
Data disaggregation compliance	% of datasets disaggregated by gender, age, disability	100% of programme data
Evaluation completion rate	Baselines, MTRs and end-lines completed per schedule	100% within agreed timelines
Learning uptake	# of programme adaptations documented from evaluation findings	≥ 2 per programme per year
Staff MEL capacity	% of staff passing MEL competency assessments post-training	≥ 80% pass rate

8. EXPECTED OUTPUTS
9. MEL Systems Outputs

• Comprehensive MEL plans and results frameworks for all active programmes finalized within 60 days of onboarding.
• Standardized, functional data collection tools and monitoring instruments deployed across all programmes within 90 days.
• An integrated, centralized data management system operational across all programme areas, interoperable with the LCMS and digital platforms, within 6 months.

1. Data Quality and Reporting Outputs

• Quarterly data quality assessments and audit reports submitted to the Head of Programmes.
• Monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual programme reports submitted on time and to agreed standards.
• Data dashboards and visualizations providing real-time programme performance information, updated monthly.
• Data disaggregated by gender, age, disability, and geographic location in all programme reports.

1. Evaluation and Learning Outputs

• Baseline, mid-term, and end-line evaluation reports completed within agreed project timelines.
• After-action reviews and reflection reports conducted at least biannually per project.
• Knowledge products — including case studies, learning briefs, and evaluation summaries — produced and disseminated, including to communities served.
• Documented evidence that evaluation findings have been used to inform programme adaptation and strategic decisions.

1. Capacity Building Outputs

• At least two MEL training sessions per year conducted for staff and community-based monitors.
• Updated SOPs, user guides, and training materials accessible to all programme teams.
• Improved staff competency in data collection, quality assurance, and results reporting, measured through assessments.

9. DURATION AND REMUNERATION

• This is a one (1) year contract basis, renewable subject to performance, funding availability, and organizational needs.
• Remuneration and benefits shall be determined in accordance with Kituo Cha Sheria’s salary structure at the Programme Officer level.

The role includes:

• Health insurance (as per organizational policy)
• Field travel and subsistence allowances
• Professional development opportunities, including access to MEL training, sector workshops, and conferences
• Continuous learning and skills development support

10. APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates meeting the above requirements are invited to submit the following:

• A detailed cover letter outlining their motivation and relevant experience in MEL and access-to-justice or human rights programming
• An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) with three (3) professional referees
• Scanned academic and professional certificates

Applications should be addressed to:

The Human Resource Officer

Kituo Cha Sheria – Legal Advice Centre

Email: hr@kituochasheria.or.ke

Applications must be received by: 27th April 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification.

11. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

Kituo Cha Sheria is an equal opportunity employer committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. The organization strongly encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, marginalized or minority groups, and individuals from communities served by Kituo Cha Sheria. All employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and organizational needs.

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