Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officer (2 Positions) – dfcu Foundation

REPORTS TO:

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Manager  

DUTY STATION:

Regional (Soroti Office) with regular travel across project districts

JOB PURPOSE:

The Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officer is responsible for supporting the implementation and strengthening of the YEELD program’s Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting, and Learning (MERL) system. Based in the Teso regional office, the MEL Officer works closely with the MEL Manager, Cluster Coordinators and District teams to ensure timely, accurate, and high-quality data collection, analysis, and reporting on program performance. The role supports tracking progress toward youth employment, enterprise development, financial inclusion, and inclusion targets, while promoting evidence-based decision-making and adaptive management.

The MEL Officer plays a key role in ensuring data quality, facilitating learning, documenting results, and strengthening systems that enable the YEELD program to deliver measurable, inclusive, and sustainable impact across the livestock value chain

RESPONSIBILITIES/KEY DELIVERABLES:

1. Monitoring Systems and Data Management

• Support implementation of the project’s Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) framework, including the indicator tracking plan and results framework.
• Coordinate timely, accurate, and consistent data collection, validation, analysis and reporting across all districts.
• Maintain and manage the project’s digital Management Information System (MIS), ensuring accuracy, completeness, timeliness, and accessibility of all programme data.
• Track progress against project indicators, targets, outputs, outcomes, and milestones for all three YEELD outcome areas , including employment, enterprise growth, financial inclusion, and inclusion targets
• Support baseline, midline, and end-line surveys, assessments, evaluations, and operational research activities.
• Conduct regular data quality assessments and field verification exercises across project sites.
• Generate performance dashboards, indicator tracking tables, and management reports for use by the Cluster Coordinator and MEAL Manager.

2. Participant and Programme Data Management

• Oversee participant registration, profiling, and tracking systems for Youth Producer Groups, VSLA members, enterprise beneficiaries, and other programme participants in Bukedi.
• Ensure timely and accurate submission of data from Project Officers, Community-Based Trainers, and field data collectors.
• Review field data submissions for consistency, completeness, and compliance with MEAL requirements before entry into the MIS.
• Maintain electronic and physical records of project data, attendance lists, training registers, and supporting documentation.
• Support digitalization of VSLA and SACCO data, mobile data collection processes, and integration with fintech and reporting platforms.
• Ensure data protection, confidentiality, and ethical standards are upheld in all data management processes.

3. Field Monitoring and Data Quality Assurance

• Conduct regular field monitoring visits to verify data accuracy, assess implementation quality, and provide feedback
• Support District Coordinators and Project Officers to strengthen data collection practices and compliance
• Ensure adherence to data quality standards, safeguarding, and confidentiality requirements

4. Reporting and Performance Tracking

• Compile and review district-level reports and produce cluster-level performance reports (monthly, quarterly, and annual)
• Support real-time tracking of outputs, outcomes, and impact indicators
• Provide data-driven insights, project reviews, learning briefs  and strategic assessments as required to support decision-making and performance improvement.
• Prepare presentations, data briefs, indicator summaries, and communication products for internal and external audiences.

5. Learning, Documentation, and Adaptive Management

• Document success stories, best practices, lessons learned, and innovations from field implementation
• Facilitate learning sessions and reflection meetings with district teams and partners
• Support integration of learning and feedback into planning and implementation
• Contribute to evidence generation for systems strengthening and scale

6. Evaluations and Research Support

• Support the design and implementation of baseline, midline, and endline evaluations
• Contribute to development of evaluation tools, methodologies, and terms of reference
• Coordinate field-level activities for external evaluations and assessments

7. Capacity Building and Technical Support

• Build the capacity of district teams, partners, and community structures in MERL tools, systems, and best practices
• Provide ongoing technical support to ensure effective use of data for planning and decision-making

7. Systems Strengthening and Program Support

• Support analysis of trends and identify opportunities to improve program effectiveness and efficiency
• Contribute MEL inputs into program design, proposals, and logframes
• Promote a culture of data use, accountability, and continuous improvement across the cluster

8. Financial and Administrative Support

• Support planning and tracking of MEL-related budgets and activities
• Ensure MEL activities are implemented in line with approved budgets and compliance requirements

EDUCATION & TRAINING:

• Bachelor’s degree in Monitoring & Evaluation, Statistics, Economics, Agricultural Economics, Development Studies, or related field
• Minimum 6 years of experience in monitoring and evaluation within development programs
• Experience in data collection, management, analysis, and reporting
• Familiarity with market systems, livelihoods, or youth employment programs is an advantage
• Experience supporting field-based teams and multi-district programs
• Familiarity with the Teso region is preferred

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

• Strong skills in data management, analysis, and reporting
• Good understanding of monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and learning (MERL) systems and tools
• Proficiency in Excel, data collection tools (e.g., Kobo, ODK), and dashboards
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and documentation skills
• Ability to support capacity building and coaching of field teams
• High levels of integrity, accuracy, and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and travel regularly across districts

BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES

• Integrity and Accountability: Ensures accuracy, transparency, and ethical data management
• Results Orientation: Delivers timely and high-quality outputs
• Analytical Thinking: Uses data to inform decisions and improve performance
• Collaboration: Works effectively with field teams and stakeholders
• Learning Mindset: Promotes continuous learning and adaptive management

SAFEGUARDING AND INCLUSION COMMITMENT

The role holder must uphold safeguarding principles and ensure that all interventions are inclusive, safe, and accessible, particularly for young women, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable populations.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit their application to: https://careers.dfcugroup.com

Applications must include the following:

• A cover letter clearly stating the position applied for and highlighting relevant experience.
• An updated curriculum vitae (CV) with at least three (3) professional referees.

Deadline for applications is not later than 8:00am Tuesday 30th, June 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

dfcu Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. We particularly encourage applications from women, persons with disabilities, and refugees or displaced persons, in line with the YEELD Programme’s inclusion commitments. Canvassing of any kind will lead to automatic disqualification.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

dfcu Foundation is committed to maintaining a transparent and ethical recruitment process. Please be advised that all applications and recruitment services are provided entirely free of charge. At no stage of the hiring process does dfcu Foundation request or accept any form of payment.

If you have any concerns, inquiries, or suspect any fraudulent activity related to this recruitment process, please contact dfcu Foundation directly at:  info@foundation.dfcugroup.com.