Senior Manager in Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Research (MEL&R) at AWARD: Apply by 6 March 2026

 

Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) & World Agroforestry (ICRAF

The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) are inviting applications for a Senior Manager in Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Research (MEL&R).

The position is based at their Nairobi, Kenya office and is part of the AWARD initiative, aimed at strengthening evidence generation, adaptive learning, and accountability within agricultural research for development (AR4D) systems.

About CIFOR and ICRAF

CIFOR and ICRAF are non-profit scientific institutions committed to promoting sustainable development through research on forests and trees in agricultural landscapes.

Together, the institutions leverage over 65 years of combined experience to address pressing global challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and energy insecurity.

• CIFOR (founded 1993) focuses on forestry research.
• ICRAF (founded 1978) specializes in agroforestry and tree-based landscape solutions.

Both institutions are part of CGIAR, a global partnership for food security that aims to reduce poverty, improve nutrition, and enhance sustainable natural resource management. CIFOR and ICRAF prioritize innovative research, stakeholder engagement, and policy influence to improve livelihoods and environmental sustainability.

Role Overview

The Senior Manager MEL&R will play a strategic leadership role in overseeing monitoring, evaluation, and research activities across AWARD. The position focuses on ensuring high-quality evidence generation and use, supporting adaptive management, fostering accountability, and influencing policy and practice within AR4D systems.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and managing MEL&R frameworks aligned with AWARD’s strategy, vision, and mission
• Overseeing applied and evaluative research to generate actionable evidence on gender equality, institutional change, and policy impact
• Shaping the learning agenda with methodological rigor and relevance
• Strengthening strategic partnerships and collaborations with research and development stakeholders

Key Responsibilities

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Adaptive Learning

• Lead the design, implementation, and reporting of MEL activities across AWARD initiatives
• Conduct learning reviews and advise on program adjustments
• Ensure quality assurance and control, validating monitoring processes and results
• Track outputs, outcomes, and impacts to guide adaptive management

Gender-Responsive Research

• Integrate gender and social inclusion perspectives into MEL frameworks and indicators
• Develop and analyze sex- and age-disaggregated data
• Guide applied and evaluative research on gender outcomes and institutional impact
• Produce actionable evidence to influence policy and practice

Knowledge Management and Dissemination

• Synthesize and disseminate findings, lessons learned, and best practices
• Produce peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and knowledge products
• Collaborate with AWARD units to translate research into accessible and influential outputs

Donor Engagement and Resource Mobilization

• Contribute to technical donor reporting aligned with AWARD objectives
• Support proposal development and grant negotiation, including MEL inputs
• Monitor performance against milestones and recommend improvements

Team Leadership and Capacity Building

• Lead the MEL&R unit, providing coaching, mentoring, and professional development
• Promote inclusive, participatory, and gender-responsive MEL practices across the portfolio
• Offer technical guidance and ensure clarity on MEL&R standards for other units

Qualifications and Requirements

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in international development with a focus on agrifood systems
• At least 5 years in senior management in MEL&R
• Experience across multiple African countries on AR4D issues
• Proven ability to design and lead MEL systems, frameworks, and tools for multi-country, donor-funded initiatives
• Expertise in gender analysis, social inclusion, research design, data management, and quality assurance
• Strong strategic, analytical, and systems thinking capabilities
• Track record in producing high-quality reports, studies, and knowledge products
• Excellent command of English; working knowledge of French is an advantage

Terms and Conditions

• Global recruitment with competitive remuneration
• Initial appointment: 2 years, with a six-month probation period and potential extension based on performance and resources
• Duty station: Nairobi, Kenya – CIFOR-ICRAF Offices

How to Apply

Applications are open until 6 March 2026. Candidates should review the vacancy announcement PDF for detailed application instructions. Selected candidates will be contacted for further assessment.

Summary

The Senior Manager MEL&R at CIFOR-ICRAF offers a unique opportunity to lead monitoring, evaluation, learning, and research in support of agricultural research for development across Africa.

This strategic position emphasizes gender-responsive research, adaptive learning, and policy influence, while providing leadership and mentorship for MEL&R staff.

This role is ideal for candidates with extensive experience in international development, research management, and agrifood systems, who are passionate about generating actionable evidence to influence policies and improve outcomes in sustainable agriculture and agroforestry landscapes.

The position combines strategic leadership, technical expertise, and cross-country impact, offering a platform to advance inclusive, evidence-driven development across the continent.

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