Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officer Vacancy at Trees for the Future (TREES)

Who We Are

At Trees for the Future (TREES), we believe farmers have the power to transform the world. For over 30 years, we have been a global leader in agroforestry training, partnering with farming families to build vibrant economies, sustainable food systems, and thriving ecosystems. Through our signature Forest Garden Approach—a proven nature-based solution—farmers restore their land, plant thousands of trees, and grow diverse crops, breaking cycles of climate change and generational poverty. By reclaiming their agency, farmers are creating new possibilities for their families, communities, and the environment. Active in Kenya, Mali, Senegal, Tanzania, and Uganda, TREES has planted over 350 million trees to date. Joining our passionate, collaborative team means empowering farmers to lead lasting change for people and the planet.

In Tanzania, we partner with over 8,000 farmers across Singida, Tabora, Mwanza, and Simiyu, supported by 60 dedicated staff. Together, we will plant 8 million trees this year, restore degraded landscapes, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen local food systems. By adopting the Forest Garden Approach, farmers are leading the charge for sustainable development and creating brighter futures for their communities. Learn more at trees.org.

THE ROLE

The Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officer will work closely with Country MEL Coordinator, to develop and deploy the Trees for the Future project monitoring system as well as collaborate with the field staff at the regional level to undertake all MEL activities (trainings, data collections, data analysis, technical support among others) that directly improves on the project implementation and farmers’ success. S/he will work with modern technology to derive actionable insights that may shape the program design. S/He will offer a unique blend of hands-on field experience and overarching support for successful implementation of the MEL plan towards the implementation of the Project. The MEL Officer will report to the Country MEL- Coordinator.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field visits for data validation, cleaning, and monitoring to ensure data quality, completeness, and accuracy; oversee data collection in project areas and ensure timely reporting.
• Lead data collection efforts with relevant project staff and partners using standardized data collection systems.
• Assist in coordinating, managing, and conducting Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and verification surveys.
• Support the organization and supervision of various surveys, including Nursery Appraisal Checklists (NAC), Sample Surveys, and Forest Garden Standard assessments.
• Collaborate with field staff and partners to verify and clean data, ensuring consistency and accuracy.
• Work closely with the Country MEL Coordinator and Project Officers to ensure timely submission, review, and approval of Monthly Reporting Forms (MRF).
• Assist in consolidating and drafting monthly, quarterly, mid-year, and annual narrative reports in coordination with the Country MEL Coordinator and Project Officers.
• Provide technical support to the field team on Taro Works and other data collection systems.
• Offer strategic planning and advisory support on MEL-related issues to ensure quality assurance within the MEL Department.
• Coordinate and manage drone surveys as per the MEL Department’s plan.
• Directly support field staff and partners in using MEL systems, tools, and online templates for data collection and reporting.
• Conduct regular training sessions for staff and partners on M&E methodologies, tools, and best practices.
• Ensure that field staff are trained and competent in TREES’ monitoring and reporting systems.
• Review and maintain data integrity across multiple platforms used by project teams and partner NGOs.
• Provide structured communication channels to address and resolve challenges faced by field staff.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with TREES program field staff and partners to facilitate smooth MEL operations.
• Strengthen coordination and collaboration with government authorities, partner NGOs, and other stakeholders to enhance MEL practices.
• Actively participate in MEL-related coordination mechanisms, working groups, and professional networks.
• Conduct quarterly project performance reviews, facilitate learning sessions with project staff and stakeholders, and monitor the implementation of action points.
• Develop learning documents based on M&E evaluations and studies, ensuring valuable insights are captured and shared.
• Generate organizational learning from monitoring and evaluation activities, document lessons learned and case studies and share best practices within TREES and with external audiences.

Who You Are

• A Passionate Advocate for TREES’ Mission. You are committed to using data and evaluation to improve agroforestry programs and maximize impact for farmers and the environment.
• A Data-Driven Decision-Maker. You collect, analyze, and interpret data to inform program strategies, ensuring projects achieve measurable outcomes.
• A Meticulous and Detail-Oriented Professional. You design and implement MEL frameworks, ensuring accurate data collection, reporting, and compliance with organizational and donor requirements.
• A Skilled Trainer and Mentor. You build the capacity of field teams and farmers in data collection and monitoring, ensuring high-quality and consistent reporting.
• A Problem-Solver with a Learning Mindset. You identify trends, challenges, and opportunities for program improvement, using evidence to refine approaches and drive innovation.
• An Effective Field Researcher. You design surveys, conduct interviews, and use participatory methods to gather qualitative and quantitative insights from farmers and communities.
• A Strong Communicator and Collaborator. You engage with program teams, leadership, and external stakeholders to ensure MEL findings are translated into actionable recommendations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in the field of statistics, social science, Information technology or any other relevant academic discipline.
• At least two years of experience in the design and implementation of MEL in development projects implemented by national/international NGOs/UN bodies/ Government.
• Proven ICT skills, especially in the navigation of Android technology and web-based databases
• Expertise in analyzing data using statistical software.
• Experience in analysis and production of reports
• Experience with data quality assessments and oversight
• Experience managing and providing ongoing training to MEL field officers.
• Experience in planning and managing surveys.
• Fluency in written and spoken English, Swahili is preferred or local language an added advantage.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND BENEFIT

TREES is an International Organization that strives to be the best home for staff wanting to make an impact on the farmers we serve. We believe that the diversity of our staff contributes to excellence. TREES values collaboration and teamwork that fosters increased engagement and innovation for professional growth.

We offer a multicultural, collegial work environment with a competitive salary, medical insurance and paid time off benefit applicable for our Country Staff.

APPLY

If this opportunity speaks to you, please apply with 1) a cover letter that explains why TREES’ work excites you and why this role is a fit for you, and 2) your CV by COB March 6th 2025. Ensure both documents are shared as PDF or Word documents. We review applications on a rolling basis.

Trees for the Future is an equal-opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information, or other characteristics or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

We embrace and value diverse skill sets and backgrounds. We are a community of leaders who are proud to represent many different nationals, racial, ethnic, socio-economic, religious, gender, and other identities. Our diversity as a community is our strength, driving our ability to be empathetic, visionary, and effective leaders.

Due to the high volume of applications received, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.