Job Description

Background
The Africa Institute of Environmental Law (AIEL) is a continental think tank and think-do institution established in 2020. AIEL is dedicated to advancing environmental law, natural resource governance, and sustainable development across Africa through cutting-edge research, training, capacity building, and policy dialogue. Since its founding, AIEL has rapidly evolved into a regionally recognized institution, with a growing footprint across Southern Africa. Guided by a vision to become a globally recognized, research-intensive institute, AIEL is committed to advancing the environmental rule of law and promoting sustainable natural resource governance as a foundation for inclusive and sustainable development across the African continent.
AIEL’s Strategic Objectives
1. To contribute to the research evidence base informing natural resource governance and environmental law in Africa.
2. To design and deliver high-quality capacity-building programmes on natural resource governance and environmental law in Africa by 2030
3. To increase stakeholder awareness of sustainable and inclusive natural resource governance and the environmental rule of law in Africa.

To that end, AIEL seeks to recruit an outstanding candidate known for excellence, professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to lead the operationalisation of AIEL's monitoring and evaluation system.
Position Summary
Under the supervision of the AIEL Manager, the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officer will provide technical support to the Manager and overall support for the day-to-day operations of AIEL. The MEL Officer will be responsible for coordinating, managing, and enhancing the visibility and impact of AIEL programs, ensuring that all activities align with AIEL’s strategic objectives. The MEL Officer will report directly to the AIEL Manager and will collaborate closely with program managers and other staff members to ensure effective implementation of monitoring and evaluation strategies

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Operationalization of MEL Plans
• Design robust program and project monitoring and evaluation frameworks that are aligned with AIEL’s strategic objectives and project goals.
• Ensure the effective implementation of the AIEL monitoring and evaluation plan, adapting it as necessary to reflect project changes and emerging needs.
2. Data Collection and Management
• Develop processes and tools for progress monitoring, including the digitization of data collection instruments to enhance efficiency.
• Support the development of annual and quarterly implementation work plans, including target setting and performance indicators to measure success.
• Create concept notes that outline methodologies, standard operating procedures, and best practices for monitoring and evaluation activities.
• Provide technical assistance to project staff, partners, and stakeholders on M&E practices, ensuring a consistent understanding of methodologies and expectations.

3. Research
• Develop and execute research projects aligned with organizational goals with support from the AIEL Manager, including formulating research questions, designing methodologies, and selecting appropriate data collection techniques.

• Gather qualitative and quantitative data through surveys, interviews, and field studies. Analyze data using statistical tools and software to derive meaningful insights.
• Compile research findings into comprehensive reports, ensuring clarity and accessibility. Prepare presentations and summaries for stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Conduct thorough reviews of existing literature to contextualize research findings and identify gaps in knowledge that the organization can address.
• Translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations that support the organization's objectives and advocate for necessary changes.
• Implement systems to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of research projects and their alignment with organizational goals, suggesting improvements as necessary.
• Present research findings at conferences, workshops, and public forums to disseminate knowledge and promote transparency.
• Assist in writing proposals to secure funding for research initiatives, highlighting the relevance and potential impact of the proposed work.

4. Knowledge Building and Sharing
• Collaborate on the design and implementation of research projects related to environmental law and natural resource governance.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing among AIEL and its partners through workshops, meetings, and other forums to promote collaborative learning.
• Coordinate the production and dissemination of project-related materials, including reports, brochures, press releases, and success stories to enhance visibility.
• Engage with other researchers, organizations, and stakeholders to foster partnerships and enhance the impact of research initiatives.

5. Coordination and Planning
• Support the coordination of AIEL programs and planning meetings to ensure alignment and integration of activities across different projects.
• Organize and coordinate project-related events, workshops, and conferences aimed at facilitating knowledge sharing and networking among stakeholders.
• Conduct stakeholder mapping and develop strategies for engaging key stakeholders in AIEL programs, ensuring inclusive participation.
6. Collaboration
• Consult and liaise with the Manager and team members to ensure alignment of program objectives and integration of MEL activities across all projects.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisor that contribute to the overall goals of AIEL

Qualifications and Experience

• A university degree in Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Social Studies, Development Studies, Research, Project Management, or a related field.
• Relevant experience in monitoring and evaluation, with proficiency in Open Data Kit based software, and other relevant data management tools.
• A proven track record in designing M&E systems and tools and supporting evaluations for developmental projects.
• Experience working with Think tanks/Research Institutions, an added advantage.
Skills
• Strong quantitative and qualitative analytical skills, with excellent report writing capabilities.
• Experience in research related to environmental law and natural resource governance, with an understanding of the regional context.
• Proficiency in using office software packages (SPSS, Nvivo, STATA, MS Word, Excel, etc.) and familiarity with online collaboration tools.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their CV and a cover letter outlining their relevant experience, motivation for applying, and how they meet the qualifications outlined above to [email protected] by 20 May 2025
• A cover letter explaining your interest in the position (maximum 2 pages)
• Your curriculum vitae (maximum 3 pages)
• Preferred salary expectations