MELI Manager

Design and Implementation of MELI Systems

• Develop, refine, and maintain fit-for-purpose monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MELI) frameworks and tools that align with Smart Start’s strategic goals and learning priorities.
• Collaborate with IT and data teams to ensure MELI systems are robust, flexible, and support real-time data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Establish and update key performance indicators (KPIs) and feedback mechanisms to track programme progress and impact.

Data-Driven Learning and Adaptive Management

• Enable teams and stakeholders to collect, interpret, and use data for programme improvement and strategic decision-making.
• Build capacity across the organisation to engage with performance data, identify gaps, and take corrective action.
• Facilitate regular review sessions and learning loops to synthesise insights, drive programme adaptation, and foster continuous improvement.

Experimentation, Evaluation, and Knowledge Management

• Lead the design and execution of rapid-cycle experiments and developmental evaluations to test and adapt programme models.
• Manage MELI projects, including scope, schedule, finance, risk, and quality, ensuring effective resource allocation and team performance.
• Support the dissemination and integration of evaluation findings and experimental insights into programme planning and development cycles.

Strategic Alignment and Systems Thinking

• Synthesise data and insights to support leadership in sense-making, decision-making, and strategic coherence.
• Promote alignment between MELI activities, organisational strategy, and funder requirements.
• Ensure Smart Start’s Theory of Change is embedded in decision-making and programme design.

Reporting and Communication

• Coordinate with programme and data teams to produce accurate, timely, and insightful monitoring and evaluation reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain standardised reporting templates and guidelines to ensure consistency and compliance with donor and internal requirements.
• Present data insights and recommendations to senior management and key stakeholders.

Capacity Building and Change Management

• Develop and deliver training on MELI methodologies, data interpretation, and adaptive management to staff and partners.
• Support teams and partners in adopting MELI tools, frameworks, and practices, fostering a culture of disciplined innovation and structured experimentation.

Continuous Improvement and Innovation

• Facilitate the interpretation and sense-making of data to derive actionable insights and recommendations.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging data-driven decision-making and innovation across the organisation.
• Develop and implement feedback mechanisms to capture lessons learned and best practices from ongoing projects.

People Management

• Manage and support direct reports, facilitating their growth and development through coaching, training, and capacity-building.