Lead, Project Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning

POSITION: Lead, Project Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning

LOCATION: We will only consider candidates legally authorized to work in Côte d'Ivoire.
WORKPLACE TYPE: Flexible hybrid working environment
CLOSING DATE: 16 October 2026
JOB LEVEL: 14


POSITION SUMMARY:

The Rainforest Alliance is looking for a Lead, Project Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) to provide strategic and technical leadership for the monitoring, evaluation and learning functions of a project supporting cash payments linked to sustainable agricultural practices for 5,000 cocoa-farming households in Côte d'Ivoire. You will report to the Senior Project Manager.

You will lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of MEL systems and processes and work in close collaboration with the Data Specialist, to ensure high-quality data, evidence-based decision-making, adaptive management, and accountability to donors and stakeholders.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

MEL Implementation and Operations

• Lead and coordinate daily work of MEL workplans and timelines, tracking progress and supporting delivery of outputs.

• Oversee the quality, integrity use of project data for decision-making, learning and donor reporting, working with the Data Specialist.

• Provide oversight and quality assurance for field data collection activities, including enumerator coordination, survey implementation, and adherence to approved methodologies.

• Oversee data validation and quality control processes in collaboration with the Data Specialist to ensure data accuracy, completeness, and reliability.

• Prepare regular MEL reports, dashboards, and presentations for all partners.

• Support the Project Manager in the preparation of quality technical project performance reports neede by donors.

• Maintain organized documentation of MEL processes, tools, and outputs.

• Support the Project Manager in maintaining updated project information in relevant internal and donor platforms.

• Develop communication materials such as infographics, dashboards and coordinate implementation of case studies to gain insights, systematize and communicate project results, success factors and challenges.

Coordination and Stakeholder Support

• Coordinate with our teams (e.g., data, technical experts, finance, field teams) to support smooth execution of MEL activities.

• Oversee and provide technical guidance to consultants, service providers, enumerators and communicate with implementing partners involved in MEL activities, ensuring quality deliverables and compliance with agreed methodologies.

• Provide operational support for meetings, workshops, and sharing activities related to MEL findings.

MEL Technical Support

• Lead the design / refinement of MEL tools, surveys, and indicators.

• Support the design and implementation of field-based baseline, midline, and endline studies to understand needs, gaps, and opportunities for achieving SDG's specific outcomes in the context of business and local community needs, and to assess the project's contribution to such outcomes.

• Design and provide training and technical assistance to staff, project partners, and field consultants on M&E methods and tools.

• Participate in data analysis processes and contribute to the identification of trends, lessons learned, and applicable recommendations.

• Compile and contextualize data using available secondary sources and internal documentation.

• Ensure application of standard methodologies and help maintain consistency across projects and geographies.

• Lead learning, reflection and adaptive management processes by facilitating periodic review sessions, documenting lessons learned, and supporting the integration of findings into project planning and implementation.

• Promote the systematic use of MEL findings to support project management, continuous improvement, and evidence-based decision-making.

WHAT YOU BRING:

• Advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g. international development, environmental science, agriculture, economics, data science, social sciences, or related).

• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience in monitoring, evaluation, learning, data management, or performance measurement within agricultural, rural development, sustainability, or international development programs.

• At least 3 years' experience in cocoa farming systems (desirable).

• Demonstrated experience leading MEL systems and coordinating complex data collection and reporting processes involving multiple stakeholders.

• Experience with data analysis and reporting.

• Experience designing and implementing performance-based and community-based monitoring systems, and supporting high-quality data collection and reporting on social, environmental, agronomic, or socioeconomic indicators.

• Fluency in French and English (CV should be written in English).

• Ability to travel locally and internationally at least 30% of the time.

• Familiarity with data tools and software (Power BI, Stata, R, Python, ArcGIS, Survey123, SurveyCTO, KOBO Toolbox or similar) is an asset.

BENEFITS OF WORKING AT THE RAINFOREST ALLIANCE:

• Be a part of a global organization with an impactful mission and a collaborative, respectful, and accountable culture.

• Enjoy opportunities for professional growth and career development.

• Benefit from remote working flexibility and flexible hybrid working environment.

• A favourable time‑off policy.

• Prioritize your wellbeing. We have numerous ways to promote work-life balance.

Apply now and let's grow together. We look forward to hearing from you and exploring how your skills can help us advance our mission.

If you have any questions about the job vacancy, please contact the HR department: recruitment@ra.org The Rainforest Alliance encourages diversity and inclusion across the global organization. With this commitment to diversity, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, ages, disability and any other protected group.