Population Council Kenya · Nairobi, Kenya
The Population Council is inviting applications from experienced Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) professionals for a consultancy supporting development programmes implemented across Africa. The assignment focuses on strengthening monitoring systems, improving programme evaluation, developing partner capacity and ensuring that reliable evidence informs programme decisions.
Coordinated by Population Council Kenya, the consultancy supports initiatives connected to the Mastercard Foundation’s Impact Strategy. The selected consultant will work with implementing partners to assess their existing monitoring systems, identify gaps, improve data quality and establish practical approaches to measuring programme results.
The opportunity is suitable for professionals with advanced qualifications and substantial experience in monitoring and evaluation, impact assessment, strategic planning or development research. Applicants should have a strong understanding of results frameworks, theories of change, performance indicators, organisational learning and adaptive programme management.
The Population Council is an international research organisation working to address critical health and development challenges through research, evidence generation and programme support. For this assignment, Population Council Kenya leads an interregional consortium of Function Oriented Impact Partner Organizations, including ThinkPlace Kenya, Le Barometre and the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa.
The consortium contributes to the Mastercard Foundation’s Impact Strategy through impact measurement, evaluation, programme design and organisational learning. Its work covers several programme platforms, including the Pan Africa Program, Scholars, Secondary Education and Transition, Higher Education Collaboratives and Strategic Initiatives, as well as Strategic Partnerships and Innovations.
These programmes operate across 35 African countries. Consistent monitoring systems, clear performance measures and strong institutional capacity are therefore essential to understanding progress and identifying where programmes can improve.
The consultant will help establish and deliver a structured MEL accompaniment programme tailored to participating implementing partners. This involves reviewing existing systems, diagnosing organisational needs, strengthening technical processes and helping partners use evidence to improve implementation.
• Professional consultancy experience: Apply specialist MEL expertise to programmes operating across multiple African countries.
• Regional development exposure: Contribute to initiatives supported by the Mastercard Foundation and implemented through a network of partner organisations.
• Technical leadership: Help improve theories of change, monitoring frameworks, indicators, reporting processes and data management systems.
• Partner capacity development: Support training, coaching, technical working sessions and communities of practice.
• Evidence based decision making: Help programme teams turn monitoring findings into practical recommendations and improvements.
• Professional compensation: Receive consultancy payments based on agreed rates and accepted deliverables.
• Travel support: Relevant travel costs will be covered directly by Population Council Kenya when travel is required for the assignment.
The consultant will work across six main areas.
• Inception and partner prioritisation: Review programme frameworks, monitoring documentation, reporting requirements and previous evaluation findings. Identify participating partners, prioritise technical assistance and prepare an implementation workplan.
• MEL capability assessments: Assess partner monitoring systems, theories of change, results chains, indicators, targets, data collection tools and reporting processes. Prepare improvement plans that respond to identified gaps.
• Framework and infrastructure development: Strengthen MEL plans, learning questions, data collection tools, reporting calendars, data architecture, participant records, data dictionaries, quality procedures and access controls.
• Measurement and reporting alignment: Align partner systems with Shared Measures 2.0 and relevant measures relating to employment, youth transitions, inclusion, institutional strengthening and systems change. Clarify responsibilities and reduce double counting of shared programme contributions.
• Learning and adaptive management: Support learning agendas, coaching and technical discussions. Document how evidence informs programme adjustments and prepare concise learning briefs for decision makers.
• Monitoring, reporting and handover: Maintain partner support records, prepare monthly dashboards and quarterly analytical reports, document outstanding risks and deliver final recommendations for sustaining improvements.
The assignment includes several deliverables across the consultancy period.
• 30 October 2026: Inception package covering methodology, workplan and quality assurance arrangements.
• 15 November 2026: Operational partner MEL support register.
• 15 December 2026: Partner diagnostic assessments and improvement plans.
• 31 March 2027: Strengthened MEL products, including refined frameworks, learning agendas, data collection tools and reporting templates.
• 31 May 2027: Evidence of capacity development, coaching activities and partner application of learning.
• 30 June 2027: Final synthesis, handover documentation and sustainability recommendations.
Monthly and quarterly reporting will also be required according to the agreed workplan.
Applicants should meet the following qualifications and experience requirements.
• Hold an advanced degree in monitoring and evaluation, statistics, economics, development studies, social sciences or a related discipline.
• Have at least five years of professional experience in monitoring and evaluation, impact evaluation or strategic planning.
• Demonstrate experience developing theories of change and designing monitoring, evaluation and learning frameworks.
• Have experience tracking performance indicators, assessing programme results and supporting adaptive management.
• Demonstrate experience mentoring, training or providing technical support to teams and partner organisations.
• Possess excellent written and spoken English.
• Have strong analytical, problem solving and organisational skills, with attention to detail.
• Be able to collaborate effectively with diverse teams and organisations across Africa.
• Have experience working with international organisations, nongovernmental organisations or development programmes in Africa.
Candidates should also be prepared to comply with applicable data protection, safeguarding and responsible data management requirements.
The assignment is associated with Nairobi, Kenya, although remote work is indicated as an option. The contract period is 26 October 2026 to 30 June 2027, with no more than 30 working days scheduled across that period.
The consultancy does not advertise a fixed total fee. Compensation will be based on existing consultancy rates for consortium supported activities. Payments are output based and are expected within 30 calendar days after a valid invoice is received and the corresponding deliverable receives written approval. Payment depends on satisfactory acceptance of the work.
The consultant may need to travel for project activities. Population Council Kenya will cover applicable travel costs directly.
The announcement emphasises demonstrating relevant technical expertise and a strong record of strengthening programme monitoring and evidence based decision making. Applicants should ensure that their submissions clearly present:
• Relevant professional experience in monitoring, evaluation and learning.
• Examples of developing or improving MEL frameworks, theories of change and performance measurement systems.
• Experience conducting assessments, analysing programme data and preparing reports.
• Experience providing technical assistance, coaching or training to partner organisations.
• Relevant academic qualifications and experience supporting development programmes in Africa.
The announcement does not provide a complete, itemised list of application attachments in its accessible text. Applicants should consult the official vacancy notice for any specific document requirements before submitting.
Nairobi, Kenya
Population Council Kenya
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