MEL Associate – Embedded Evidence Lab

About the role

IPA Nigeria is looking for a Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Associate to work within an embedded evidence lab inside a partner government agency that delivers social protection programmes. The role focuses on strengthening the agency’s capacity to generate, manage, analyse and use data for programme improvement and policy decisions.

Key responsibilities

• Support the design and implementation of an agency‑wide MEL framework, including theories of change, results and indicator frameworks.
• Develop programme‑specific MEL plans, data collection tools, monitoring protocols and quality‑assurance mechanisms.
• Conduct data needs assessments, map information gaps and recommend solutions to improve data systems.
• Create user‑friendly SOPs, guidelines and protocols for data collection, management, reporting and use.
• Implement data quality assurance processes such as verification, spot‑checks and audits.
• Design and deliver MEL training workshops and technical assistance for staff at all levels.
• Support data analysis, visualisation and the preparation of evidence‑based reports for decision‑makers.

Required profile

• Hands‑on experience in MEL within government or development contexts.
• Proven ability to build capacity through training and mentorship.
• Strong analytical mindset with experience designing data collection instruments and monitoring systems.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively across multiple departments.

Required skills

• MEL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning) methodology
• Data analysis
• Data visualization