Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Specialist

About the role

Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa), based in Kigali, Rwanda, is seeking an experienced Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Specialist. The role strengthens the institution's ability to measure, understand, communicate and improve its impact across educational, research and sponsored programs, working as a strategic partner to program leaders, faculty, staff and partner institutions.

Key responsibilities

• Strengthen MEL systems across programs and partner institutions, and provide guidance on theories of change, results frameworks, indicators and reporting requirements.
• Support planning, coordination and implementation of evaluations and research that generate evidence on program effectiveness, and facilitate learning and reflection processes.
• Synthesize findings into recommendations, learning briefs, case studies and evidence summaries, and coordinate with external evaluators and consultants.
• Prepare periodic program and outcome reports for funding partners and support institutional reporting and impact communications.
• Provide training, coaching and technical assistance to build MEL capacity, and develop standardized MEL tools and templates.
• Interpret findings into actionable insights, present them to technical and non-technical audiences, and advise leadership on program performance.
• Work closely with the Data Analyst and other colleagues, and engage stakeholders across institutions and cultures.

Required profile

• Master's degree in Monitoring and Evaluation, Statistics, Economics, Public Policy, International Development, Education, Social Sciences, Data Analytics or a related field; equivalent education and experience may be considered.
• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in monitoring, evaluation, learning, research, impact measurement or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience with complex programs in higher education, research, international development, nonprofit or social impact settings.
• Experience designing MEL frameworks, evaluations, reporting processes and organizational learning initiatives, and working with donor-funded programs.
• Experience facilitating training, capacity building or technical assistance; cross-institutional experience is highly desirable.

Required skills

• Knowledge of qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods research approaches.
• Ability to develop theories of change, results frameworks, indicators and evaluation methodologies.
• Strong analytical, facilitation, stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Familiarity with data collection, survey and reporting platforms.

What we offer

• Medical, prescription, dental and vision insurance, and a retirement savings program with employer contributions.
• Tuition benefits, paid time off, observed holidays and life and accidental death and disability insurance.
• Free regional transit bus pass, family concierge support and fitness center access.