1. Project Background

1.1 Context

The Association of African Universities (AAU) is the apex organisation representing higher education institutions in Africa. It works to strengthen the capacity of African universities to contribute to sustainable development through teaching, research, innovation, and policy engagement. AAU implements a growing portfolio of programmes across thematic areas including: Higher education transformation; Research and innovation systems; Climate resilience and sustainability; and Youth skills and employability among others. These initiatives often involve multi-country partnerships, donor-funded programmes, and collaboration with universities, governments, and development partners.

1.2 Programme Portfolio Context

Given the increasing scale, complexity, and accountability requirements of its programmes, AAU is strengthening its Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) function to: Ensure high-quality data and evidence generation; Enable adaptive programme management; Strengthen partner MEL systems and capacity; and Support learning and knowledge sharing across institutions. To support this, AAU seeks to recruit a Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Officer to provide technical and operational MEL support across multiple projects. The MEL Officer will support multiple projects concurrently, with assignments and priorities determined by the Senior MEL Manager based on programme needs.

2. Purpose of the role

Under the supervision of the Senior MEL Manager, the MEL Officer will support the implementation, coordination and continuous improvement of monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems across AAU programmes. The role will focus on: Data collection, management, and quality assurance; Partner coordination and technical support; Analysis and reporting; and Facilitating structured learning and adaptation.

The Officer will contribute to ensuring that AAU programmes are: data-driven, accountable, learning-oriented, and aligned with their respective Theories of Change, results frameworks, and operational priorities. The role aims to strengthen evidence-based decision-making, improve programme performance, and enhance institutional learning across AAU’s portfolio.

3. Scope of work

Under the supervision of the Senior MEL Manager, the MEL Officer will undertake the following:

3.1 Monitoring and Data Management

• Support implementation of project MEL frameworks, indicators, and data collection tools

• Coordinate routine data collection from partner institutions and stakeholders
• Conduct data verification, cleaning, and quality assurance checks
• Maintain MEL databases, trackers, and dashboards
• Track progress against key milestones, outputs, and indicators
• Support data interpretation and use by programme teams to inform planning and decision-making.

3.2 Evaluation and Evidence Generation

• Support periodic evaluations and in-depth evidence generation beyond routine monitoring processes.
• Support baseline, midline, and endline data collection processes

• Assist in the design of data collection tools (quantitative and qualitative)
• Contribute to data analysis and synthesis of findings
• Support documentation of programme results and contributions to outcomes

3.3 Learning and Knowledge Management

• Support the implementation of programme learning agendas

• Facilitate periodic reflection sessions and partner learning exchanges
• Document lessons learned, case studies, and success stories
• Contribute to knowledge products and dissemination across AAU platforms
• Support the translation of learning into programme improvements and adaptive management decisions.

3.4 Partner Support and Capacity Strengthening

• Provide technical MEL support to partner institutions

• Support delivery of trainings on data collection, reporting, and MEL concepts
• Follow up with partners to strengthen data quality and reporting compliance
• Promote alignment of partner MEL systems with programme frameworks

3.5 Reporting and Compliance

• Contribute to preparation of quarterly, biannual, and annual reports

• Compile and validate partner data submissions
• Support preparation of presentations, dashboards, and briefs
• Ensure timely submission of MEL inputs for internal and donor reporting

3.6 Additional Responsibilities

• Contribute to proposal development and MEL design inputs as required

• Support internal coordination on MEL-related processes
• Perform other duties assigned by the Senior MEL Manager
• Contribute to cross-project data synthesis and institutional MEL initiatives
• Support MEL inputs into organisational reporting and strategic planning

4. Expected Deliverables

The MEL Officer will contribute to the timely production of:

• Monthly MEL updates and partner tracking summaries
• Consolidated quarterly and annual performance reports
• Updated MEL databases and dashboards
• Data quality assurance documentation
• Inputs to evaluation studies (baseline, midline, endline)
• Learning products (briefs, case studies, synthesis notes)
• Capacity-building and technical support documentation
• MEL inputs for governance and stakeholder meetings
• Cross-project synthesis briefs highlighting trends and lessons across programmes
• Data visualization dashboards to support internal decision-making

5. Required Qualifications & Experience

5.1 Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Monitoring & Evaluation, Statistics, Economics, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field
• A postgraduate qualification in MEL, Data Science, or Project Management is an advantage

5.2 Professional Experience

• Minimum of 3–5 years of relevant experience in MEL roles
• Experience working on development programmes, preferably multi-country or multi-partner initiatives
  • Experience in at least one relevant sector (Higher education; Climate and sustainability; Youth development; and Skills/employability)
• Demonstrated experience in:
  • Data collection and management
  • MEL reporting and documentation
  • Supporting partner institutions or stakeholders
  • Supporting multiple projects or working within a programme portfolio (an advantage)
  • Managing competing MEL priorities across multiple projects

5.3 Technical Skills

• Experience working with MEL frameworks, indicators, and reporting systems
• Experience in data cleaning, validation, and quality assurance processes
• Proficiency in:
  • Excel (advanced level preferred)
  • Data collection tools (e.g., KoboToolbox, ODK)
  • Data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau)
• Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative data collection methods

5.4 Additional Competencies (to be assessed at later stages)

• Ability to synthesize data into actionable insights
• Strong communication and documentation skills
• Ability to work effectively in multicultural environments
• Strong organizational and time management skills

6.  CV Evaluation and Selection Process

Shortlisting will be based strictly on verifiable evidence from CVs, using a structured scoring matrix (see Annex 1).

Only qualifications, experience, tools used, and documented outputs will be assessed at this stage. A shortlist of candidates will be selected for the next stage.

The recruitment process will include:

1. CV Screening using the evaluation matrix
2. Shortlisting of top candidates
3. Practical assessment (e.g. data analysis + short learning brief)
4. Panel interview (virtual)

Final selection will be based on combined performance across all stages.

7.  Contract Terms

7.1 Duration

• Initial contract: 2 years, including a 6-month probation period
• Renewable based on performance and funding

7.2 Duty Station

• AAU Headquarters, Accra, Ghana

7.3 Travel

• The role may involve periodic travel within Africa and internationally, depending on programme needs

7.4 Working Conditions

• In accordance with AAU policies and Ghana labour regulations
• The role may involve working across multiple programmes with varying deadlines and deliverables.

8. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must submit:

• Cover letter detailing interest and suitability
• Updated CV
• Copies of academic and professional certificates
• Two reference letters (including at least one referee from outside their country of origin/ residence)

Applications must be submitted through the designated channel by the stated deadline.

Link to Apply for this role: https://www.research.net/r/MEL26AAU

Link to reference letters: https://www.research.net/r/RefAAUMEL26

9. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

AAU is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from women and candidates from diverse backgrounds across Africa.

Annex 1: CV Evaluation Matrix