Job Description

MEL Expert, Energy Access Programme (Malawi)

Department: Energy

Employment Type: Contract / Temp

Location: Africa

Reporting To: Team Leader

Allied Talent Partners (ATP), a Three Cairns Group initiative, is a mission-driven, not-for-profit talent marketplace focused on solving the human capital bottlenecks slowing down sustainable development efforts in emerging economies, with an initial focus on Africa. ATP connects vetted, experienced, context-relevant professionals to high-impact opportunities in energy access and sustainable development – strengthening local capacity and fuelling economic vitality. We specialize in fixed-term, deliverable-driven engagements – from interim leadership and generalist projects to niche technical expertise – handling project scoping, talent vetting and matching, contracting, payroll, and compliance so that our clients can focus on impact.

High-Level Overview

The client is seeking a MEL (Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning) Expert to design, implement, and continuously strengthen performance monitoring and learning systems for an energy access programme in Malawi under Mission 300. The role will be responsible for ensuring robust tracking of programme results, supporting performance accountability, and enabling evidence-based decision-making across key workstreams. This position offers the opportunity to shape how data, analysis, and learning inform programme delivery and sector outcomes. The ideal candidate will bring strong experience in MEL system design and implementation within complex, multi-stakeholder development programmes.

Role and Responsibilities

Role: MEL Expert, Energy Access Programme (Malawi) Direct Report – Team Leader
Candidates Required: 1

Key Deliverables:
To be updated once client scope is finalized

• Lead the design and operationalisation of MEL frameworks, including development of results frameworks, indicators, baselines, targets, and methodologies aligned with programme objectives and national priorities
• Lead the establishment and management of data collection, validation, and reporting systems, including development of tools, processes, and centralised databases or dashboards to ensure data quality, integrity, and accessibility
• Support stakeholder coordination by working with government institutions, development partners, and implementing entities to harmonise indicators, reporting requirements, and data-sharing protocols
• Lead monitoring, analysis, and reporting processes, including tracking progress against targets, conducting quantitative and qualitative analysis, and producing reports, dashboards, and insights to inform adaptive programme management
• Support capacity-building and institutional strengthening by developing MEL tools, guidance materials, and delivering training to embed sustainable monitoring and learning practices

Requirements

Experience Required:

• Minimum 8 years of progressively responsible experience in monitoring, evaluation, and learning within development or energy-related programmes
• Demonstrated experience designing and operationalising MEL systems, including results frameworks and theories of change
• Experience supporting donor-funded programmes with defined results and reporting frameworks
• Proven experience working in multi-stakeholder environments involving government, development partners, and implementing entities

Technical Requirements:

• Strong expertise in MEL frameworks, results measurement, and theory of change development
• Ability to design data collection tools, manage datasets, and implement data quality assurance and verification processes
• Experience in quantitative and qualitative analysis, including performance tracking and evaluation methodologies
• Familiarity with data systems, dashboards, and reporting tools to support decision-making
• Understanding of energy access, clean cooking, or related sector indicators is advantageous

Other Skills:

• Strong analytical and data interpretation capabilities
• Ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights
• Effective stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills
• Strong written communication and reporting skills

Additional information on desired profiles The role is suited to a systems-oriented professional who can combine technical rigour with practical implementation, ensuring MEL approaches are both robust and usable.


Working Arrangement
Location: Malawi
Language: English
Travel: Periodic travel within Malawi as required for data collection, stakeholder engagement, and programme activities

Terms of agreement:
Start Date: June 2026, TBC
Contracting Period: 12 months

Local candidates are strongly encouraged to apply and will be prioritised.