Project: iDICE Skills-to-Jobs Programme
Programme Implementers: Zhill Systems Limited – North-East Humanitarian Innovation Hub (NEHIH)
Abuja (Project Management Office)/Remote with frequent travel across the six North-East States (Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe)
Reports To: Project Director
Technical Reporting: BPO Services Specialist (Team Lead)
Contract Type: Fixed-Term, Full-Time
Contract Duration: Project-based, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and project requirements.
Programme Background
The iDICE Skills-to-Jobs Programme is a flagship initiative under the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme, designed to expand employment opportunities for young Nigerians by equipping them with globally competitive digital and BPO skills while connecting them to local and international employment opportunities.
Implemented by the Zhill Systems–NEHIH Consortium, the programme seeks to train, certify and facilitate employment pathways for 50,000 young people across the six North-East states through a market-driven approach that integrates technical training, career readiness, employer engagement and job placement.
Position Purpose
The Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) Officer is responsible for establishing and managing the programme’s results-based monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning systems. The role will ensure the collection, analysis and reporting of high-quality programme data to measure progress against key performance indicators (KPIs), donor requirements and programme objectives.
The MEL Officer will provide strategic leadership in performance measurement, data quality assurance, impact assessment, knowledge generation and organisational learning, while supporting programme management in making evidence-based decisions that improve implementation effectiveness and maximise programme impact.
Working closely with technical teams, State Programme Focal Persons, government agencies, employers and development partners, the MEL Officer will ensure that programme performance is accurately tracked, lessons are documented, and evidence is translated into actionable recommendations.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Monitoring and Evaluation System Design
The MEL Officer will develop and implement a Results-Based Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (RBMEL) Framework for the program. This includes creating logical frameworks, performance measurement frameworks, and annual MEL work plans aligned with program objectives and donor requirements. The officer will also establish standardised tools and methodologies for data collection and reporting, ensuring alignment with BOI, AfDB, and iDICE Program reporting frameworks. BOI, AfDB, and the iDICE Program.
Performance Monitoring
The officer will oversee program implementation by tracking progress on approved work plans, key performance indicators, and impact metrics. This includes monitoring beneficiary enrolment, training completion, certification, job placements, and employment outcomes. Regular field visits will be conducted to verify quality and compliance, with timely feedback provided to program management and technical teams.
Data Collection, Management and Quality Assurance
The expert will create both digital and paper-based data collection tools for program activities, establish and manage databases and Management Information Systems (MIS), and uphold data integrity through regular quality assessments and verification exercises. They will also train program staff on data collection protocols and reporting standards while ensuring secure data management systems comply with data protection regulations.
Evaluation and Research
The Officer will coordinate evaluations at baseline, midline, endline, and impact stages, design evaluation methodologies and research protocols, and conduct beneficiary and employer satisfaction surveys as well as tracer studies. Additionally, the Officer will support independent program evaluations from entities like BOI, AfDB, and external partners, analyse the findings, and offer strategic recommendations for program enhancement.
Learning, Knowledge Management and Adaptive Programming
The Expert should foster a culture of evidence-based learning throughout the program by documenting lessons learned, best practices, and success stories. This includes facilitating learning reviews, reflection workshops, and after-action reviews. Additionally, the Expert will develop knowledge products, case studies, and policy briefs based on program evidence, while collaborating closely with the Knowledge Management & Transfer Lead to enhance organisational learning and institutional memory.
Reporting and Performance Analytics
The expert will prepare comprehensive performance reports on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual basis, develop program dashboards and data visualisation tools, and produce analytical reports that highlight trends, risks, achievements, and challenges. Additionally, they will assist in preparing donor reports and Board presentations while ensuring the timely submission of all monitoring and evaluation reports.
Risk Management and Compliance Monitoring
The officer will oversee compliance with contractual obligations, donor requirements, and safeguard policies, identifying implementation risks and recommending mitigation measures. They will also track corrective actions from evaluations and audits, support programme risk assessments and compliance reviews, and ensure that MEL systems promote accountability and transparency.
Capacity Building and Technical Support
The incumbent will provide technical support to State Programme Teams for MEL implementation and design, facilitate training on Results-Based Management and data reporting, and build staff capacity in digital data collection, performance monitoring, and evidence generation. Additionally, they will mentor State MEL Officers and field monitoring personnel while strengthening institutional capacity for effective results measurement and programme learning.
Stakeholder Engagement
The officer will coordinate MEL-related engagements with the BOI, AfDB, government agencies, and development partners; participate in program review meetings and technical working groups; present program performance findings to stakeholders; collaborate with research institutions and evaluators as needed; and support the dissemination of program results and impact evidence.
Qualifications
Education
Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Monitoring and Evaluation, Statistics, Economics, Development Studies, Public Health, Demography, Computer Science, Information Systems, Project Management, Social Sciences, Mathematics, or a related field. A Master’s Degree in Monitoring and Evaluation, Statistics, Development Economics, Data Science, Public Policy, or a related discipline. Professional certifications in Results-Based Management (RBM), Project Management, Monitoring and Evaluation, or Data Analytics will be considered advantageous.
Professional Experience
- Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in monitoring, evaluation, research, performance management or programme learning.
- Demonstrated experience designing and implementing MEL systems for donor-funded projects.
- Experience working in North-East Nigeria is highly desirable.
Technical Competencies
The candidate should possess expertise in Results-Based Management (RBM), Monitoring and Evaluation, Performance Measurement, and Impact Evaluation. Proficiency in Research Design, both Quantitative and Qualitative Data Analysis, and statistical software such as SPSS, STATA, R, or Power BI is essential. Additionally, skills in Data Visualisation (using Power BI, Tableau, or Excel Dashboards), Digital Data Collection Systems, Database Management, and Knowledge Management are required. Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and project management software to support efficient programme implementation and performance management.
Behavioural Competencies
The ideal candidate should exhibit strong strategic and analytical thinking, coupled with a results-oriented mindset. They must uphold integrity and accountability while demonstrating meticulous attention to detail. Problem-solving and critical thinking skills are essential, along with effective written and oral communication abilities. Additionally, the candidate should excel in planning and organising, foster collaboration and teamwork, and embrace innovation and continuous improvement. Adaptability and a willingness to learn are crucial, as is professional judgment and a commitment to evidence-based decision-making.
Working Conditions
The position is based at the Project Management Office in Abuja and requires frequent travel across the six North-East states for field monitoring, data verification, evaluation missions and stakeholder engagements. The role requires flexibility to meet reporting deadlines and may involve occasional evening or weekend work during surveys, evaluations and reporting cycles.
Application Requirements
Interested candidates should submit a current CV (maximum three pages), a current CV (maximum two pages) outlining relevant experience in monitoring, evaluation, and donor-funded program management, copies of academic and professional certificates, evidence of relevant certifications, and contact information for three professional referees.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Zhill Systems–NEHIH Consortium is committed to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of employment. Applications are encouraged from qualified candidates regardless of gender, disability, ethnicity, religion or other protected characteristics. Women, persons with disabilities and qualified candidates from North-East Nigeria are strongly encouraged to apply.