AFIRR – MEL Specialist

Duo reports to: Functionally to the Senior Manager, Strategy and Analytics.

Administratively to AFIRR Coordinator.

The Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Specialist for the Access to Finance for Recovery and Resilience (AFIRR) Project is responsible for designing, coordinating, and implementing the project’s monitoring, evaluation, and learning framework in line with the Project Development Objectives (PDOs). The role ensures that effective MEL tools, processes, and reporting systems are in place to support evidence-based decision-making and measure progress toward achieving project objectives.

Success in this role requires an experienced professional with a proven track record in monitoring and evaluating donor-funded projects, the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and apply sound analytical skills to assess the project’s key performance indicators.

The incumbent should demonstrate a strong work ethic, integrity, and the ability to build and maintain excellent working relationships with project stakeholders. A solid understanding of project operations, business processes, and information systems is essential to provide meaningful analysis and recommendations that add value to the project’s development outcomes.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

• Track and assess AFIRR project implementation progress to inform management and stakeholders on achievement of objectives, providing evidence-based recommendations for action.
• Maintain and manage the project’s MEL database; analyze and aggregate data to generate timely insights.
• Promote a results-based approach to MEL, emphasizing outcomes, learning, and impact.
• Review and analyze project implementation reports and assess results against the Results Framework.
• Conduct regular field visits to beneficiaries and partners to verify data quality, support implementation, and identify areas for improvement.
• Monitor implementation of evaluation recommendations in collaboration with the Project Implementation Unit and relevant BRD departments.
• Support periodic assessments including annual impact evaluations, mid-term reviews, and end-line evaluations.
• Organize targeted monitoring activities to collect qualitative and quantitative data from PFIs, beneficiaries, and other stakeholders.
• Support operationalization and effective use of the Project Management Information System (PMIS) as a tool for project tracking and management.
• Prepare impact and performance reports highlighting progress toward achieving the project’s overall objectives.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Supervisor or BRD Management.

Learning and Knowledge Management

• Collect, document, and disseminate lessons learned, success stories, challenges, and best practices throughout project implementation.
• Develop and implement a project learning agenda to strengthen adaptive management and continuous improvement.
• Integrate learning outcomes into project planning, decision-making, and performance reporting.

• Compliance rate with credit agreements, internal policies, and applicable sector regulations.
• Quality and timeliness of MEL and project performance reports.
• Extent of evidence-based decision-making and integration of learning into project planning and implementation.
• Accuracy, reliability, and completeness of project data and information systems.
• Proactive identification and management of project risks and mitigation measures.
• Stakeholder satisfaction level with project performance and reporting.
• Rate of closure of internal and external audit or evaluation recommendations.
• Quality and relevance of research outputs and knowledge management products in informing project decisions.

• All BRD departments.
• All AFIRR stakeholders.
• PFIs and project beneficiaries.

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Statistics, Economics, Rural Finance, and Project Management or related fields from a recognized institution.
• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in similar position.

• Proven experience in monitoring and evaluation of government or development partner–funded programs and projects.
• Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and manage M&E systems throughout the project lifecycle – from initiation to closeout.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Working knowledge of market research, statistical modeling, and program measurement; proficiency in STATA or SPSS is an asset.
• Excellent ability to prepare accurate and timely MEL reports and performance analyses.
• Skilled in developing high-impact presentations and communicating complex data and insights effectively to diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to apply data storytelling and visualization techniques to enhance learning and engagement.
• Proven capacity to capture and document lessons learned, best practices, and success stories.
• Strong client relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Demonstrated speed, accuracy, and efficiency in data processing and reporting, with strict adherence to project turnaround times and BRD Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
• Excellent communication and presentation skills in English and Kinyarwanda; proficiency in French is an advantage.
• Strong interpersonal skills, integrity, and a collaborative team-oriented work ethic.