NEXTIER IS RECRUITING SPRiNG Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning MEL Lead
JOB ALERT
NEXTIER IS RECRUITING
POSITION: SPRiNG Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning MEL Lead
LOCATION: Abuja, Nigeria, with regular travel across Nigeria
REPORTS TO: Team Leader, SPRiNG Programme
ABOUT NEXTIER
Nextier is a multi-competency advisory firm focused on advancing development in Africa through evidence-based research, strategic advisory and practical solutions.
Nextier is a consortium partner delivering the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria SPRiNG Programme.
ABOUT SPRiNG
The Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria SPRiNG Programme is a politically led, evidence-based programme focused on conflict prevention, violence reduction, security and justice, natural resource management, and resilience.
The programme addresses interconnected political, conflict and ecological drivers affecting security across North-West and North-Central Nigeria.
SPRiNG works with government stakeholders, particularly at state and local government levels, to strengthen their capacity to respond to conflict, security, justice and natural resource management challenges.
ROLE OVERVIEW
Nextier is seeking an experienced Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning MEL Lead to provide senior-level leadership for MEL activities across the SPRiNG Programme.
The MEL Lead will lead the measurement, documentation, analysis and consolidation of programme results while ensuring that achievements and lessons are accurately captured and reported on time.
The role will also drive SPRiNG’s adaptive learning cycle, ensuring that evidence and learning generated through MEL systems are used to support programme adaptation and decision-making.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Lead the implementation and continuous development of the programme’s Research, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning RMEL strategy, systems and processes.
Maintain the Theory of Change, logframe, results management handbook and project guidance.
Oversee portfolio data collection, intervention monitoring and field verification.
Ensure data quality and compliance with ethical, safeguarding and data protection standards.
Lead the Learning and Adaptation function across the programme.
Facilitate quarterly project learning and adaptation sessions.
Synthesize evidence for strategic reviews and quarterly and annual reports.
Support analysis of what works, the rationale behind programme adaptations and project-level stop/go decisions.
Ensure evidence and learning are used to support programme adaptation and decision-making.
Apply a Thinking and Working Politically TWP approach to analysing and reporting results.
Monitor and document programme influence and behaviour change.
Lead the design and implementation of the programme’s learning agenda.
Collaborate with Technical Leads and Regional Teams to coordinate project learning exchanges and events.
Support the commissioning of annual perception surveys and other quarterly or annual data collection exercises.
Manage relationships with the programme’s midline and endline evaluation teams.
Undertake and oversee outcome harvesting to substantiate programme results.
Work with the core programme team and Communications Lead to package and disseminate findings, lessons and stories of change.
Develop and update MEL training, tools and templates for programme staff and implementing partners.
Provide functional supervision to Regional MEL Officers.
Coordinate field monitoring visits, project learning sessions and corresponding reports.
Serve as a member of the core SPRiNG Programme team.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience leading and implementing MEL systems in a development context in Nigeria.
Experience in a leadership or senior management MEL role, preferably in governance, public policy, social development, climate adaptation or peacebuilding.
Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Monitoring and Evaluation, Statistics or a related field.
Experience working on adaptive programmes, including learning and adaptation cycles, stop/go decisions, strategy testing, adaptive results frameworks and strategic reviews.
Experience working in MEL on large-scale, donor-funded development programmes.
Previous experience with an FCDO-funded programme is desirable.
Experience with the Thinking and Working Politically TWP approach.
Experience monitoring and tracking influencing and behaviour change.
Strong technical expertise in evidence-based monitoring and evaluation for accountability and learning.
Experience with experimental methods such as randomised controlled trials alongside other evaluation techniques.
Proven experience in data tracking, data quality assessment and building MEL capacity among staff and implementing partners.
Practical experience developing and maintaining management information systems.
Experience with digital data collection, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and real-time dashboards.
Strong research, analytical, report-writing and strategic planning skills.
Ability to communicate complex information effectively to different audiences.
Strong understanding of peace, security and climate issues in North-West and North-Central Nigeria.
Fluency in spoken and written English.
Knowledge of Hausa and other local languages is an advantage.
KEY ATTRIBUTES
Strong technical MEL leadership and team management skills.
Rigorous and honest approach to evidence and results.
Adaptive and responsive approach to complex problems.
Ability to define clear solutions and secure stakeholder buy-in.
Confidence working with senior government, development organisation and partner stakeholders.
Strong collaboration, coaching and team-building skills.
Practical and organised approach to developing MEL systems and tools.
Strong problem-solving and initiative.
Willingness and ability to travel regularly across Nigeria.
WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS
SPRiNG is designed to be evidence-based and adaptive. The MEL Lead will play a central role in ensuring that programme evidence is accurate, that lessons are identified and applied during implementation, and that the experiences of people and communities served by the programme are reflected in decision-making.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants should submit:
CV
Cover letter explaining their interest in the role and relevant areas of expertise
HOW TO APPLY
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV and cover letter to:
recruitment@thenextier.com
EMAIL SUBJECT: SPRiNG MEL Lead – Your Full Name
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Thursday, 22nd October, 2026
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
