MEL Officer

Job Title

The MEL Officer will lead the development and day-to-day implementation of simple, effective MEL systems across all programmes. This is a hands-on role focused on ensuring data is accurate, useful, and actively used to improve delivery and demonstrate impact.

The MEL Officer will design and implement simple, practical data collection tools (e.g. attendance tracking, outcome indicators, surveys) that can be easily used by programme staff. Ensure all programmes are consistently tracking clear, relevant indicators aligned to organisational priorities and donor requirements.

Maintain a centralised, simple, and well-organised MEL system (e.g. Google Drive, Kobo, Excel), ensuring data is accurate, up to date, and accessible. Establish and carry out regular data quality checks to verify accuracy, completeness, and consistency across programmes.

Support the transition from ad hoc data collection to standardised systems and processes across the organisation. Lead the preparation of high-quality donor reports (e.g. FIFA Foundation, DOT), ensuring accuracy, clarity, and timely submission.

Analyse programme data to identify key trends, outcomes, and insights (not just raw data). Translate data into clear, concise insights, reports and presentations for internal teams, management, and external stakeholders.

Work closely with programme staff to ensure data collected is relevant, complete, and aligned with reporting requirements. Support the development of impact summaries, case studies, and success stories for fundraising and communications.

Conduct regular visits to programme sites (schools, pitches, community sessions) to observe delivery and verify data accuracy. Work alongside programme staff during visits to check data collection tools are being used correctly and consistently.

Document findings from visits, including strengths, challenges, and areas for improvement. Provide practical, actionable feedback to programme teams to strengthen delivery and data quality.

Ensure safeguarding, attendance, and programme data reported aligns with what is observed in the field. Design and implement simple, accessible feedback mechanisms (e.g. surveys, suggestion boxes, focus groups) for participants and communities.

Ensure feedback systems are safe, inclusive, and aligned with safeguarding standards. Regularly collect, review, and analyse feedback to identify trends, concerns, and opportunities for improvement.

Work with programme teams to ensure feedback is acted on and informs programme delivery. Maintain clear documentation of feedback and responses to support accountability to participants and donors.

Lead regular reflection sessions (e.g. quarterly) with programme staff to review data, outcomes, and key learnings. Support teams to identify and apply practical improvements based on data and field insights.

Document lessons learned, best practices, and challenges across programmes. Contribute to the development of case studies, impact stories, and internal learning briefs.

Promote a culture of continuous learning and evidence-based decision making across the organisation. Train programme staff on data collection tools, basic MEL principles, and reporting requirements.

Provide ongoing, hands-on support to ensure staff can accurately and consistently collect data. Develop simple guidance and templates to support standardised MEL practices across programmes.

Mentor staff to improve their ability to use data for planning and decision-making. Identify capacity gaps and support continuous improvement in MEL across the team.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV along with a cover letter of no more than one A4 page outlining your suitability for the role to workwithus@play-itforward.org