Spark MicroGrants believes in empowering rural communities to drive their own development through its Facilitated Collective Action Process (FCAP). The organization currently works in over 500 villages across six countries, improving the lives of more than 500,000 people. In Malawi, Spark partners with FOCCAD, SOFF, AfES, and SPRODETA to implement FCAP in 96 villages across the Central, Southern, and Northern regions.
Reporting to the Monitoring and Evaluation Manager, the successful candidate will ensure the effective implementation of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) processes while promoting data-driven decision-making across programmes and partner organizations.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Lilongwe
- Category: Monitoring & Evaluation
- Closing Date: 2026-08-14
Key Responsibilities
- Analyse Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) data using statistically sound methods to generate evidence-based insights.
- Collaborate with implementing partners to develop and monitor MEL plans.
- Coordinate timely collection, validation, and management of monitoring and evaluation data.
- Build the capacity of partner staff and stakeholders in data collection, analysis, visualization, and evidence use.
- Support internal evaluations, including survey design, sampling, enumerator training, supervision, data analysis, and report writing.
- Document and disseminate programme learning, best practices, and lessons learned.
- Ensure partners comply with Data Quality Assurance (DQA) standards.
- Prepare quarterly and annual programme performance reports, dashboards, and presentations.
- Work closely with programme teams to identify performance gaps and recommend improvements.
- Monitor implementation of action plans resulting from evaluations and learning reviews.
- Supervise and mentor M&E Assistants.
- Support the design and maintenance of digital data collection systems, databases, dashboards, and reporting tools.
- Ensure compliance with research ethics, safeguarding, confidentiality, and data protection policies.
- Contribute to research studies, impact evaluations, proposal development, and donor reporting.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Monitoring & Evaluation, Statistics, Economics, Social Sciences, Data Science, or a related field.
- Minimum of 3 years’ progressive experience in Monitoring & Evaluation, research, or data management within an NGO, government, or international development organization.
- Experience designing quantitative and qualitative data collection tools.
- Experience in survey implementation, statistical analysis, data management, and report writing.
- Experience coordinating field data collection, including recruitment, training, supervision, and management of enumerators.
- Experience supporting programme evaluations, assessments, research studies, or impact evaluations.
- Experience implementing Data Quality Assurance (DQA) processes.
- Experience supporting implementing partners with M&E systems is an added advantage.
- Proficiency in Stata, SPSS, R, or Microsoft Excel.
- Experience using digital data collection platforms such as ODK, KoboToolbox, SurveyCTO, CommCare, Survey Solutions, or similar applications.
- Strong understanding of MEAL principles, LogFrames, theories of change, results frameworks, indicators, and performance measurement.
- Strong analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent report writing, presentation, and data visualization skills.
- Strong organizational and project management skills.
- Ability to train and mentor staff and partners.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- High integrity, attention to detail, and commitment to ethical research and data confidentiality.
- Ability to work independently and within a team.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Willingness to travel frequently to project sites.
Salary
Competitive salary plus additional employee benefits.
How to Apply
Apply here: sparkmicrogrants.bamboohr.com Deadline: Rolling Basis (Spark reserves the right to close the recruitment process at any time.)
About the Company
Spark MicroGrants is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that focuses on helping communities to organize and make progress, they work primarily in East Africa.
Website: https://www.sparkmicrogrants.org/
Frequently Asked Questions
What typical qualifications, certifications, or education are needed for an M&E Officer role in Malawi?
A Bachelor's degree in social sciences, development studies, statistics, or a related field is commonly required. Practical experience in data collection, analysis software, and M&E specific training are highly valued. Employers often look for candidates with a proven track record in program monitoring or evaluation roles.
What are the common day-to-day responsibilities of a Monitoring & Evaluation Officer in Malawi?
Daily tasks often involve designing data collection tools, conducting field visits to project sites for data gathering, and ensuring data quality. You would also be responsible for analyzing data, drafting M&E reports, and supporting program teams with performance monitoring.
What should I know about the local work culture and expectations for an M&E Officer in Malawi?
Professionalism, respect for hierarchy, and strong collaborative skills are highly valued within Malawian professional environments. You'll be expected to adapt to diverse community settings, demonstrate initiative, and often work independently in the field while maintaining strong communication with your team.
What realistic career progression or growth paths are available for an M&E Officer in Malawi?
Successful M&E Officers can advance to Senior M&E Officer, M&E Coordinator, or even Program Manager roles within development organizations. Specializing in particular M&E methodologies or data analysis, coupled with a track record of impact, can also open doors to consultancy opportunities or regional positions.
What typical benefits, such as leave, medical aid, or pension, can I expect as an M&E Officer in Malawi?
Standard benefits generally include annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays as mandated by Malawian labor laws. Many reputable employers also offer contributions to medical aid schemes and pension funds, though the specifics can vary significantly by organization.
How should I tailor my application, and what do employers in Malawi typically look for in an M&E Officer?
Emphasize practical experience with data collection tools, report writing, and a strong understanding of community engagement in your CV and cover letter. Employers seek candidates who demonstrate analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment specific to Malawi's development context.