Job Summary
- Employer: Opportunity International
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
- Category: Monitoring and Evaluation
- Closing Date: 2026-10-12
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee the implementation of the AgFinance program M&E strategy, including analyzing data collected by Farmer Support Agents (FSAs) and conducting baseline and annual surveys for new cohorts of FSAs.
- Oversee the MEL strategy for Opportunity International Malawi (OIM), including graduation programs, health programs, education finance, and financial literacy.
- Execute the MEL work plan promptly, refining tool protocols and reporting against progress on activities and timelines.
- Analyze data output from client services and generate key insights for program reporting and operation.
- Liaise with AgFinance and OIM external learning partners contracted for specific third-party studies.
- Liaise with the Knowledge Management (KM) team to ensure a cohesive approach to the organization’s learning agenda.
- Develop new data collection tools to capture additional data needed to execute the MEL strategy.
- Review and adapt existing MEL tools based on feedback, ensuring localization.
- Recruit, onboard, and oversee local data collectors/enumerators.
- Build the capacity of the local team with the use of MEL tools.
- Train and support FSAs in data collection and survey protocol when utilizing FSAs for research or studies.
- Conduct quality assurance on all data collected, ensuring it meets the criteria of timeliness, accuracy, validity, reliability, integrity, and completeness in coordination with the data management team.
- Support project teams in conducting client verification protocols.
- Conduct data quality assessments (DQAs), spot checks, validations and back-checks in collaboration with the data.
- Provide technical support, including developing logframes, identifying key indicators, and creating MEL plans for specific projects or grants awarded.
- Design surveys, lead Focus Group Discussions, key informant interviews, or other monitoring tools specific to projects.
- Draft reports, client stories, or other outputs around learnings on projects for donor reporting for wider dissemination.
- Maintain an updated performance indicator tracking system for projects in coordination with the data management team.
- Participate in program review meetings, reflection workshops and adaptive management processes.
- Document lessons learned, innovations from the field in the knowledge repository and ensure updated learning matrix.
- Co-facilitate annual MEL workshops, support dissemination of findings with partners, clients, funders and government stakeholders.
- Coordinate learning sessions and knowledge capture from evaluations, pilot initiatives, and feedback loops.
- Contribute to the organization’s thought leadership through data-driven storytelling.
Requirements
- A graduate degree in social science research, international relations, development economics, or a relevant social science field.
- 5+ years experience in M&E field management work in low- and middle-income country contexts.
- Familiarity with survey collection/analysis software, CommCare and/or Nvivo experience a plus.
- Formal Monitoring & Evaluation or Research certification is preferred.
- Strong organizational and project management skills.
- Excellent written communication skills.
- An understanding of and a commitment to advancing the mission and core values of Opportunity International
How to Apply
About the Company
Opportunity International is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization chartered in the United States. Through a network of 47 program and support partners, Opportunity International provides small business loans, savings, insurance and training to more than 14 million people in the developing world. It has clients in more than 20 countries and works with fundraising partners in the United States, Australia, Canada, Germany, Switzerland, Singapore, Hong Kong and the United Kingdom. Opportunity International has 501(c)(3) status as a tax-exempt charitable organization in the United States under the US Internal Revenue Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or education do I need to become a Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning Associate in Malawi?
Most employers require a bachelor's degree in statistics, economics, social sciences, or development studies. A certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation from institutions like the University of Malawi or online platforms such as MEAL DPro strengthens your application. Proficiency in data analysis software like SPSS, Stata, or Excel is often essential.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of this role?
You will design data collection tools, conduct field visits to project sites across Malawi, and analyze program performance indicators. Regular tasks include preparing reports for donors, training field staff on data quality, and presenting findings to management. You may also support external evaluations and learning workshops.
How does the local work culture in Malawi affect this position?
Malawian workplaces value respect for hierarchy and relationship-building before task execution. Punctuality is important, though flexibility is common during the rainy season when rural travel becomes difficult. You should expect to collaborate closely with community structures like traditional leaders and local government officials.
What career progression paths exist for M&E professionals in Malawi?
With experience, you can advance to M&E Manager, then Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, or transition into program management. Some professionals specialize as consultants serving multiple NGOs, while others move into academia or policy research. International NGO experience often opens doors to regional roles covering Southern Africa.
What benefits should I expect from employers in Malawi for this role?
Standard benefits typically include annual leave of 20-25 days, medical insurance coverage, and pension contributions compliant with Malawi's pension laws. Some organizations provide housing allowances, transport for field work, and professional development funds. Always verify these details during the interview process as packages vary significantly.
How do I apply and what do Malawian employers look for in candidates?
Submit a tailored CV highlighting quantitative skills and field experience through email or online portals as specified in the job advert. Employers prioritize candidates with demonstrated experience in rural Malawi, strong report writing in English, and references from previous supervisors. Prepare for competency-based interviews focusing on problem-solving and ethical data handling.