Global MELS Manager - US or Africa

About IFDC

The International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) is a public international organization that advances soil health and strengthens agricultural systems through science-based innovation. For over 50 years, IFDC has translated research into practical solutions that improve nutrient use efficiency, restore degraded soils, strengthen local agricultural markets and expand opportunity for smallholder farmers, especially women and youth.

We work with farmers, governments and private sector partners to build resilient farming systems that produce nutritious food, improve livelihoods, and safeguard natural resources for future generations. 

Our Values

We are guided by four core principles:

Collaborate – We work across teams, countries and partners to create lasting impact.

Innovate – We apply evidence and continuous learning to design practical and responsible solutions.

Include – We promote equity and meaningful participation for women, youth and underrepresented groups.

Act with Integrity – We steward resources responsibly, uphold transparency and remain accountable to the communities, partners, staff and donors who place their trust in us. 

Position Summary

The Global MELS Manager leads implementation of IFDC’s Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Sharing (MELS) framework, ensuring strong systems for performance tracking, learning, and accountability across programs.

The role supports data-informed decision-making across Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and the U.S., and requires expertise in international agricultural development, digital data systems (including Power BI), and adaptive management.

Responsibilities

• Build, lead, and mentor the MELS team, strengthening staff capacity through structured training programs and promoting a data-informed culture;
• Lead the implementation of the MELS framework and oversee rollout of the Results Framework, ensuring alignment with institutional strategy and priorities;
• Establish and facilitate Communities of Practice (CoPs) organizing knowledge-sharing events and peer exchanges to strengthen collaboration and scale effective practices;
• Provide technical guidance on MELS systems and tools, including CROPP and Power BI dashboards. Standardize indicators, oversee data quality processes (DQRs), and promote the use of GIS and advanced analytics;
• Lead the development and dissemination of knowledge products (e.g., case studies, policy briefs, reports) to support learning, external engagement, and organizational visibility;
• Coordinate and oversee internal and external evaluations, including impact evaluations, mid-term reviews, and DQRs. Lead thematic studies under the learning agenda in collaboration with academic and research partners;
• Lead preparation of periodic reports and dashboards to track progress and provide insights to senior management and the Board.

Requirements

• Master's degree in a relevant field, such as agriculture, international development, or evaluation;
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in MELS in international agricultural development, with demonstrated experience designing and implementing organizational MELS strategies and results frameworks. Experience in Sub-Saharan Africa or South Asia or the U.S. strongly preferred;
• Demonstrated experience managing teams and coordinating with project/program teams;
• Proficiency in conducting evaluations and managing data analysis;
• Excellent writing and communication skills in English (French fluency preferred).

Reporting and Work Relationships

This position reports directly to the Head of the IFDC Impact Assessment Task Force and works closely with MELS specialists, program teams, and research units across the organization.

The role requires strong cross-functional collaboration and regular engagement with senior management and the Board. The Manager will also represent IFDC in external MELS forums and partnerships with donors and research institutions. 

Location

This is a national recruitment with a position may be based at any IFDC office in the U.S. or Africa.

Benefits

IFDC's benefits include annual and sick leave, health and group life insurance coverage, a 13th-month salary, social security and pension contribution in compliance with local laws and end-of-contract benefits. 

Salary Clause

The salary grade for this position is BG 10.  

The determination of new employee salaries takes into account various factors. These include the salary range linked to the assigned job grade, the candidate's qualifications in relation to the job's responsibilities and prerequisites, internal fairness, the competitive state of the job market, as well as potential organizational and budgetary considerations.

Diversity Clause

IFDC is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe in the value of bringing together people with a broad range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. All employment decisions at IFDC are made on the basis of ability, performance, and organizational need, in alignment with our values of fairness, respect, and opportunity for all.