MEL Senior Specialist – Fixed-term (Zambia)

About the role

One Acre Fund is looking for an experienced Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) professional to lead field data collection and quality assurance for its climate‑smart agriculture and agroforestry program in Zambia. Based in Kabwe, you will oversee the full survey lifecycle and ensure robust evidence supports impact measurement for smallholder farmers.

Key responsibilities

• Design statistically sound survey instruments and methodologies tailored to rural agricultural interventions.
• Establish and maintain data management workflows, cleaning protocols, and automated quality‑assurance checks.
• Audit and continuously improve data collection processes to streamline reporting pipelines.
• Coordinate large‑scale field survey implementation across Central and Southern Provinces, managing logistics and timelines.
• Directly manage, mentor, and build capacity of the field implementation team and supervisor networks.
• Enforce strict validation protocols and back‑checking procedures to guarantee data integrity.
• Collaborate with operational managers and global technical advisors to integrate feedback and refine survey tools.

Required profile

• Minimum 4 years of professional experience in MEL, preferably within agricultural or climate‑smart programs.
• Proven ability to lead field data collection operations and manage implementation teams.
• Strong analytical mindset with experience designing surveys and managing large datasets.
• Excellent communication skills to work with cross‑functional teams and local partners.
• Based in Kabwe, Zambia, and able to travel across Central and Southern Provinces.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to impact the livelihoods of thousands of smallholder farmers.
• Collaborative work environment with a mission‑driven team.
• Professional development within a leading agricultural development organization.