M&E Director, Lagos - Nigeria

Job DescriptionM&E DirectorOutcomes Fund for Out of School Children in Lagos StateFHI 360 and FHI 360 UK are committed to advancing human development through integrated, evidence-based solutions. We collaborate with governments, communities, and partners to promote social equity, strengthen systems, respond to humanitarian challenges, and build resilient societies. By mobilizing research, resources, and relationships, we help ensure that individuals and communities have the tools and opportunities they need to thrive. We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of M&E Director for the upcoming Outcomes Fund for Out of School Children in Lagos State program.This position will be based in Lagos, Nigeria and is contingent upon award.Project DescriptionLagos Outcomes Fund for Education (2026–2029) is a pioneering outcomes-based financing initiative led by the Lagos State Government and the Education Outcomes Fund (EOF). The programme will support out-of-school children (OOSC) and vulnerable learners—including migrant children, street-connected youth, and children with disabilities—to access quality education, stay in school, and improve foundational learning outcomes. The programme will strengthen teaching and school leadership, improve learning environments, and deliver targeted support to reduce dropout and improve literacy and numeracy outcomes. It will also generate evidence to inform future scale-up and embed results-based practices within public education systems. The programme aims to reach up to 200,000 children across Lagos State, including 68,000 OOSC and 132,000 in-school learners.Position DescriptionThe MEL Director will lead the design, implementation, and oversight of the programme’s monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems. This includes managing rigorous performance metrics tied to outcomes based financing, overseeing learning assessments and digital data systems, and ensuring alignment with national EMIS and evaluation frameworks. The MEL Director will work closely with a third-party evaluator. As this is an outcomes-based award, the MEL Director will play a critical role in ensuring that M&E targets are met. Achievement of these targets directly influences payment disbursement and programme success. The MEL Director will therefore be expected to lead with precision, integrity, and a commitment to data-driven delivery.The MEL Director will be responsible for developing robust monitoring systems that are reviewed with the programme team on an ongoing basis, supporting a culture of adaptive management and continuous improvement. A key focus will be the use of data dashboards to enable real-time decision-making, track progress against targets, and facilitate learning across implementing partners and government stakeholders. These dashboards will support transparent performance management and help identify areas for course correction.The ideal candidate will have a strong track record of playing a leadership role (M&E Director or equivalent) on other large scale education programmes in Nigeria.Job Summary/ResponsibilitiesLead the development and refinement of the MEL strategy, ensuring alignment with the programme’s theory of change, logframe, and payment metrics. Collaborate with the third-party evaluator to design rigorous, context-sensitive evaluation protocols, including pre-post testing and benchmarking approaches. Design and oversee monitoring systems for placement, retention, and learning outcomes across both out-of-school and in-school components. Operationalise digital data platforms and dashboards to support real-time tracking, adaptive management, and transparent reporting. Ensure monitoring systems are participatorily reviewed with the programme team and implementing partners on an ongoing basis. Manage relationships with the independent evaluator, ensuring timely and accurate verification of results. Oversee spot checks, data audits, and triangulation processes to maintain data quality and credibility. Facilitate regular learning and reflection sessions using MEL data to inform programme refinement and course correction. Promote a culture of evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement across the consortium and government stakeholders. Lead the production of MEL reports and contribute to donor reporting, including quarterly and annual submissions. Ensure data is accessible and actionable for programme staff, government counterparts, and other stakeholders. Build MEL capacity across the programme team, implementing partners, and LASUBEB counterparts. Support alignment with national EMIS and assessment frameworks, contributing to system-level strengthening and sustainability. Required QualificationsAdvanced degree (Master’s or higher) in education, evaluation, statistics, economics, international development, or a related field. Minimum of 12+ years of progressively responsible experience in monitoring, evaluation, and learning for large-scale education programmes in low- and middle-income countries, preferably in Nigeria or West Africa. Demonstrated experience in outcomes-based financing, payment-by-results, or performance-based contracting, with a strong understanding of how MEL systems drive programme success. Proven expertise in quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods, including pre-post testing, benchmarking, and use of tools such as EGRA, EGMA, and NALA. Experience designing and managing digital data systems and dashboards for real-time performance tracking and adaptive management. Strong track record of working with third-party evaluators, managing verification processes, and ensuring data integrity and compliance with ethical standards. Familiarity with Nigeria’s education data systems, EMIS frameworks, and national learning assessment policies. Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with experience working collaboratively with government agencies, donors, and implementing partners. Ability to lead MEL capacity strengthening initiatives across diverse teams and partners. Oral and written fluency in English required. Applications from national and international/regional locals welcomed. This job description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.FHI 360 is an employer with equal opportunity and affirmative action. FHI 360 is committed to providing equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or veteran status in policies, programs, or activities.This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.Our values and commitments to safeguarding: FHI 360 is committed to preventing any type of abuse, exploitation and harassment in our work environments and programs, including sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment. FHI 360 takes steps to safeguard the welfare of everyone who engages with our organization and programs and requires that all personnel, including staff members and volunteers, share this commitment and sign our code of conduct. 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