Monitoring and Evaluation Manager Job Description

A Monitoring and Evaluation Manager builds the systems that tell an NGO whether its programmes are working. They design indicators and data tools, lead baseline and endline studies, run data quality checks, and turn findings into reports for programmes and donors. The role reports to the Programme Director or Executive Director. A good M and E manager gives leaders reliable, timely evidence, keeps data quality high across field sites, and makes sure evaluations actually change how programmes are run.

Detail	For this role
Department	NGO and Social Sector
Level	Manager
Reports to	Programme Director
Direct reports	Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Field Investigator
Experience	6 to 10 years in monitoring and evaluation

Monitoring and Evaluation Manager job description template

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Job title: Monitoring and Evaluation Manager

Department: NGO and Social Sector

Reports to: Programme Director

Location: [City], [office, branch or site]

About the role

Key responsibilities

Design the monitoring framework, indicators and targets for each programme with the programme team.
Build data collection tools and mobile forms, and set the data flow from field to dashboard.
Plan and lead baseline, midline and endline studies, including sampling and field teams.
Run data quality checks and field verification so reported numbers can be trusted.
Analyse programme data and prepare reports that explain what is working and what is not.
Prepare donor monitoring reports against the agreed indicators and log frames.
Train field staff and partners on data collection, tools and reporting standards.
Turn evaluation findings into clear recommendations and follow up on their use.
Manage the M and E budget, external evaluators and study timelines.
Keep data protection and consent standards across all data collection.

Requirements

Postgraduate in statistics, economics, social work or development
Training in M and E methods is an advantage
Skill in a data analysis package
6 to 10 years in monitoring and evaluation

KRAs and KPIs for a Monitoring and Evaluation Manager

Key result areas for the appraisal form, each with a KPI you can measure every month or quarter.

Key result area	How to measure it
Data quality	Field data passing quality checks above the agreed accuracy threshold each cycle
Timely reporting	Monitoring and donor reports delivered by the agreed dates every time
Studies	Baseline and endline studies completed on schedule and within budget
Use of findings	Evaluation recommendations acted on by programmes within the agreed period
Capability	Field staff and partners trained on tools before each data round
Data protection	Consent and data protection standards met with no breach in the year

Skills and tools

M and E framework designIndicator and log frame designQuantitative analysisSurvey methodsData visualisationReport writingTeam trainingAttention to detail

Tools used day to day: KoboToolbox or ODK, MS Excel and SPSS, Power BI or Tableau, Statistical sampling tools, Survey tablets.

Reporting line and career path

Moves up from: Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Research Associate, Programme Coordinator
Next roles: Head of M and E, Programme Director, Research Director

Interview questions for a Monitoring and Evaluation Manager

How do you design indicators for a programme so they measure real change?
How do you make sure data collected in the field is accurate and not fabricated?
Walk me through planning a baseline study, from sampling to analysis.
How do you present findings so a programme team acts on them?
How do you protect the privacy of the people you collect data from?
Tell me about an evaluation that changed how a programme was run.

Managing a Monitoring and Evaluation Manager in ZeniaHR

AttendanceThe M and E manager works the general shift from the office and punches by web from the office network, with study field visits filed as on duty. During survey rounds, field investigators use mobile app punches with location at the survey area.LeaveAvoid leave during baseline and endline field rounds and donor reporting deadlines, when the whole M and E schedule is tight. Use the leave calendar to plan cover, and balances are tracked in the leave ledger.Performance and KRAsSet data quality, timely reporting and use of findings as weighted goals in an annual review cycle with a rating scale, rated by the programme director. Review study progress and report deadlines each month.

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Frequently asked questions

What does a monitoring and evaluation manager do?

A monitoring and evaluation manager builds the systems that show whether an NGO's programmes are working. They design indicators and data tools, lead baseline and endline studies, run data quality checks, analyse results, and prepare reports for programmes and donors. They make sure evidence is reliable and that findings actually change how programmes are run.

What is the difference between monitoring and evaluation?

Monitoring is the ongoing tracking of a programme's activities and indicators, so teams know progress in real time. Evaluation is a deeper, periodic study that judges whether the programme achieved its outcomes and why. An M and E manager runs both, using routine monitoring for course correction and evaluations for bigger lessons.

What qualifications do you need to be an M and E manager?

Most M and E managers hold a postgraduate degree in statistics, economics, social work or development, plus training in monitoring and evaluation methods. Employers look for skill in indicator and log frame design, quantitative analysis using tools like Excel and SPSS, survey methods, data visualisation, and the ability to write clear reports.