Senior Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Lead for Zambia at One Acre Fund

About One Acre Fund Founded in 2006, One Acre Fund equips 5.5 million smallholder farmers to make their farms more productive. Across nine countries that together are home to two-thirds of Africa’s farmers, we provide high-quality farm supplies, tree seedlings, accessible credit, modern agronomic training, and a wide range of other agricultural services. On average, this model enables any farmer to increase their income and assets on supported land by more than 35 percent, while permanently improving their resilience. This is all made possible by our team of 9,000+ full-time staff, drawn from diverse backgrounds and professions. To learn more, please see our Why Work Here blog post. In Zambia, from our hub in Kabwe, we run a specialised climate-smart input and agroforestry program to address challenges such as irregular rainfall and soil degradation. By partnering with local Tree Nursery Operators, we raise and distribute agroforestry trees that enrich soils and build long-term financial resilience. Supported by a structured frontline field team across Central and Southern Provinces, we use rigorous, data-driven frameworks to measure our impact and ensure we drive meaningful improvements in farmer yields, asset accumulation, and food security. About the Role We are seeking an exceptional MEL professional with 4+ years of experience to run our day-to-day field data collection operations, and statistical analysis, strengthen data quality, and manage our 13-person field implementation teams. You will coordinate the entire survey lifecycle from questionnaire scripting and data cleaning to field deployment across our operational districts, ensuring our climate-smart agriculture and agroforestry programs are backed by bulletproof evidence to drive impact for smallholder farmers in Zambia. As the team’s direct link to our Global MEL team, you’ll be based in Kabwe and report to our Research and Data Lead. Responsibilities Survey Design & Data Management Design statistically sound data collection instruments and survey methodologies tailored to rural agricultural interventions. Establish rigorous data management workflows, cleaning protocols, and automated quality assurance checks to minimise data errors. Continuously audit and improve data collection processes to streamline reporting pipelines. Survey Analysis Analyse survey data using statistical software (R, Python, etc.) to produce summary statistics and rigorous impact analysis and other statistical analysis as needed (e.g. regression, multi-level modeling, and difference-in-difference methods). Apply appropriate statistical approaches, including parametric and non-parametric methods, based on the nature of the data. Translate findings into clear, actionable recommendations for program and leadership teams, including contributing to the yearly impact report. Field Implementation & Team Management involves leading field teams to execute projects efficiently, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards. This role requires strong leadership and organizational skills to oversee daily operations, resolve on-site challenges, and maintain clear communication between field personnel and stakeholders. Candidates must possess proven experience in project management, field operations, and team coordination, with a focus on delivering results in dynamic environments. Proficiency in relevant tools and methodologies, along with a commitment to safety and compliance, is essential. Coordinate and oversee comprehensive field survey initiatives from initial planning through to final dataset delivery, spanning Central and Southern Provinces. Oversee the development, mentorship, and skill enhancement of the field implementation team and supervisor networks. Develop and oversee intricate logistical plans, schedules, and deployment approaches tailored for remote and rural data collection operations. Ensure the accuracy and reliability of field data by implementing stringent validation measures and conducting thorough back-checking procedures. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Execution We will collaborate closely with operational managers and global technical advisors, incorporating their feedback to refine and enhance survey designs iteratively. Diligently detect and address operational and logistical inefficiencies occurring in the field. Assume full accountability for ensuring the precision of the final dataset, the integrity of operational metrics, and the timely completion of all team deliverables. Acting as a primary liaison with the Global MEL team, this role involves disseminating performance metrics and program insights. Career Growth and Development We foster a culture of continuous growth and are committed to investing in our employees’ development. You will participate in weekly one-on-one meetings with your manager, receive guidance through mentorship and structured training initiatives, and obtain consistent performance feedback. Bi-annual career assessments are conducted to evaluate progress and align on future aspirations and professional objectives. This role offers the chance to contribute to an expanding enterprise while cultivating a fulfilling, sustainable career path. Qualifications Across all roles, these are the general qualifications we look for. For this role specifically, you will have: Knowledge of R, Python, or suitable languages, combined with survey tools (e.g., CommCare, ODK, KoboToolbox), and Google Sheets. Proficiency in quantitative/qualitative survey design, handling complex datasets, with a solid grounding in statistics Prior experience directly supervising field teams, enumerator networks, or data collectors in rural environments. Demonstrated capability in training, coaching, and elevating the technical execution and data capacity of junior field staff. Ability to look ahead, manage team timelines, and resolve personnel or logistical field issues before they impact data quality. Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Statistics, Agricultural Economics, Development Studies, or a related field. Masters degree (or higher) preferred. Preferred Start Date As soon as possible Job Location Kabwe, Zambia Benefits Health insurance, paid time off Contract Duration 1 year Eligibility This role is only open to citizens or permanent residents of Zambia. Application Deadline 28 November 2026. Please note that we hire on a rolling basis which means that applications are reviewed and processed on a continuous basis until a hire is made. One Acre Fund never asks candidates to pay any money or pay for tests at any stage of the interview process. Official One Acre Fund emails will always arrive from an @ oneacrefund.org address. Please report any suspicious communication here ( ), but do not

[Click the Apply button below to apply, and Create my CV to build a CV tailored to this offer, professionally]