Zambia MEL Lead (Fixed-Term)

About One Acre Fund

Since 2006, One Acre Fund has empowered 5.5 million smallholder farmers across nine African countries by providing quality farm supplies, accessible credit, agronomic training, and more, helping farmers increase income and resilience. Operating with a diverse team of over 9,000, the organization seeks to transform agriculture in the region.

In Zambia, based in Kabwe, One Acre Fund delivers a climate-smart input and agroforestry initiative to combat challenges like irregular rainfall and soil degradation. Through partnerships with local Tree Nursery Operators, the program distributes agroforestry trees to boost soil enrichment and long-term financial resilience. The field team operates across Central and Southern Provinces, utilizing robust data-driven methods to assess impact on yields, assets, and food security.

Role Overview

The Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Lead will oversee daily field data collection, statistical analysis, data quality assurance, and manage a 13-member field implementation team. Based in Kabwe and reporting to the Research and Data Lead, the position involves managing surveys from design through deployment, ensuring evidence-backed impact for climate-smart agriculture projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop statistically rigorous data collection tools and survey methodologies tailored to rural agricultural programs.
• Implement stringent data management workflows, cleaning protocols, and automated quality checks to reduce errors.
• Regularly audit and optimize data collection and reporting processes.
• Analyze survey data using tools like R or Python to generate summary statistics and advanced impact analyses (regression, multilevel modeling, difference-in-difference).
• Apply suitable statistical methods based on data characteristics and communicate findings with actionable recommendations for program teams and leadership.
• Coordinate large-scale field survey initiatives across Central and Southern Provinces, from planning to final dataset delivery.
• Lead, mentor, and build the capacity of field teams and supervisors to ensure high-quality data collection.
• Manage complex field logistics, schedules, and deployment strategies in remote, rural settings.
• Ensure data integrity by enforcing validation and back-check procedures during fieldwork.
• Collaborate closely with operational managers and global advisors to refine survey structures and tackle field challenges proactively.
• Assume full responsibility for dataset accuracy, operational benchmarks, and team deliverables.
• Serve as liaison with the Global MEL team, conveying performance metrics and program insights.

Career Development

The organization promotes continuous learning with weekly manager check-ins, mentorship opportunities, training programs, frequent feedback, biannual career reviews, and support for personal growth and long-term career advancement.

Qualifications

• Fluency in R, Python, or equivalent languages along with experience in survey platforms such as CommCare, ODK, or KoboToolbox and familiarity with Google Sheets.
• Strong background in quantitative and qualitative survey design, advanced statistical knowledge, and handling complex datasets.
• Experience supervising field teams, enumerators, or data collectors in rural environments.
• Proven skills in coaching and developing junior field staff’s technical and data capabilities.
• Ability to anticipate challenges, manage timelines, and resolve field personnel or logistics issues before affecting data quality.
• Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Statistics, Agricultural Economics, Development Studies, or related disciplines; Master’s degree or higher preferred.

Additional Details

• Position based in Kabwe, Zambia.
• Contract duration: 1 year.
• Benefits include health insurance and paid time off.
• Eligibility restricted to Zambia citizens or permanent residents.
• Applications reviewed continuously until the role is filled, with a final deadline of 28 November 2026.
• One Acre Fund upholds a strict no-payment policy during recruitment and emphasizes diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism in its workplace culture.