Research, Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Officer LOCATION: Kakamega, Kenya (with field travel as required) REPORTS TO :MEAL Coordinator Employment type: Full-time | Application deadline: October 30, 2026 ABOUT ICS SP For over 30 years, ICS SP (Investing in Children and their Societies) has worked across Africa to build safe and nurturing environments for children and families. Our programming spans Violence and Exploitation, Early Childhood Care and Development, Inclusive and Safe Education, and Sustainable Livelihoods. Visit www.icsafrica-sp.org to learn more about us. PURPOSE OF THE ROLE Reporting to the MEAL Coordinator, the Research, Monitoring & Evaluation Officer will lead day-to-day implementation of results-based monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning activities for ICS SP programmes supported from Kakamega. The Officer will work with programme teams and partners to develop and operate robust M&E systems, generate credible evidence of results, strengthen reporting and use learning to improve programme quality and effectiveness. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Results-based monitoring, evaluation and programme quality Develop, implement and regularly refine results-based M&E systems, results frameworks, indicator definitions, monitoring plans and practical data-collection tools in collaboration with the MEAL Coordinator and programme teams; align these with ICS SP and donor requirements. Monitor project activities, outputs and progress against approved plans and targets, identify performance gaps and implementation of bottlenecks, and recommend corrective actions to project management. Plan and undertake routine field monitoring and data verification visits; prepare clear findings, action points and follow-up reports for programme teams and management. Coordinate field-level inputs to baseline assessments, evaluations, research and other studies, ensuring sound methods, reliable evidence and follow-up on recommendations. 2. Data management, analysis and quality assurance Maintain accurate, timely, and secure indicator-tracking systems, project databases and supporting records, with consistent data collection and documentation procedures. Conduct data quality checks, cleaning, verification and analysis; reconcile figures across field tools, databases and reports, and strengthen completeness, accuracy and timeliness of project and partner submissions. Analyze quantitative and qualitative data, including appropriately authorized child protection case-management, capacity-strengthening and awareness-raising data, and present findings responsibly and with relevant disaggregation. Produce dashboards, evidence briefs and data visualizations to communicate project results and inform operational decisions, donor reports and programme improvements. 3. Planning, reporting and M&E capacity strengthening Prepare annual and quarterly M&E component plans and budgets and contribute to consolidated project work plans, target-setting exercises, and annual programme reviews. Prepare and consolidate monthly, quarterly and annual results reports, key-result summaries, M&E reports, and evidence-based inputs to management and donor reporting. Organize and facilitate M&E trainings, review meetings and workshops, including concepts, agendas, tools and learning materials; coach programme staff, partners and community structures in using the M&E framework. Support project coordinators to prepare performance reviews and planning workshops, using verified results to identify challenges, lessons, and recommendations. 4. Accountability, safeguarding and responsible data management Strengthen community feedback and accountability mechanisms and support appropriate documentation, referral and escalation of concerns in line with ICS SP procedures. Ensure ethical data collection, informed consent, confidentiality, child safeguarding and data protection standards in monitoring, research, case-related data and dissemination of findings. Promote safe, inclusive and participatory M&E approaches, with particular care in engagement with children and vulnerable communities. 5. Research, knowledge sharing and coordination Identify and document evidence-based success stories, achievements, lessons learned and good practices and translate findings into practical recommendations for programme improvement. Compile and disseminate relevant information from project data systems to programme management, donors and other authorized stakeholders in accessible formats. Facilitate learning exchanges, periodic reflection, and the integration of evaluation and research findings into organizational knowledge management, planning, and strategy. Collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, research actors and M&E networks; represent ICS SP in relevant technical forums as delegated by the MEAL Coordinator. REQUISITE REQUIREMENTS Bachelor’s degree in Monitoring and Evaluation, Statistics, Economics, Social Sciences, Community Development or related field. Minimum five years of progressively responsible M&E experience in NGO, child-focused, community development or related social-impact programming. Demonstrated ability to develop and implement results-based M&E systems, indicators and tools, conduct field monitoring and data quality assessments, and prepare high-quality results and donor reports. Proficiency in Excel and digital data collection (such as Kobo Toolbox or ODK); experience using statistical analysis or data visualization tools is an added advantage. Understanding quantitative and qualitative research, evaluations, case-related data analysis, and ethical monitoring approaches. Strong planning, organization, communication, report writing, facilitation, analytical judgement and stakeholder engagement skills; ability to coach programme teams and partners. Commitment to safeguarding, confidentiality and responsible handling of personal and case-related data. Excellent written and spoken English and Kiswahili; ability and willingness to travel regularly to project sites. ICS SP’s absolute priority is protecting children, vulnerable communities and our own staff. We have zero tolerance of incidents of violence, abuse and exploitation of children and other people in the communities we serve, whether committed by our staff or others connected to our work. Successful applicants will be required to sign and adhere to our safeguarding, child protection and prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA) code of conduct and policies.