WHO WE ARE
At Trees for the Future (TREES), we believe farmers have the power to transform the world. For over 30 years, we’ve been a global leader in agroforestry training, partnering with farming families to build vibrant economies, sustainable food systems, and thriving ecosystems. Through our signature Forest Garden Approach—a proven nature-based solution—farmers restore their land, plant thousands of trees, and grow diverse crops, breaking cycles of climate change and generational poverty. By reclaiming their agency, farmers are creating new possibilities for their families, communities, and the environment. Active in Kenya, Mali, Senegal, Tanzania, and Uganda, TREES has planted over 350 million trees to date. Joining our passionate, collaborative team means empowering farmers to lead lasting change for people and the planet.
In Kenya, we are transforming landscapes and livelihoods across the Lake Victoria Watershed in three key regions. With over 160 staff working on the ground, we collaborate with more than 20,000 farmers to implement the Forest Garden Approach. This initiative, in partnership with Catona Climate, is pending a Carbon Market verification, allowing farmers to benefit from carbon financing while restoring their land. Learn more at trees.org/lvcarbon.
THE ROLE
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Assistant will work closely with MEL team and GIS Analyst, to develop and deploy the TREES Lake Victoria Agroforestry watershed project monitoring system as well as collaborate with the Field staff at the regional level to undertake all MEL activities (trainings, data collections, data analysis, technical support among others ) that directly improves on TREES Lake Victoria Agroforestry watershed project implementation and farmers’ success. S/he will work with modern technology to derive actionable insights that may shape the program design. S/He will offer a unique blend of hands-on field experience and overarching support for successful implementation of the MEL plan towards the implementation of the Lake Victoria Agroforestry Carbon Project. The MEL-Assistant will report to the MEL- Coordinator.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Monitor and evaluate overall progress on achievement of results
- Work closely with MEL- Coordinator in coordinating field monitoring, evaluation & learning (MEL) activities.
- Regularly collect data from project sites
- Conduct interviews with participants for case studies and communications purposes
- Represent MEL endeavors by participating in planning activities.
- Notify field staff of upcoming data collection activities, its processes, and content
- Track project data and communicate key metrics to project staff
- Prepare reports monthly, quarterly, half-yearly and annual progress on all project activities to the MEL Manager and the Director of MEL.
- Provide feedback to the Country Director, Director of Field Programs and field officers on project strategies and activities
- Notify the Director of Field Programs and Country Director of issues and risks encountered.
- Review data and perform data cleaning as necessary.
- Monitor and maintain project database.
- Participate in training field officers on all MEL systems and applications
- Oversee all data collection (Field Area Measurement, Biodiversity Assessment, Polygon taking) activities.
- Analyze all collected data and present results to the Country Program teams and MEL Director
- Offer periodical refresher training on any upcoming surveys and data collection activities to the technical field staff.
WHO YOU ARE
- An enthusiastic advocate for TREES’ mission and values. You are inspired to empower and support a team working to grow vibrant regional economies, thriving food systems, and a healthier planet. You thrive on a close-knit team that values shared integrity, inclusive collaboration, sustainable resilience, and continuous learning.
- Collaborative. You work closely with the MEL team, GIS Analyst, and Field staff to implement the TREES Lake Victoria Agroforestry watershed project monitoring system.
- Field and Technical Support. You Provide hands-on support for MEL activities, including training, data collection, analysis, and technical assistance to improve project implementation.
- Technology Integration. You have the ability to utilize modern technology to derive insights that inform program design and execution.
- Project Impact. You Support the success of the Lake Victoria Agroforestry Carbon Project and enhance farmers’ outcomes.
REQUIREMENTS
- An undergraduate Degree in the field of statistics, social science, Information technology or any other relevant academic discipline.
- At least two years of experience in the design and implementation of MEL in development projects implemented by national/international NGOs/UN bodies/ Government.
- Proven ICT skills, especially in the navigation of Android technology and web-based databases
- Expertise in analyzing data using statistical software.
- Experience in analysis and production of reports
- Experience with data quality assessments and oversight
- Experience managing and providing ongoing training to MEL field officers.
- Experience in planning and managing surveys.
- Fluency in written and spoken English, Swahili is preferred or local language an added advantage.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND BENEFIT
TREES is an International Organization that strives to be the best home for staff wanting to make an impact on the farmers we serve. We believe that the diversity of our staff contributes to excellence. TREES values collaboration and teamwork that fosters increased engagement and innovation for professional growth.
We offer a multicultural, collegial work environment with a competitive salary, medical insurance and paid time off benefit applicable for our Country Staff.
APPLY
If this opportunity speaks to you, please apply with 1) a cover letter that explains why TREES’ work excites you and why this role is a fit for you, and 2) your CV by COB February 28th 2025. Ensure both documents are shared as PDF or Word documents. We review applications on a rolling basis.
Trees for the Future is an equal-opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information, or other characteristics or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.
We embrace and value diverse skill sets and backgrounds. We are a community of leaders who are proud to represent many different nationals, racial, ethnic, socio-economic, religious, gender, and other identities. Our diversity as a community is our strength, driving our ability to be empathetic, visionary, and effective leaders.
Due to the high volume of applications received, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.