MONITORING, EVALUATION & LEARNING (MEL) ASSISTANT

About LABE

LABE was founded in 1989 at Makerere University to provide nonformal literacy and basic education to adults, including urban refugees from neighbouring countries. It is now among the largest indigenous non-governmental education organisations in Uganda. LABE is registered with the Ugandan NGO Board, registration number INDR11921197NB, with headquarters located at Kiggundu Mitala Road, Block 220 Plot 1527, Banda-Kyambogo in Kampala, and operates across Uganda. LABE delivers interventions integrating literacy and basic education for children and adults through partnerships with international, national and community-level Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Government, the Private Sector, primary schools and parents.

About the project

The PlayMatters Project under LABE is looking for a Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Assistant to support the effective implementation, monitoring and documentation of project activities in Yumbe. PlayMatters aims to promote learning through play for children aged 3 to 12+ affected by conflict in Uganda. The project engages a range of stakeholders, including children, caregivers, educators, communities and education systems.

LABE leads PlayMatters implementation in Yumbe, focusing on community engagement, gender and inclusion, quality implementation, tracking outputs, and documenting lessons learned. The MEL Assistant will support the Field Coordinator, Education Officer and MEL team in data collection, monitoring, data entry and cleaning, data verification, documentation, reporting and learning

The MEL Assistant will be responsible for supporting the effective monitoring, documentation and learning of PlayMatters project activities in Yumbe, ensuring that accurate and timely programme data and supporting evidence are collected, organised and maintained.

Working closely with the Field Coordinator, Education Officer and MEL team, the MEL Assistant will support routine data collection, data entry, data cleaning, data verification, field monitoring, documentation and reporting to ensure that project activities and outputs are properly tracked and reported.

The holder of this position is expected to work collaboratively with relevant field-level stakeholders, including project staff, education stakeholders, community structures, teachers, partners and other stakeholders involved in PlayMatters implementation.

The major challenge of the role is to ensure the accuracy, completeness and timely availability of project data and evidence to support effective implementation, decision-making, accountability and donor reporting.

This requires the job holder to:

• Support the timely collection, entry and submission of project monitoring data.
• Ensure that assigned data and supporting documentation are accurate, complete, well organised and readily retrievable.
• Support data quality checks, verification exercises and field monitoring activities.
• Maintain confidentiality and ensure proper handling of project and beneficiary information.
• Work effectively with different project teams and stakeholders in a dynamic field environment.
• Demonstrate good communication, interpersonal, organisational and teamwork skills.
• Support the documentation of project achievements, lessons learned, success stories and other learning evidence.

• Lead on routine project monitoring and evaluation activities for PlayMatters
• Support the collection and verification of data through field visits, spot checks, and accurate MEL tool completion.
• Oversee the distribution, proper filing, and review of data collection tools for completeness
• Maintain, update, and develop activity logs, workplan trackers, and program tracking tools

• Collect and document supporting evidence for program activities, including reports, photographs, and attendance lists

• Assist program teams and stakeholders in implementing routine monitoring and meeting data submission timelines

• Enter program data accurately into approved databases and digital management systems
• Conduct basic checks and support data cleaning, validation, and quality assessments
• Follow established procedures to maintain organized, audit-ready electronic and hard-copy records
• Ensure source documents and evidence files are properly labeled, filed, and easily retrievable
• Report data inconsistencies, errors, and missing information to the MEL Manager or Officer
• Maintain strict confidentiality and secure handling of program and beneficiary information

• Support the compilation of weekly, monthly and quarterly MEL information and reports.
• Assist in preparing and updating Indicator Tracking Tables (ITTs), activity trackers and other reporting templates
• Provide accurate data and statistical information to the Field Coordinator, MEL Officer/MEL Manager or any other person for reporting.
• Support the documentation of project achievements, lessons learned, challenges and emerging issues.
• Assist in identifying and documenting beneficiary success stories, case studies and change stories.
• Support program staff to collect information and evidence for case studies and learning products.
• Participate in reflection and learning meetings and document key actions and lessons
• Support community, partner and stakeholder feedback activities
• Assist in consolidating feedback received from communities and stakeholders and refer issues requiring action to the appropriate staff.
• Support the organization and storage of MEL reports, learning materials and other knowledge products

• Follow up with relevant staff on outstanding data and MEL submissions as directed by the MEL Officer.
• Provide timely information and data required for program reviews, meetings and reporting.
• Support program teams to use MEL tools correctly and consistently.
• Participate in program review and coordination meetings where required.
• Maintain updated records of MEL activities and follow-up actions.

• Support the Field Coordinator, MEL Officer/MEL Manager during baselines, assessments, surveys, evaluations and research activities.
• Support preparation and organization of data collection materials and tools.
• Support field teams and enumerators during data collection activities as assigned.
• Assist with data entry, cleaning and organization for research and evaluation exercises.
• Support the documentation and filing of research and evaluation materials.
• Participate in dissemination and learning activities related to monitoring, evaluation and research findings.

• Support the Field Coordinator, MEL Officer/MEL Manager in orienting staff, community structures, partners and enumerators on MEL tools and data collection procedures.
• Provide basic guidance to field staff on the correct completion and submission of MEL tools, as delegated.
• Participate in refresher training and mentoring activities.
• Support staff to comply with MEL data collection, reporting and documentation requirements.
• Report challenges experienced by field staff in using MEL tools to the MEL Officer/MEL Manager.

• Observe safeguarding principles and promote inclusion during all data collection, monitoring, and MEL activities
• Maintain confidentiality and protect the personal information of children, vulnerable adults, and diverse beneficiaries
• Immediately report any safeguarding or gender-inclusion concerns identified during MEL activities through proper channels
• Ensure informed consent, equal participation, and appropriate data protection procedures are followed during data collection
• Support the collection and documentation of inclusive community feedback in line with accountability and safeguarding procedures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics, Economics, Quantitative Economics, Social Sciences, Population Studies, Monitoring and Evaluation, Development Studies, Information Management or a related field.
• Additional training or certification in Monitoring and Evaluation, data management or research methods is an added advantage.
• Minimum of 1–2 years of relevant experience in monitoring and evaluation, data management, research, reporting or program support, preferably in an NGO or development organization.
• Experience supporting field data collection and program monitoring is an added advantage.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to use or learn mobile data collection tools such as KoboToolbox, ODK or similar platforms.
• Good data entry, organization and basic data-cleaning skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate electronic and hard-copy records. Basic understanding of monitoring, evaluation and data quality principles
• Strong respectful communication skills, both oral and written.
• Strong skills in teamwork and networking.
• Familiarity with West Nile Region or Refugee settings
• Ability to ride a motor bike with valid riding permit.

Myself as a Leader

Behaves in line with our values, bringing energy and commitment to the task of safeguarding girls, children, young people, vulnerable adults and colleagues; constructive and optimistic in facing challenges and change.

Lasting Impact

Focuses effort where it will make the best contribution to LABE’S’s purpose and strategic goals; takes the initiative to find new and better ways of doing work.

Open & Accountable

Holds self and others to account for what we have agreed, dealing with poor performance quickly, firmly and constructively; at all times acts in the best interests of LABE’S and her beneficiaries.

Work Well Together

Acts as a good team player, communicating effectively and being open and supportive towards those around them; is aware of the potential impact of their behaviour on others and makes sensitive choices.

Inclusive & Empowering

Collaborates with team members, colleagues and partners in an active and engaged manner; shares information, experience and ideas with the aim of helping or empowering others.

Skills & Knowledge

Takes responsibility for own performance and development: reflecting, seeking and listening to feedback, learning from mistakes, finding people or resources to help them learn, keeping knowledge and skills up to date.

• Sound understanding of Uganda’s education system, the humanitarian sector, and key external organizations relevant to Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)
• Experience applying project management and MEL principles to support activities, ensuring data and project deliverables are met on time and to standard
• Good understanding of Learning Through Play interventions and how to measure their educational impact
• Strong analytical skills to process quantitative and qualitative data from various sources to inform MEL decisions and reports
• Effective written and spoken communication skills, with the ability to present monitoring findings clearly to diverse stakeholders
• Collaborative team player with a track record of working effectively with colleagues, welcoming diverse perspectives, and supporting inclusive project implementation

• Understanding of the project management and Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) cycle, with a track record of supporting successful project delivery
• Practical know-how in MEL tools, digital data management, and data quality assurance for education and humanitarian projects
• Experience in networking and building positive relationships with children, families, local government partners, and community-based organizations

LABE has zero tolerance of all forms of Sexual Abuse and Exploitation and it is committed to conducting his/her work in a manner that is safe for all staff and all vulnerable groups it serves at different levels.

The potential Candidate we shall hire, shall be expected to know and comply with LABE Policy and code of conduct on sexual exploitation and abuse by reporting any sexual exploitation and abuse witnessed and cooperating during investigations into Sexual Exploitation and Abus. He/ She is expected to conduct themselves in a professional and ethical manner with integrity to safeguard her employees and all vulnerable group of people involved in LABE work.

Interested candidates with matching qualifications and attributes are requested to send their applications and Detailed CVs letter to the Human Resources unit: annet@labeuganda.org by 14th October 2026 17:30 HRS

Please attach the following documents in PDF Format as one attachment:

• Updated Curriculum Vitae with contact details (email and telephone numbers) of 3 professional referees

• Cover letter with indication of expected Gross Pay and
• Academic documents
  In your email subject please quote the position – Application for the position of MEL Assistant

  While we may be glad to communicate to all candidates, due to the volume of applications expected, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

  If you do not hear from LABE two weeks after the deadline of this Job posting, please consider your application unsuccessful.