About Trees for the Future

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. We’ve worked all around the world and are currently active in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. TREES has planted over 400 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

The Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Assistant supports the implementation of monitoring systems that ensure accurate, timely, and verifiable data on project performance. The role focuses on coordinating field data collection, conducting first–line data quality assurance and validation, and supporting analysis and reporting that inform program management, carbon project verification, and organizational learning.

Based in Homa Bay, the MEL Assistant works closely with field teams and the Kenya MEL team to implement MEL activities across TREES Lake Victoria Watershed Agroforestry Carbon Project. This includes organizing monitoring activities, supporting surveys and specialized field measurements, strengthening data quality processes, and contributing to routine reporting against project indicators.

This is a full–time position reporting to the MEL Officer and collaborating closely with the MEL team in Kisumu, including the MEL Director, MEL Officer, and GIS Analyst. The role requires frequent travel to project sites across Homa Bay and surrounding areas to support field monitoring, verification, and data collection activities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

MEL Planning, Data Collection, and Data Quality Assurance

• Support annual and quarterly MEL workplans in alignment and coordination with program team’s plans and priorities.

• Coordinate logistics for data collection activities, including field schedules, sampling/targeting guidance, planning, and device readiness.

• Conduct routine and periodic field monitoring – using mobile data collection (TaroWorks) and other tools–to collect quantitative and qualitative data with farmers, lead farmers, and field staff, verifying implementation quality and adherence to program standards.

• Conduct interviews with farmers and program participants to support case studies, learning documentation, and communications products that highlight program outcomes and farmer success.

• Support specialized field data collection activities including field area measurement, biodiversity assessments, and geospatial data collection (e.g., polygon mapping) as required by the program.

• Submit monthly monitoring data into Salesforce accurately and on time.

• Monitor project progress against targets and identify issues.

• Conduct first–line data quality assurance (DQA), including completeness checks, spot validations, range/outlier reviews, duplicate checks, and follow–up resolution with field teams.

• Support carbon program data collection and other surveys through all stages: planning, training of data collectors (if applicable), data verification, analysis, reporting, including adherence to ethical standards.

Data Analysis, Management, and Reporting

• Support basic analysis and visualization (tables, simple charts, and maps where applicable) to help teams interpret progress and identify gaps.

• Interpret monitoring results and highlight trends, risks, or implementation gaps for program teams.

• Produce routine monitoring outputs (e.g., weekly summaries, field performance snapshots, and issue logs) and contribute to the preparation of monthly, quarterly, semi–annual, and annual project performance reports for internal leadership and external stakeholders to support timely decision–making.

• Track progress against project indicators and targets and support updates to MEL frameworks and tools.

• Maintain secure and well–organized data files and documentation to support internal controls, learning, and reporting.

Field Team Support, Training, and Learning

• Provide ongoing coaching and practical support to strengthen consistent, accurate data collection across field teams.

• Deliver orientations and trainings for field staff on MEL tools, data collection protocols, and quality expectations, as assigned.

• Capture and synthesize field feedback and lessons learned to inform continuous improvement and adaptive management discussions.

• Provide MEL representation during site visits, investor visits, and learning events by preparing documentation and clearly explaining monitoring approaches and metrics.

Digital Systems and Tool Administration

• Support the setup and administration of digital data collection systems (e.g., TaroWorks), including form deployment, user access support, and syncing workflows.

• Support the maintenance, updating, and integrity of the project database and related MEL information systems.

Compliance, Ethics, and Audit Readiness

• Ensure data collection follows ethical and safeguarding standards, including where applicable informed consent, confidentiality, and secure handling of devices and files.

• Support compliance with any required government research permits and approvals, as directed by the MEL Director.

• Maintain audit–ready documentation and evidence (e.g., attendance records, monitoring logs, verification checklists) in line with internal requirements and relevant standards.

• Escalate data integrity risks, implementation constraints, or ethical concerns promptly to the MEL Director, with clear documentation and suggested next steps.

Perform other project–related duties as assigned by your supervisor.

WHO YOU ARE

• Mission–driven. You are passionate about improving livelihoods through agroforestry and committed to TREES’ mission of supporting farmers to restore their land and strengthen their communities.

• Action–oriented. You proactively support field monitoring activities–organizing data collection, ensuring data is accurate and timely, and flagging emerging issues or risks to the MEL team.

• Collaborative. You work closely with the MEL team, GIS Analyst, and field staff to implement monitoring systems and ensure consistent data collection across project sites.

• A capable trainer. You support training and refresher sessions for field staff on MEL tools, data collection protocols, and data quality expectations.

• Detail–oriented. You understand what details matter in monitoring and data management–and you get them right.

• A practical problem solver. You identify challenges early, adapt to new information, and work with colleagues to find solutions.

• A clear communicator. You build strong working relationships and translate technical information into practical insights for program teams.

• Self–motivated. You work effectively with minimal supervision and take ownership of your responsibilities.

REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of a basic degree in Demography, Statistics, Social Sciences, Information Technology, or equivalent.

• At least two (2) years of experience in the implementation of MEL in development projects implemented by national/international NGOs/UN bodies/ Government.

• Experience providing MEL related training, and coaching to all levels of stakeholders.

• Proven ICT skills, especially in use of mobile data collection, i.e. TaroWorks, ODK, CommCare, KoboCollect.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

• Experience using Excel and statistical software such as SPSS, Stata, Epi Info, or similar tools for data analysis.

• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to interpret monitoring data, identify trends or data quality issues, and collaborate with program teams to use evidence to improve implementation.

• Report writing, PowerPoint development, and excellent oral presentation skills.

• Strong community facilitation skills as well as experience in providing remote support or willingness to learn effective remote facilitation and support skills.

• Willing and able to travel extensively in the field, troubleshoot in remote areas, and converse with smallholder farmers.

• A valid motorcycle license with experience in riding both on and off road and a history of safe motorcycle operation.

• Fluency in written and spoken English, Swahili is preferred or local language an added advantage.

Preferred:

• Experience implementing surveys and/or other field data collection and supporting data quality assessments (DQAs) in development or agricultural programs.
• Experience in M&E of Agriculture and/or Environmental Protection projects.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND BENEFITS

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, comprehensive medical insurance, workers' compensation, and substantial paid time off, including annual leave and sick leave.

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 resume by March 19th, 2026. 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 national, 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.