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. 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. 

Learn more at trees.org. 

THE ROLE

We are seeking a dynamic leader with proven experience in strategic measurement, developing large teams, and communicating results effectively. The Senior Director, Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) will lead all MEL functions and be an important member of organizational leadership. The goal of the MEL department is to both prove and improve program impact and to establish a culture of curiosity and data driven decision-making at TREES. This is a unique opportunity to build a world-class MEL system that transforms organizational learning, informs strategy, and strengthens TREES’ position as a leader in agroforestry and climate resilience. Reporting to the CEO, the Senior Director will oversee MEL staffing at the central and country levels, cultivate high-value partnerships, and lead efforts to capture and communicate the environmental, economic, and social benefits of our work—including our Forest Garden model and participation in Voluntary Carbon Markets. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Develop and implement TREES’ measurement framework in line with the organization’s theory of change and strategic objectives. This includes developing the underlying tools and processes needed to monitor progress over time, test and improve the theory of change, and capture impact. 
• Establish a learning agenda based on the measurement framework. Lead change management activities to increase the use of results and application of tools. Champion cross-departmental initiatives that pivot program activities in response to new evidence. 
• Build a global MEL team that delivers the organization’s measurement and learning objectives. Mentor and develop MEL staff to deliver results that are timely, informative, high quality, and cost-effective. Set the standard for excellence in rural data collection. 
• Design, implement, and continuously improve TREES’ MEL system. The system should capture core outcomes related to prosperity, land restoration, and ROI. It should also include program quality standards for Forest Gardens and meet global standards for the verified number of carbon units (VCUs), the voluntary carbon market (VCM), and measures of poverty.  
• Ensure proper data management for timely and accurate (progress) reporting in close collaboration with the other team members. Ensure that IRB standards are met for studies with human subjects. 
• Continue to deepen TREES’ evidence base through periodic experimental studies of program impact or long-term outcomes on farmers' lives and livelihoods. This can be contracted through external research partners or conducted in-house.  
• Propose annual budgets to support the MEL function and manage activities according to approved levels. 
• Represent TREES at industry events and environmental, agroforestry, carbon, or global development forums. Identify opportunities to publish or share TREES studies externally.  
• Collaborate with the communications team for accurate and effective communication of TREES results to key stakeholders and our various media channels 

WHO YOU ARE 

• A mission-driven leader who is energized by TREES’ work and committed to delivering measurable, meaningful results for farmers and the environment. 
• A strategic and hands-on expert with experience leading MEL functions at scale, particularly in Africa-based agriculture or development programs. 
• A data-driven decision-maker who brings expertise in qualitative and quantitative methodologies, measurement frameworks, and cost-effective MEL solutions. 
• An innovator in impact measurement skilled at integrating technology and partnerships to enhance data accuracy and usability; excellent at implementing practical solutions in real-world contexts. 
• An effective communicator able to translate complex MEL insights into compelling narratives for internal and external audiences. 
• A collaborative leader comfortable working across cultures, disciplines, and geographies to drive organizational learning and performance. 

REQUIREMENTS 

• Master’s or PhD in environmental science, environmental engineering, climate change, development economics, sustainable development, or a related field. 
• Ten (10) or more years of experience executing and leading MEL functions for agriculture, agroforestry, conservation, or related development programs in Africa. 
• Strong experience with staff leadership and cross-functional collaboration; ability to foster change management 
• Knowledge of theory of change development and analysis, impact management and measurement, performance measurement analyses and/or business intelligence, with content expertise in smallholder agriculture and agricultural value chains. 
• Demonstrated success in leading carbon measurement and verification in land use or environmental programs (highly preferred). 
• Experience leading budgets and working with limited resources; ability to develop and implement cost-effective MEL strategies 
• Proficiency in French a plus, but not required. 

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. Ensure both documents are shared as PDF or Word documents. We review applications on a rolling basis.  

COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION & EQUITY 

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.