John Amara

A highly motivated and data-driven Monitoring, Evaluation, and Project manager with over 7 years of experience in international development project. specialize in designing and managing projects, framework, reporting, tracking performance indicators, Compliance, accountability and stakeholder management. Also involved in implementing robust MEL frameworks for large-scale donor-funded programmes (USAID, EU, UN). Proven expertise in data collection, analysis, directing MEL systems for economic empowerment initiatives, with a strong commitment to promoting gender equality and disability inclusion.

Skilled in leading adaptive management processes, translating quantitative and qualitative data into actionable insights, and fostering a culture of collaborative learning to enhance programme impact and influence policy. Seeking to leverage technical MEL skills and passion for inclusive development to ensure the success of the Digital Futures programme in Nigeria.

Monitoring Evaluation Manager - Mercy Corps Nigeria - Nigeria

(2023-06 - 2025-12)

Provides strategic leadership for the MEL portfolio, ensuring data-driven decision-making and high-quality implementation for multi-sectoral programmes.

• Designing and managing projects, budget, resource, stakeholder management and peace building/conflict resolution.
• Spearheaded the design and implementation of comprehensive MEL plans, ensuring alignment with global standards and donor requirements, and promoting adaptive management for multi-million dollar programmes.
• Led the analysis and synthesis of country-level data, presenting findings to senior leadership and partners to inform strategic adjustments and improve programme effectiveness.
• Championed a culture of learning by facilitating Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) processes, including quarterly reviews and reflection sessions, to systematically translate learnings into actionable program improvements.
• Ensured the highest standards of data quality, ethics, and inclusivity by developing and overseeing data quality assurance protocols and ensuring data collection tools were accessible and appropriate for all participants.
• Managed the country MEL budget and provided technical capacity building to MEL staff and program teams, fostering an environment of excellence and mutual respect.
• Developed and disseminated learning products, including success stories and learning briefs, to share knowledge with internal and external audiences.

Project Management and Monitoring Evaluation Officer - Mercy Corps Nigeria - Nigeria

(2022-10 - 2023-06)

Provided management and strategic leadership to the MEL unit, overseeing data systems and ensuring technical oversight across all implementation areas.

• Directed the design and rollout of evaluations, including baseline, mid-term, and endline studies, managing data collection, analysis, and the integration of findings into program strategy.
• Coordinated the implementation of a holistic country-level M&E system (Tola Data) to improve activity monitoring, verification, and alignment with the country's strategic plan.
• Strengthened partner capacity by providing technical and operational support on field monitoring, survey activities, and database management, ensuring high-quality data from all stakeholders.
• Managed USAID performance reporting systems, ensuring timely and accurate reporting against targets and contributing to organizational learning agendas.
• Led efforts to make M&E systems more adaptive, documenting changes to result chains and M&E frameworks to generate learnings and promote evidence-based programming.

Senior Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Officer - Mercy Corps Nigeria - Nigeria

(2018-03 - 2022-10)

Provided technical oversight for the MEL unit, tracking key indicators and ensuring the technical integrity of program implementation.

• Developed and reviewed results frameworks, M&E frameworks, and intervention strategies, ensuring they were robust and capable of measuring intended impact.
• Managed enumerators and research assistants in all data collection activities, conducting routine site visits for qualitative data gathering and data verification.
• Supported the M&E ICT Database Officer in maintaining and innovating the M&E system database (MIS) to improve program monitoring and reporting capabilities.
• Produced high-quality monthly field reports and documentation, tracking key project aspects to support adaptive learning and the scaling of proven models.

Senior Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Officer - Action Against Hunger International

(2017-12 - 2018-03)

Coordinated the M&E system and Knowledge Management for AAH projects, ensuring compliance with donor and organizational standards.

• Established systematic M&E systems, developing and implementing practical M&E plans, and ensuring the harmonization of indicators, databases, and reporting formats.
• Provided leadership at the field office level on M&E, working closely with program teams to monitor interventions, document results, and provide feedback for decision-making.
• Trained and supervised M&E Assistants and Enumerators on data collection tools, methodologies, and the use of mobile technology for efficient field data gathering.

Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Officer - Plan International - Northeast Nigeria

(2017-01 - 2017-12)

Coordinated M&E and Child Protection Information Management activities for Plan International's emergency response program in Northeast Nigeria.

• Established and supported program teams in the development and implementation of M&E plans to capture performance, results, and conduct assessments.
• Ensured the quality of data through rigorous verification procedures, including routine data quality audits, and utilized data to inform strategic decision-making and project planning.
• Produced "Routine Monitoring Reports" (RMRs) for site visits, documenting progress and providing recommendations for improvement.

MSc - Economics - Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria (2012)

BSc - Agricultural Economics - University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria (1998)