Evaluation and Learning Manager

Career Guide
An Evaluation and Learning Manager designs and leads systems to measure program results, understand what is working, and turn evidence into practical improvements. The role blends evaluation planning, data collection, analysis, reporting, and learning facilitation so teams can make better decisions and show impact to funders and partners.

Key Responsibilities

  • Build an evaluation strategy aligned to program goals
  • Define outcomes, indicators, and targets
  • Design data collection tools and processes
  • Set up data quality checks and documentation
  • Analyze quantitative data and qualitative data
  • Translate findings into clear insights for different audiences
  • Create reports, dashboards, and briefs for leaders and funders
  • Facilitate learning sessions and after action reviews
  • Support program teams to test improvements and track changes
  • Manage evaluation partners and consultants when needed
  • Ensure ethical data practices and informed consent
  • Contribute to grant reporting and impact storytelling

Top Skills for Success

Stakeholder Management
Clear Writing
Facilitation
Project Management
Data Analysis
Survey Design
Interviewing
Monitoring Framework Design
Indicator Development
Data Quality Management
Learning Agenda Design
Grant Reporting

Career Progression

Can Lead To
Director of Monitoring and Evaluation
Director of Learning and Impact
Head of Research and Evaluation
Impact Director
Program Director
Transition Opportunities
Research Manager
Data and Insights Manager
Strategy and Operations Manager
Policy Analyst
Social Impact Consultant

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills
Experimental DesignQuasi Experimental DesignCost Effectiveness AnalysisDashboard BuildingData GovernanceChange ManagementKnowledge ManagementContract Management
Development SuggestionsBuild a small portfolio that shows an evaluation plan, a data collection tool, an analysis summary, and a learning brief. Practice presenting findings to non technical audiences and documenting decisions made from the evidence.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range
Entry LevelUSD 65,000 to 85,000
Mid LevelUSD 85,000 to 115,000
Senior LevelUSD 115,000 to 150,000
Growth Trend
Steady growth, driven by greater accountability expectations, increased use of evidence in decision making, and funder requirements for measurable results.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers
International Rescue CommitteeSave the ChildrenWorld VisionCAREOxfamPATHFHI 360RTI InternationalMathematicaAbt GlobalDeloitteUNICEF
Industry Sectors
NonprofitInternational DevelopmentPublic HealthEducationGovernmentPhilanthropyResearch and ConsultingCorporate Social Impact

Recommended Next Steps

1
Create a sample evaluation plan for a program you know well
2
Develop a simple indicator set and a data collection schedule
3
Run a short survey or interview study and write a two page findings brief
4
Build a basic dashboard using a common reporting tool
5
Learn core ethics practices for data collection and storage
6
Join a community of practice in monitoring, evaluation, and learning
7
Update your resume with measurable outcomes and examples of learning adoption
8
Practice a stakeholder presentation that includes recommendations and risks