At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow the Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) practice with strategic and hands-on involvement.
- Company: Join Human Economics, a values-led consultancy focused on impactful public sector work.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to creating a welcoming workplace.
- Why this job: Shape the future of MEL while making a real difference in public-interest programmes.
- Qualifications: Significant MEL experience, strong analytical skills, and a collaborative approach are essential.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 120000 € per year.
Location: Home-based with occasional in-person/client site days
Salary: £90,000 - £120,000 per annum (depending on experience) + discretionary bonus and benefits
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Help build the future of Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) at Human Economics. Human Economics is growing and we’re looking for an exceptional MEL leader to help shape what comes next. This is a rare opportunity to join a values-led consultancy at a formative stage of growth and, working closely with the CEO, play a foundational role in building and leading our MEL practice.
As one of our first senior external hires, you’ll have the autonomy, influence and platform to create something meaningful: shaping strategy, winning exciting work, building a team, and embedding a genuinely human approach to evaluation and learning. We believe MEL should help organisations learn, adapt and improve. That means combining methodological excellence with clarity, empathy and practical insight, producing work that clients genuinely value and use.
If you’re excited by the idea of building a high-quality, impactful MEL practice delivering high quality evaluations and the opportunity to help shape the wider company, within a collaborative, purpose-driven consultancy, we’d love to hear from you.
About Human Economics: Human Economics is a specialist public sector consultancy committed to making consultancy and analysis more human – more personable, more understandable, more actionable. We help clients understand problems, identify opportunities, demonstrate value and maximise impact across complex public-interest programmes. Our work spans research, innovation, science & technology, the space sector, higher education, arts & culture, and education. Since launching in 2019, we’ve built a strong reputation for thoughtful, high-quality work and trusted long-term partnerships. Having grown organically through an associate-led model, we are now entering an exciting new phase as we build our permanent team and scale our work.
You’ll join a collaborative senior leadership team and play a central role in shaping both our MEL offer and the future direction of the company itself.
The role: Our MEL service line has grown rapidly through the success of our wider consultancy work and already includes high-profile MEL commissions across public sector and innovation-focused programmes. We’re now looking for a senior MEL expert to take this practice to the next stage - defining the offer, developing our MEL strategy, leading delivery, developing client relationships, winning new work, and building a team over time. This is both a strategic and hands-on role. You’ll combine leadership, business development and thought leadership with direct involvement in delivering high-quality evaluations and learning frameworks.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead and grow the MEL practice - define and evolve Human Economics’ MEL strategy and service offer
- Lead and deliver high-quality MEL projects including process, impact and value for money evaluations
- Provide methodological leadership across evaluation design and learning approaches
- Build and develop long-term client partnerships and identify new opportunities
- Lead business development activity including bids, tenders, networking and conferences
- Embed learning and impact, build capability and thought leadership
- Recruit and grow a high-performing MEL team over time
- Raise the profile of Human Economics and our MEL practice externally
About you:
You’ll be an experienced MEL leader with strong technical expertise, commercial awareness and a collaborative, down-to-earth approach. We’re particularly interested in candidates with:
- Significant experience delivering and leading MEL work, ideally in public sector consultancy
- Strong expertise across process, impact and value for money evaluation
- Experience using theory-based, participatory and utilisation-focused approaches
- A track record of winning work and developing client relationships
- Experience designing MEL systems for complex or innovative programmes
- Excellent analytical, writing and communication skills
- The ability to communicate complex findings clearly to non-technical audiences
- A personable, relationship-focused style that builds trust with clients and colleagues
Desirable experience:
- Experience in science, research & innovation, technology, higher education, arts & culture or related sectors
- Familiarity with DSIT and DCMS evaluation frameworks and policy
- Experience building or scaling teams and practices
- Experience working within early-stage or growing consultancies
What we offer:
- 6% employer pension contribution
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Discretionary annual bonus
- Private Medical Insurance
- Health Cash Plan
- Employee Assistance & Wellbeing Programme
- Life assurance
- Enhanced family-friendly policies
- Flexible working arrangements
- Annual learning & development budget
- Meaningful, high-impact work
- A collaborative, values-led culture where people are trusted and supported
Please be aware that we are unable to offer sponsorship, so applicants must already have permanent right to work in the UK. Human Economics is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive and welcoming workplace where everyone is treated with fairness, dignity and respect. We actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
Locations
Service Line Lead - Monitoring Evaluation & Learning in Hampshire, Portsmouth employer: Human Economics
Human Economics is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future of Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning within a values-led consultancy. With a collaborative and supportive work culture, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, a generous annual leave policy, and a commitment to professional development, all while contributing to meaningful, high-impact projects that make a difference in the public sector. Join us to be part of a growing team where your expertise will be valued and your contributions will help define our MEL practice and the company's direction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Line Lead - Monitoring Evaluation & Learning in Hampshire, Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the MEL field. Attend conferences, webinars, or local meet-ups. The more you engage, the more opportunities will come your way.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Share your insights on social media or write articles about MEL topics that excite you. This not only builds your personal brand but also attracts potential employers who value thought leadership.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply; follow up! After submitting your application through our website, drop a friendly email to express your enthusiasm. A little nudge can go a long way in keeping you on their radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by practising common MEL scenarios. Think about how you would approach specific challenges and be ready to share your past experiences. Confidence and clarity are key!
We think you need these skills to ace Service Line Lead - Monitoring Evaluation & Learning in Hampshire, Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning. We want to see how your skills align with our values and the specific requirements of the role.
Showcase Your Impact:When detailing your past work, focus on the impact you've made in previous MEL roles. Use concrete examples that demonstrate your ability to lead projects and build client relationships, as this is key for us.
Be Personable:We value a down-to-earth approach, so let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for MEL and how you can contribute to a collaborative culture at Human Economics.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Human Economics
✨Know Your MEL Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) knowledge. Familiarise yourself with the latest methodologies and frameworks, especially those relevant to public sector consultancy. Being able to discuss specific examples of your past work will show that you’re not just knowledgeable but also experienced.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Service Line Lead, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Prepare to share instances where you've successfully led teams or projects, particularly in MEL contexts. Highlight how you’ve built relationships and developed client partnerships, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Strategy
This role involves shaping the MEL strategy for Human Economics, so come prepared with ideas. Think about how you would define and evolve their MEL service offer. Be ready to discuss your vision for the practice and how you can contribute to its growth and impact.
✨Emphasise Your Collaborative Approach
Human Economics values a collaborative, down-to-earth style. During the interview, highlight your ability to work well with others and build trust. Share examples of how you’ve fostered teamwork and collaboration in previous roles, as this will resonate with their company culture.
