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.
Service Line Lead - Monitoring Evaluation & Learning in Manchester 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 Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the MEL field. Attend conferences, webinars, or local meetups. The more you engage, the more opportunities will come your way.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your best MEL projects. Share insights on social media or write articles to demonstrate your thought leadership. This will help you stand out when applying for roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply – engage! When you find a role that excites you, reach out to current employees or even the hiring manager. Ask questions about the company culture and the MEL practice. This shows genuine interest and can give you an edge.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep it human! In interviews, focus on building rapport. Share personal stories that relate to your MEL experience. Remember, they’re looking for someone who fits their values-led culture, so let your personality shine through!
We think you need these skills to ace Service Line Lead - Monitoring Evaluation & Learning in Manchester
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 Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid grasp of Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning principles. Brush up on the latest methodologies and frameworks, especially those relevant to public sector consultancy. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also demonstrate your passion for the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading MEL projects and teams. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them. This is your chance to show how you can shape and grow the MEL practice at Human Economics.
✨Build a Connection with the Interviewers
Human Economics values a personable approach, so be sure to engage with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their work and share your thoughts on how to enhance their MEL strategy. Building rapport can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Demonstrate Your Business Development Acumen
Since this role involves winning new work, be ready to discuss your experience in business development. Share specific examples of successful bids or client relationships you've built. Highlighting your commercial awareness will show that you understand the bigger picture.
