At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow the Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) practice with strategic and hands-on involvement.
- Company: Join a values-led consultancy committed to making analysis more human and impactful.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, private medical insurance, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with opportunities for growth and meaningful work.
- Why this job: Shape the future of MEL while making a real difference in public sector consultancy.
- Qualifications: Significant MEL experience, strong analytical skills, and a collaborative approach.
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 are 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 will 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 are 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 would 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 have 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 will 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 are 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 will 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 will be an experienced MEL leader with strong technical expertise, commercial awareness and a collaborative, down-to-earth approach. We are 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 Milton Keynes employer: Human Economics
Human Economics is an exceptional employer that offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) within a values-driven consultancy. With a collaborative culture, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to employee growth through learning and development budgets, we empower our team to make a meaningful impact in public sector consultancy. Join us to be part of a supportive environment where your expertise will help define our MEL strategy and build lasting client relationships.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Line Lead - Monitoring Evaluation & Learning in Milton Keynes
✨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
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
Use our website to apply! We’ve got a streamlined process that makes it easy for you to showcase your skills. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the time to understand our values and mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Line Lead - Monitoring Evaluation & Learning in Milton Keynes
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 roles. Use concrete examples that demonstrate your ability to lead MEL 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’re well-versed in the latest trends and methodologies in Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning. Brush up on theory-based, participatory, and utilisation-focused approaches, as these will likely come up during your interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading MEL projects and teams. Be ready to discuss how you've defined strategies and built client relationships, as this role is all about leadership and influence.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice explaining complex evaluation findings in simple terms. The ability to communicate effectively with non-technical audiences is crucial, so think of ways to demonstrate this skill during your interview.
✨Align with Their Values
Research Human Economics and understand their commitment to making consultancy more human. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to a collaborative, purpose-driven culture.
