MERL Officer-BRIDGE

The MERL Officer will provide Monitoring and Evaluation services and support to the MERL unit, ensuring quality evidence generation for the BRIDGE Project's progress, performance, and results. The role involves supporting M&E frameworks, data management, evaluation, research, knowledge management, and donor accountability.

Responsibilities

• Assist development and regular updates of the BRIDGE Project M&E frameworks for projects in line with MERL standards.
• Support effective utilisation of M & E Management Information Systems (PRIMASYS) and the global PMERL System for data collection, storage, analysis, reporting, data aggregation at different levels including use of data for reflective learning & feedback for the BRIDGE Project.
• Plan and facilitate data quality assurance, including frequent data auditing and data spot checks for the BRIDGE project.
• Support the development of the BRIDGE project M & E tools and promote their effective application in tracking project progress.
• Support the development and implementation of feedback and accountability mechanisms of the project.
• Facilitate data collection, verification, compilation, analysis and interpretation of the project data for decision-making.
• Project data entry into the project database for easy access and utilization by project staff.
• Assist in the planning, design and coordination of the project base, mid and endline surveys, including reviewing consultant Terms of Reference, supporting quality implementation of the sampling methodology and data collection.
• Review the BRIDGE project evaluation and research reports and give recommendations for improvement.
• Assist in the development and dissemination of the BRIDGE project evaluation/research findings to donors, partners, key stakeholders and communities and their utilization in learning activities.
• Facilitate the generation, storage and utilization of project information among project staff and key stakeholders.
• Support generation and compilation of the BRIDGE project reports in line with donor guidelines.
• Support documentation of the BRIDGE project program and influencing work through various channels to demonstrate program effectiveness.
• Support capacity building for project staff and implementing partners on basic MERL in line with donor requirements and Plan International MERL approach.
• Manage SAP to ensure consistency and integrity of the BRIDGE project data for reporting and decision making.
• Track implementation progress against the Detailed Implementation Plan and logframe, and alert the Project Manager to variance in timing, reach or indicator performance in time for corrective action.
• Prepare the MERL content of monthly, quarterly and half-yearly narrative reports to Plan International Germany and GNO, ensuring indicator data is verified and reconciled before submission.
• Participate in project management meetings, presenting monitoring evidence to inform implementation decisions and adaptive management.
• Coordinate MERL inputs from the implementing partner, supporting the Musasa Project M&E Supervisor on data quality, tools and reporting timelines.
• Support the Project Manager in preparing for bi-annual and annual review meetings, midterm and endline evaluations, and GNO technical oversight visits.
• Participate in Plan’s MERL networks to enhance Plan’s Program Performance.
• Participate in MERL networks in order to facilitate learning and sharing of experiences.
• Identify and establish relevant networks and platforms for Monitoring, Evaluation and Research initiatives related to the project.
• Ensure that Plan International’s global policies for Safeguarding Children and Young People and Gender Equality and Inclusion are fully embedded in accordance with the principles and requirements of the policy including relevant Implementation Standards and Guidelines as applicable to their area of responsibility.

Requirements

• A degree in Development Studies, Monitoring and Evaluation, Statistics and Operations Research, Strategic Planning or related studies.
• 3- 5 years relevant working experience in a similar role.
• Adapt MERL approaches and methodologies to local context.
• Demonstrated skills and experience in report writing, and a good understanding of donor compliance, rules and regulations in regard to M&E and budget management.

Skills

• Monitoring and Evaluation
• MERL Methodologies
• Report Writing
• Donor Compliance
• Budget Management
• Data Management
• Evaluation
• Research
• Knowledge Management
• M&E Frameworks

Languages

English