Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Specialist

The MERL Specialist is responsible for designing and leading monitoring, evaluation, research and learning activities to ensure result-based management in program and project areas. The role includes developing theories of change, result frameworks, tracking outputs and outcomes, data quality assurance, capacity building, and supporting resource mobilization and accountability initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Design and lead monitoring, evaluation, research and learning (MERL) activities for programs and projects.
• Develop theory of change (TOC), result frameworks, and indicators to measure project and programme success.
• Track output delivery and assess outcomes to understand progress towards objectives.
• Conduct regular process monitoring and compile information for quarterly reports.
• Ensure data quality assurance.
• Contribute to capacity building of staff at Plan and partner organizations in programme monitoring.
• Support resource mobilization initiatives for the Cox’s Bazar Programme.
• Address donor requirements in MERL areas.
• Support implementation of Accountability to Affected Population (AAP) in projects.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Sociology, Anthropology, Economics, Development Studies, Statistics, or a related discipline.
• At least 3 years of progressively responsible experience leading M&E systems in development or humanitarian settings.
• Minimum of 1 year experience on the frontline of emergency response projects in Cox’s Bazar.
• Demonstrated mastery in designing, operationalizing, and tracking Theories of Change (ToC), results frameworks, logframes, and indicator matrices.
• Strong quantitative and qualitative expertise including managing digital data collection tools and quality assurance.
• Experience conducting rigorous analysis using MS Excel and statistical packages such as SPSS, STATA, or R.
• Proven track record in executing Annual Outcome Monitoring and managing external consultants and project evaluations.
• Deep commitment to child safeguarding, "Do No Harm" ethics, and donor compliance.
• Readiness to deploy and deliver quality results during rapid-onset disasters or emergency responses.

Skills

• Monitoring and Evaluation
• Theories of Change Design
• Results Frameworks
• Logframe Development
• Indicator Matrix Design
• Quantitative Analysis
• Qualitative Analysis
• Digital Data Collection Management
• Data Quality Assurance
• MS Excel
• SPSS
• STATA
• Statistical Software R
• Annual Outcome Monitoring
• Project Evaluation Management
• Consultancy Management
• Child Safeguarding
• Do No Harm Ethics
• Donor Compliance
• Emergency Response Field Deployment