Position Summary

The MERL Officer is responsible for technical leadership and guidance of monitoring, evaluation and reporting in the context of project implementation. S/he oversees and ensures that information is collected and collated into the overall MERL framework to allow results-based monitoring and establish and maintain a coherent monitoring approach. The position is also responsible for providing capacity building to staff regarding monitoring and evaluation support.

Specific Roles and Responsibilities

The MERL Officer will:

• Develop and ensure regular updates of M&E frameworks for projects in line with MERL standards.
• Participate at the conceptualization & design phase of projects in developing comprehensive M & E frameworks consisting of an indicator matrix, dataflow, indicator tracker, MERL activity plan and budget, reporting schedule including a theory of change.
• Plan and coordinate data quality assurance, including frequent data auditing and data spot checks.
• Support collection of discrete qualitative data collected by Program Coordinator for case work needed for US requests.
• Ensure availability and accessibility of reliable project monitoring data through analysis and triangulation of qualitative and quantitative data to support implementation
• Establish the use of participatory, gender-sensitive and inclusive MERL approaches and methodologies with adults and children to deepen stakeholder engagement.
• Lead the development of project M & E tools and promote their effective application in tracking project progress at Program Level
• Coordinate the development and implementation of feedback and accountability mechanisms for development and emergency projects at Program level.
• Coordinate the planning, design and coordination of project base, mid and end line surveys.
• Review evaluation and research reports and give recommendations regarding approval to program management.
• Ensure development and dissemination of evaluation/research findings to donors, partners, key stakeholders, communities, and their utilization in learning activities.
• Conduct assessment for completeness of all technical reports developed by external consultants.
• Lead project level learning and after action reviews and processes.
• Ensure documentation of Program Level activities and influencing work through various channels to demonstrate program effectiveness.
• Facilitate the generation, storage and utilization of project information among Program and Project staff and key stakeholders.
• Ensure all project monitoring, evaluation and research initiatives are conducted in line with RE policies and procedures, particularly those which ensure the safeguarding of beneficiaries (especially women and children).

Job Requirements

Position Requirements

The position holder should:

• Have at least a University Degree in Economics, Development Studies, Social Anthropology, or other related disciplines
• Specific post-graduate or certificate work in research or monitoring and evaluation will be an added advantage
• Have at least 4-5 years of relevant work experience
• Demonstrated experience with supporting development programs, preferably in a technical area, community development and/or family-focused programming
• Knowledge of development issues, trends, challenges, opportunities and implications in community development
• Demonstrated experience in participatory and gender-sensitive M&E tools and system
• Demonstrated high-level interpersonal and cross-cultural skills including the ability to build collaborative relationships internally and externally with sensitivity to cultural, ethnic, social and political issues.
• Have excellent MS Office application skills including MS-Word, MS-Excel, MS-Access or other database tools, MS-Power point, etc. Experience in the use of research applications such as SPSS preferred.
• Skills in collecting, analyzing and managing qualitative and quantitative data
• Proficiency in English, Amharic and other local languages preferred;
• Have excellent project management, coordination and time management skills

How to Apply

Interested applicants shall send CV and application letter though ethoffice@rootsethiopia.org