Job Description
Job Purpose
- The Assistant MERL Specialist will support the implementation of monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning activities to track program impact and outcomes.
- This role involves assisting with data collection, analysis, reporting, and knowledge sharing to contribute to evidence-based decision-making and program improvements.
- The Assistant MERL Specialist will work closely with the MERL Specialist to ensure the effective execution of M&E processes and deliverables.
Key Responsibilities
Data Collection and Management:
- Assist in collecting data from program activities, participants, and partners using standardized tools and methodologies.
- Conduct data quality checks and validation to ensure accuracy and completeness.
- Maintain organized, secure, and accessible data storage systems to support effective reporting and analysis.
- Provide on-the-ground support to ensure proper use of data collection tools during program implementation.
Monitoring and Reporting:
- Track progress against program indicators and targets, regularly updating the MERL Specialist and program team.
- Contribute to the preparation of timely and accurate monitoring and evaluation reports, dashboards, and presentations for both internal and external stakeholders.
- Support the timely submission of program reports, ensuring alignment with donor and partner requirements.
Data Analysis and Insight Generation:
- Assist in analyzing quantitative and qualitative data to identify trends, patterns, and areas for program improvement.
- Collaborate with the MERL Specialist to translate data into actionable insights that inform program decision-making and strategy.
- Support the development of data visualizations and infographics to present insights in an engaging and accessible format.
Learning and Knowledge Sharing:
- Contribute to the documentation and dissemination of lessons learned, best practices, and success stories across the program.
- Assist in organizing learning sessions, workshops, and knowledge-sharing events for internal teams and external partners.
- Provide administrative and logistical support for learning and reflection activities.
Capacity Building and Stakeholder Support:
- Support the training of program staff and partners on M&E tools, methodologies, and processes.
- Work closely with Community Learning Coordinators and program teams to ensure M&E activities are aligned with program objectives.
- Foster a culture of learning and continuous improvement across the team.
External Engagement and Additional Support:
- Support the MERL Specialist in engaging with external stakeholders, partners, and collaborators on M&E-related matters.
- Perform any other duties as assigned by the MERL Specialist to support the effective implementation of the program’s monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning agenda.
Key Performance Indicators
- Data Collection and Management
- Monitoring and Reporting
- Data Analysis and Insight Generation
- Learning and Knowledge Sharing
- Capacity Building and Stakeholder Support
- External Engagement and Additional Support
Requirements
Educational Qualification:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences, Statistics, Economics, or a related field.
Experience:
- 5-8 years of experience in monitoring, evaluation, or research roles within development programs.
- Experience with data collection and management, including familiarity with data collection tools and platforms.
- Knowledge of M&E frameworks and methodologies is an advantage.
Skills and Competencies:
- Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, SPSS, Stata, R, Power BI, Tableau) and data visualization techniques.
- Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and data accuracy.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
- Ability to multitask, manage deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.
- Advanced skills in data collection tools, process optimization, and reporting.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to translate raw data into actionable insights.
- Demonstrated experience supervising data collectors, analysts, or MEL field teams.
- Familiarity with logical frameworks, indicator tracking, and learning agenda implementation.
- Capable of troubleshooting routine and complex M&E issues and proposing evidence-based solutions.
- Able to align MEL operations with program strategy and adaptive management needs.
- Contributes to evaluation planning, donor reporting, and impact documentation efforts.